Synergistic antibacterial and osteogenic activities of GO/GelMA hydrogel for regenerating periodontal bone defects

Objective This study aims to develop and assess graphene oxide (GO) and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) composite hydrogels (GO/GelMA) for their combined antibacterial and osteogenic properties in the treatment of periodontitis-induced bone defects through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods GO was synthesized via a modified Hummers method and incorporated into GelMA to form composite hydrogels. The physical properties, including porosity, swelling behavior, and mechanical strength, were characterized. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis ). The osteogenic potential was assessed by culturing rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the hydrogels and analyzing cell proliferation and differentiation. A murine periodontitis model was used for in vivo validation. Results The GO/GelMA hydrogels exhibited favorable physicochemical properties for bone tissue engineering. The incorporation of GO significantly enhanced the antibacterial performance, effectively inhibiting the P. gingivalis growth in a concentration-dependent manner. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that while the 100 µg/mL GO/GelMA group showed the highest cell viability, the 200 µg/mL GO/GelMA group exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation. Correspondingly, in vivo results revealed that the 200 µg/mL GO/GelMA group achieved the most significant alveolar bone regeneration and the lowest levels of inflammatory factors. Conclusion The GO/GelMA hydrogels, particularly at a GO concentration of 200 µg/mL, demonstrate excellent synergistic antibacterial and osteogenic properties, holding great promise for treating periodontitis-related bone defects.