ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Chitosan hydrogel has good biocompatibility, biodegradability and antibacterial property, which can promote tissue healing and induce bone formation. As a scaffold carrying growth factors, it can ensure the efficient and slow release of exogenous growth factors. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of injectable nano/chitosan/bone morphogenetic protein-2 composite to promote periodontal tissue regeneration in rats. METHODS:Fifty-four Wistar rats were randomized into three groups, and then chronic periodontitis model of the second molar was established. After modeling, injectable nano/chitosan/bone morphogenetic protein-2 composite was implanted into the periodontal tissue of the second molar in the experimental group; injectable nano/chitosan hydrogel was implanted in the control grouop; and nothing was implanted in the blank group. At 3, 6, 9 weeks after surgery, gingival bleeding index, probing depth, and tooth mobility were detected. X-ray and histopathological observations were carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 9 weeks after surgery, the probing depth and tooth mobility were both lower in the experimental group than the other two groups (P < 0.05). In the experimental group, the alveolar bone height was restored at the root bifurcations, bone trabeculae were arranged densely and evenly, the newly formed periodontal ligament and alveolar bone tissues were dense and equaly distributed in the bone defect area at 9 weeks after surgery, indicating a better restoration effect than the control and blank groups. These findings suggest that the injectable nano/chitosan/bone morphogenetic protein-2 composite has an anti-inflammatory role and can guide periodontal tissue regeneration.