Bee Sting-Inspired Inflammation-Responsive Microneedles for Periodontal Disease Treatment

Abstract

Periodontal lesions are common and frustrating diseases that impact life quality. Efforts in this aspect aim at developing local drug delivery systems with better efficacy and less toxicity. Herein, inspired by the sting separation behavior of bees, we conduct novel reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive detachable microneedles (MNs) that carry antibiotic metronidazole (Met) for controllable periodontal drug delivery and periodontitis treatment. Benefiting from the needle-base separation ability, such MNs can penetrate through the healthy gingival to reach the gingival sulcus's bottom while offering minimal impact to oral function. Besides, as the drug-encapsulated cores were protected by poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shells in MNs, the surrounding normal gingival tissue is not affected by Met, resulting in excellent local biosafety. Additionally, with the ROS-responsive PLGA-thioketal-polyethylene glycol MN tips, they can be unlocked to release Met directly around the pathogen under the high ROS in the periodontitis sulcus, bringing about improved therapeutic effects. Based on these characteristics, the proposed bioinspired MNs show good therapeutic results in treating a rat model with periodontitis, implying their potential in periodontal disease.