Scientists engineered a smart nanocomposite incorporating the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 into a metal-organic framework that responds to the body's local environment to treat tooth root infections. In acidic, inflamed tissue it generates bacteria-killing molecules, while in healing tissue it switches to scavenging harmful reactive oxygen species, effectively eliminating biofilms while promoting bone regeneration in rats.
Abstract
Periapical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease caused by persistent endodontic biofilms, and its treatment remains challenging because conventional root canal therapy sometimes fails to achieve effective disinfection and tissue regeneration. Herein, a multifunctional bimetallic ion-modified metal-organic framework (MOF) nanozyme composite, MOF-FeAg-AMP@HA, was engineered for synergistic AP therapy. Incorporation of Feand Agions into a UiO-67 MOF scaffold endowed the nanozyme with pH-responsive dual enzymatic activities. Under acidic inflammatory conditions, strong peroxidase (POD)-like activity generated bactericidal hydroxyl radicals (·OH), while under neutral healing conditions, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) to alleviate tissue injury. Furthermore, surface functionalization with the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 enhanced bacterial membrane disruption, and a hyaluronic acid (HA) coating improved biocompatibility and stability. The resulting nanocomposite exhibited potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and effectively eradicated bacterial biofilms. Moreover, MOF-FeAg-AMP@HA promoted tissue repair by stimulating endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis., using a rat AP model, the nanocomposite suppressed alveolar bone resorption by blocking the NF-κB/HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling axis to inhibit pyroptosis. Concurrently, it induced macrophage polarization toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thereby reprogramming the microenvironment for bone regeneration. This microenvironment-responsive nanoplatform offers a promising strategy for precision therapy of AP by integrating infection control, immune regulation, and tissue regeneration.