Multifunctionalized and Dual‐Crosslinked Hydrogel Promotes Inflammation Resolution and Bone Regeneration via NLRP3 Inhibition in Periodontitis

Abstract

Alveolar bone resorption caused by bacteria‐induced periodontitis remains challenging due to sustained inflammation. Periodontal pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis launch the primed signal of NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages; consequent overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to tissue destruction. This provides potential targets for a new therapeutic strategy. Herein, a multifunctionalized and dual‐crosslinked hydrogel pGM/cPL@NI with NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 loaded is prepared. Driven by the strategic functionalization of gelatin methacryloyl and ε‐poly‐lysine with phenylboronic acid and catechol, respectively, pGM/cPL@NI containing dynamic and photo‐crosslinking networks demonstrates superior mechanical strength and stimuli‐responsive behavior, as well as the overwhelmed performance in bacteria killing and ROS scavenging. Crucially, pGM/cPL@NI restores the compromised osteogenesis by specifically suppressing the proinflammatory cytokine cascade triggered by NLRP3 inflammasome activation and promoting anti‐inflammatory polarization of macrophages. Collectively, pGM/cPL@NI presents robust potential as an effective “cocktail therapy” by combining antibacterial, antioxidant, inflammation resolution, and tissue regenerative functions. The present study reveals the underlying mechanism of the bacterial‐immune‐regeneration cascade and provides an extended approach for periodontal tissue engineering.

Keywords

• hydrogel
• immunomodulation
• NLRP3 inflammasome
• osteogenesis
• periodontitis
• stimuli‐responsive