Polydopamine platforms in periodontal therapy: current evidence and future perspectives - a narrative review

Abstract

Periodontal regeneration remains a major challenge in the management of periodontal disease because the periodontium consists of a highly organized complex of soft and hard tissues. Conventional periodontal therapies can reduce inflammation and control infection, but healing often results in repair rather than true regeneration of cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. In this context, biomaterials that can enhance cell attachment, modulate inflammation, and support tissue regeneration have gained increasing interest. Polydopamine (PDA), a mussel-inspired polymer formed through the oxidative self-polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride, has emerged as a versatile platform in periodontal tissue engineering. It exhibits strong adhesion under wet oral conditions and can form stable coatings on a wide range of dental and biomaterial surfaces. Its catechol- and amine-rich chemistry allows functionalization with growth factors, antimicrobial agents, and therapeutic molecules. Importantly, PDA also demonstrates intrinsic antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, including reactive oxygen species scavenging and the promotion of macrophage polarization toward pro-healing phenotypes, which are particularly relevant in the inflammatory microenvironment of periodontitis. Preclinical studies suggest that PDA-based scaffolds, membranes, nanoparticles, and implant coatings can enhance biomineralization, improve periodontal ligament cell responses, promote alveolar bone regeneration, and reduce microbial biofilm burden. However, challenges such as coating variability, incomplete understanding of degradation behavior, and limited clinical trial evidence remain. This narrative review summarizes current evidence and future perspectives on PDA-enabled systems in periodontal therapy.

Keywords

polydopamine / periodontal regeneration / periodontitis / biomaterials / guided tissue regeneration / tissue engineering / drug delivery systems / dental implants

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