Nanoparticle-Hydrogel composites: Research progress in the treatment of periodontitis

Abstract

Nanoparticles exhibit excellent molecular adsorption capabilities and facilitate cellular penetration and intercellular molecule transfer by aiding in their movement across cell membranes. Additionally, nanomaterials serve as effective carriers for chemical drugs. Hydrogel, a polymer network system with a high water content that maintains a specific spatial shape, can be utilized to load various materials and drugs for biomedical applications. Periodontitis, one of the most prevalent chronic oral infectious diseases, poses a significant global health concern. However, current treatment modalities for periodontitis have several drawbacks. Nanoparticle-hydrogel composites, comprising nanoparticles embedded within a hydrogel matrix, offer a synergistic combination of controlled drug release from nanoparticles and prolonged retention properties of hydrogels, effectively addressing current treatment limitations. This paper provides an overview of nanoparticle-hydrogel composites, their properties, and their application in periodontitis treatment. Specifically, it delves into the definition, types, and unique qualities of these composites relevant to periodontal therapy. Furthermore, it highlights the computational modeling and simulation techniques utilized to optimize composite design and drug release kinetics. It concludes with a discussion of current challenges in the field and potential areas for future research.