Preparation of NIR responsive resveratrol@Au nanocages using for regulating oxidative stress microenvironment of periodontitis

Periodontitis, as a chronic inflammatory oral disease, is the primary cause of tooth loss. The oxidative stress microenvironment of periodontitis causes damage of both osteoblasts’ mitochondrion and periodontal tissue. Natural extracts with antioxidant properties, including resveratrol (RSV), have been reported in regulating oxidative stress microenvironment, however, the controlled release of them in periodontal tissue is still a challenge. Herein, a smart photothermal-responsive gold nanocages hydrogel (RSV-Au@H) was constructed for the treatment of periodontitis by controlling the release of resveratrol. Under the near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation for 5 min, RSV-Au@H could be heated to 45.8 ℃ due to the good photothermal effect of Au nanocages encapsulated in the hydrogel. This NIR stimulated photothermal effect of RSV-Au@H could control the release of RSV. Molecular biology indicated that RSV-Au@H could scavenge ROS with 42 % efficiency. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a significant improvement in osteoblasts mitochondrial morphology. Micro-CT scanning revealed that RSV-Au@H reduced the distance between cemento-enamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CEJ-ABC) by up to 55 % and increased bone volume fraction by about 48 %. These results suggested that this multifunctional nanoplatform with NIR controlled release of RSV might be a new therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.