NIR-responsive CaCO3@ BMP-2/PDA nanocomposite for multifunctional therapy in periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by dental plaque biofilm. To prevent disease progression and achieve successful periodontal tissue repair, it is necessary to simultaneously address the need for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic effects within deep lesions. This study proposes a novel approach using a NIR light-responsive nanocomposite for enhanced ossification and combating bacterial biofilm infections in periodontitis. The nanocomposite incorporates polydopamine-coated calcium carbonate nanoparticles and BMP-2, which exhibits excellent photothermal conversion efficiency for bacterial eradication. Additionally, polydopamine also serves as an efficient ROS scavenger, thereby reducing the inflammatory response associated with periodontal disease. The core CaCO3 interacts with BMP-2 to promote bone regeneration. This strategy demonstrates a synergistic effect by integrating PTT, ROS therapy, and osteogenic therapy in treating biofilminduced periodontitis. Moreover, the CaCO3@BMP-2/PDA NPs reduced the protein expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta and mitigated LPS-induced inflammation. This combination not achieved critical protective effects but also fostered the promotion of osteoblast differentiation.