Local Drug Delivery Systems in Periodontal Therapy

Local drug delivery systems have transformed periodontal therapy by enabling targeted administration of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory agents and host-modulating compounds directly into periodontal pockets. Such approaches overcome the limitations of systemic treatment—namely low local drug concentration and systemic side effects—while maintaining therapeutic levels at the site of disease. Platforms include hydrogels, polymeric microspheres, liposomes, nanoparticles and in situ forming gels. Key design criteria comprise biocompatibility, bioadhesion to gingival tissues, controlled or stimuli-responsive release and mechanical stability under oral conditions. Recent advances leverage biodegradable polymers, lipid nanostructures and novel crosslinking methods to achieve precise control over release kinetics, enhance penetration into periodontal biofilms and reduce dosing frequency. Clinically, these systems serve as adjuncts to scaling and root planing, demonstrating improvements in probing depth, clinical attachment and inflammatory biomarkers. The global burden of periodontitis and the need for personalised regimens drive continuous innovation in material science and formulation technology, with translational studies progressing towards routine clinical integration.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Researchers have developed composite hydrogels based on cellulose nanofibres and κ-carrageenan oligosaccharide nanoparticles loaded with antimicrobial peptides. The material exhibits excellent thermal stability, significant water-absorption capacity and a controlled release of therapeutic agents over several days. In vitro studies demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against key periodontal pathogens, alongside suppression of biofilm formation and reactive oxygen species in human gingival fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions. Anti-inflammatory effects are evidenced by reduced cytokine production, highlighting the hydrogel’s dual-function potential for pocket application.

Local Drug Delivery Systems in Periodontal Therapy publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in local drug delivery systems in periodontal therapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Periodontal pocket: A pathological sulcus between tooth and gum harbouring bacteria and inflammatory exudate.

Hydrogel: A crosslinked, water-swollen polymer network used as a matrix for controlled drug release.

Nanoparticle: A carrier particle in the 1–100 nm range designed for targeted, controlled delivery of therapeutics.

Cubosome: A bicontinuous lipid-based nanoparticle with a cubic phase enabling sustained drug encapsulation and release.

PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)): A biodegradable copolymer frequently used to form microspheres for programmable drug delivery.

Bioadhesion: The capacity of a material to adhere to biological tissues, prolonging local drug retention.

References

1. Therapeutic effects of antibiotics loaded cellulose nanofiber and κ-carrageenan oligosaccharide composite hydrogels for periodontitis treatment. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. Syringeable atorvastatin loaded eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes in-situ gel for the intra-pocket treatment of periodontitis: statistical optimization and clinical assessment. Drug Delivery (2023).
3. A tunable and injectable local drug delivery system for personalized periodontal application. Journal of Controlled Release (2020).
4. Hydrogel containing minocycline and zinc oxide-loaded serum albumin nanopartical for periodontitis application: preparation, characterization and evaluation. Drug Delivery (2019).