Cell membrane-coating nanotechnology: An integrated strategy against the multifactorial pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Abstract

The management of periodontitis is severely compromised by the limitations of conventional therapies, which include incomplete biofilm eradication, inadequate immunomodulation, and inefficient drug delivery. Cell membrane-coating nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful biomimetic strategy to overcome these hurdles. By cloaking nanomaterials with natural cell membranes, cell membrane-coating nanomaterials inherit some of the complex biological functions of the source cells. This biomimetic strategy confers capabilities such as active targeting, immune evasion, immunomodulation, tissue repair, and antibacterial activity, thereby addressing the multifactorial pathogenesis of periodontitis within a single platform. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cell membrane-coated nanomaterials, from their conceptual foundations to their therapeutic applications in periodontitis. It commences by describing the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the fabrication of these biomimetic systems. Building on this foundation, the article delves into their biological functions and drug-loading capacity, details advanced functionalization strategies, and summarizes recent research progress in the context of periodontitis. Finally, the discussion concludes by addressing key clinical challenges and outlining future research directions. This review is expected to offer valuable insights and inspire novel therapeutic strategies for periodontitis.