Growth Factor Applications in Periodontal Regeneration

Periodontal regeneration seeks to restore the complex architecture of the tooth-supporting apparatus, including alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum. Growth factors are key signalling proteins that orchestrate cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and extracellular matrix synthesis during wound healing. In periodontal therapy, recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) have emerged as prominent agents capable of stimulating both hard and soft tissue regeneration. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with biomaterial scaffolds—such as deproteinized bone or apatite granules—to achieve controlled release and localised activity. Clinical and preclinical studies demonstrate that growth factors accelerate angiogenesis, recruit progenitor cells, enhance osteoinduction and support formation of functional periodontal ligament. Advances in delivery vehicles, including hydrogels, collagen matrices and synthetic polymers, aim to optimise temporal and spatial presentation of these factors. Emerging strategies further explore co-delivery of multiple growth factors to mimic natural healing cascades and improve outcomes in challenging defect configurations. Collectively, growth factor–based interventions represent a potent avenue for predictable, minimally invasive periodontal regeneration with potential for translation into routine clinical practice.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have systematically evaluated rhFGF-2 and PDGF-BB for intrabony periodontal defects, identifying optimal concentrations that maximise bone fill and clinical attachment gain. Meta-analysis findings indicate that 0.3% rhFGF-2 and 0.3 mg/ml PDGF-BB confer significantly greater periodontal regeneration compared with controls, while highlighting the need for tailored application depending on defect morphology and patient population. In a preclinical tooth-replantation model, topical PDGF-BB markedly reduced ankylosis and restored organised periodontal ligament collagen architecture. This treatment enhanced proliferation and migration of periodontal fibroblasts, modulated Wnt signalling to prevent unwanted bone fusion, and promoted mechanical strength comparable to healthy ligament under occlusal loading. These insights underscore the dual role of PDGF-BB in facilitating both soft tissue restoration and inhibition of aberrant mineralisation.

Growth Factor Applications in Periodontal Regeneration publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in growth factor applications in periodontal regeneration across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

rhFGF-2: Recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2, a protein that stimulates proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts and osteoblasts.

PDGF-BB: Platelet-derived growth factor-BB, a dimeric growth factor promoting chemotaxis, mitogenesis and angiogenesis in periodontal tissues.

Periodontal ligament (PDL): Specialized connective tissue anchoring the tooth root to the alveolar bone and providing shock absorption.

Intrabony defect: A vertical bone loss configuration within the periodontal structure, bounded by surrounding bone walls.

Osteoinduction: The process by which growth factors recruit and induce progenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts for new bone formation.

Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, essential for nutrient delivery and wound healing.

References

1. Combined Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Carbonate Apatite Granules on Periodontal Healing: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Biomedicines (2024).
2. Evaluation of Recombinant Human FGF-2 and PDGF-BB in Periodontal Regeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Scientific Reports (2017).
3. Biologic Agents for Periodontal Regeneration and Implant Site Development. BioMed Research International (2015).
4. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB regenerates functional periodontal ligament in the tooth replantation. Scientific Reports (2022).
5. Healing of Experimental Periodontal Defects Following Treatment with Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral. Biomolecules (2021).