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

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.