Rational Design of Bioactive Hydrogels toward Periodontal Delivery: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Periodontitis is a biofilm‐induced, host‐mediated inflammatory disease that results in periodontal tissue destruction. The design of functional biomaterials based on disease pathophysiology is essential for enhancing their therapeutic effects in periodontitis treatment. As promising localized drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds, hydrogels have gained significant interest for controlled and sustained release of bioactive agents in periodontal applications. The rational design of bioactive hydrogels can facilitate bacterial control and modulate destructive host inflammation, thereby preventing the progression of periodontitis. In this review, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying periodontitis as fundamental principles for the design of functional hydrogel systems are first introduced. In the following part, an overview is systematically provided of the types and functions of the bioactive hydrogel systems loaded with anti‐bacterial and anti‐inflammatory agents for periodontal delivery. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives of hydrogel delivery systems for periodontal applications are proposed. It is believed that this review will inspire the rational design and development of innovative functional hydrogel biomaterials toward periodontal therapy.

Preparation of an injectable zinc-containing hydrogel with double dynamic bond and its potential application in the treatment of periodontitis

“…are particularly important. 10,29 As a promising candidate for periodontal use, OC–Zn hydrogels formed by multiple dynamic cross-linking had satisfactory mechanical properties, including excellent recoverability and deformability. 30 Rheological measurements were performed on the OC–Zn hydrogels to explore their mechanical properties.…”

“…Hydrogels, with good hydrophilicity and three-dimensional porous structure, are an ideal platform for periodontal drug delivery. 10–13 Compared to pre-formed scaffolds, injectable hydrogels are administered in a minimally invasive manner, which is ideal for irregularly shaped areas and reduces the risk of infection. 14,15 The hydrogel is injected into the periodontal pocket and then cured in situ .…”

Stimuli-responsive peptide hydrogels for biomedical applications

“…This attribute bestows upon them great biocompatibility, 3 rendering them suited for a diverse array of biomedical applications, spanning drug delivery, tissue engineering, anti-bacterial treatment, etc. 4–9…”

Catechol-Modified and MnO2-Nanozyme-Reinforced Hydrogel with Improved Antioxidant and Antibacterial Capacity for Periodontitis Treatment

“…10 Besides, due to its biocompatibility and adhesiveness, the hydrogel has becoming an promising material for encapsulating drugs for periodontal delivery. 11 It can also be injected into periodontal pockets and shaped in complex periodontal pockets. However, the development of a multifunctional hydrogel delivery system that is both antibacterial and antiinflammatory free of antibiotics is still demanding.…”

“…The periodontal local drug delivery system (LDDS) is necessary to assist clinical treatment, which can retain certain amount of drug concentration and prevent recolonization of biofilms in periodontal pockets. , However, the overuse of antibiotics may cause the development of resistant strains of bacteria, and the time of drug remains in the periodontal pocket is too short to maintain effective drug concentration due to the complex environment in the oral cavity and the flushing effect of saliva. , In comparison, the hydrogel with a highly crosslinked structure has excellent encapsulating effect, allowing for long-term drug release . Besides, due to its biocompatibility and adhesiveness, the hydrogel has becoming an promising material for encapsulating drugs for periodontal delivery . It can also be injected into periodontal pockets and shaped in complex periodontal pockets.…”