On-Site Visualized Periodontitis Screening via Dual-Signal H₂S Probe.

Abstract

Periodontitis is a destructive disease that causes irreversible damage to periodontal supporting tissues, posing a serious threat to patients' oral health. Given the insidious nature of periodontal tissue destruction, early diagnosis of periodontitis is crucial. Salivary hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been identified as a potential biomarker for periodontitis monitoring. However, existing detection methods struggle to precisely locate the source of H₂S release within the oral cavity, making it difficult to accurately identify affected areas and significantly hindering early diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis. This study reports a visual aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe (TTN), which exhibits high sensitivity and rapid responsiveness to H₂S, along with dual-signal response capabilities in color and fluorescence. Based on this probe, a highly reliable and practical TTN film sensor capable of efficiently monitoring H₂S is developed. The film can be used for real-time diagnosis of periodontitis, allowing precise identification of diseased tooth areas through visible color and fluorescence changes. Additionally, the film demonstrates efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inhibiting the growth of periodontitis-causing bacteria and showcasing therapeutic potential. This integrated diagnostic and therapeutic design not only provides a novel approach for monitoring H₂S as a biomarker but also opens new avenues for precise diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis.