Polymeric Biomaterials for Periodontal Tissue Engineering and Periodontitis

Abstract

The periodontium is one of the most complex tissues in the body because its structure is formed by a hierarchical combination of soft and hard tissues. Due to its complex architecture, the treatment and regeneration of damaged periodontal tissue caused by diseases is still a challenge in biomedicine. The most common disease of the periodontium is periodontitis, which occurs when the periodontium becomes infected and inflamed as a bacterial biofilm forms in the mouth. Recently, various biocompatible biomaterials made of natural and synthetic polymers have been developed for periodontal tissue regeneration or treatment due to their superior properties such as controlled drug and bioactive molecule delivery, mimicking the 3D network of tissue, biocompatibility, antibacterial and mechanical properties. In particular, biomaterials designed for drug delivery, such as hydrogels, scaffolds, films, membranes, micro/nanoparticles and fibers, and additively manufactured biomaterials have undergone in vitro and in vivo testing to confirm their potential clinical utility in periodontal regeneration and periodontitis treatment. This review explores recent advances in the use of biomaterials for the prevention and/or treatment of periodontal regeneration and periodontitis. Specifically, it emphasizes advancements in drug/biomolecule delivery and the use of additively manufactured biomaterials for addressing periodontal issues.