A logic-gated nanoplatform spatiotemporally orchestrates immunometabolic reprogramming and osteogenesis for diabetic periodontal regeneration
Achieving periodontal regeneration in diabetic periodontitis (DPD) is hindered by a self-perpetuating vicious cycle of excessive oxidative stress and adaptive immune dysfunction. Here, using clinical samples, multi-omics profiling, and DPD rat model, we identified an association between oxidative stress and CD4 + T cell dysregulation. This process was characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and Th17/Treg imbalance, which may contribute to progressive alveolar bone loss. To modulate this pathological process, we engineered a logic-gated hydrogel-nanoparticle hybrid system for hierarchical delivery of active vitamin D (AVD). This platform features a dynamic boronic ester crosslinked network that functions as a ROS-responsive switch. Upon exposure to the oxidative microenvironment, the matrix undergoes programmed degradation to scavenge ROS, triggering the rapid release of antibody-functionalized nanoparticles. These nanoparticles selectively target CD4 + T cells and deliver AVD intracellularly, where it modulates mitochondrial homeostasis and metabolic signaling pathways, thereby restoring T-cell immune homeostasis. Following this immune reset, the system transitions into a second phase where porous copper-based metal-organic frameworks provide sustained release of AVD and osteogenic Cu 2+ to support long-term bone remodeling. By integrating redox-responsive actuation, targeted immunometabolic regulation, and sustained osteoimmunomodulation, this hierarchical system provides a promising therapeutic strategy for periodontal regeneration in diabetic periodontitis.
Authors
- Shuyun Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3865-4547)
- X. Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6234-2852)
- Yujun Jiang
- Hongrui Liu
- Minqi Li
- Lu Han
Institutions
- Shandong University (CN)
- Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (CN)
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (CN)
- Ocean University of China (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Bioactive Materials
- Published
- 2026-09-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.08.051
- Primary Topic
- Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province
- Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province