Abstract:

Objective To prepare polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polylysine (PLL) injectable hydrogel with inherent antibacterial adhesion, and explore its various functions and effects in the treatment of periodontitis. Methods ε-polylysine was crosslinked with 4-arm-PEG-SG to obtain hydrogel through amidation reaction. The materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, gel time, swelling and mechanical properties of the materials with different ratios were investigated to determine the best ratio. The study also evaluated the hydrogel’s adhesion strength. A rat model of periodontitis was constructed to observe the therapeutic effects of PEG-PLL hydrogel. Results PEG-PLL hydrogel was successfully constructed. When the concentration of PLL was 20 mg/mL, the hydrogel had good antibacterial properties, mechanical property, gel time, low swelling rate, and no obvious cytotoxicity. It can produce adhesion strength of about 15 kPa. In vivo experiments proved that the hydrogel can effectively prevent the further development of periodontal bone defects and promote the repair. Conclusion PEG-PLL hydrogel has good inherent antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and tissue adhesion, which can promote the repair of periodontal bone defects.

Key words: periodontitis, ε-polylysine, antimicrobial, adhesive hydrogel