Periodontal surgeries, including bone grafting, are commonly performed to treat severe gum disease characterized by significant bone loss. These procedures often conclude with the application of a membrane barrier for guided tissue regeneration, which prevents the proliferation of gingival connective tissue into the bone graft site, followed by suturing of the gingival incision. Although suturing is considered the gold standard method, it presents significant operational and post-operative challenges. These include technical difficulties that extend operational time due to limited visibility and access, potential tissue trauma during the procedure, and post-operative complications such as infection risk, patient discomfort, inflammation, and swelling.
Inspired by the bidirectional orientation of the teeth of a specific type of squamate reptiles, we designed an adhesive patch incorporating a hydrogel-forming microneedle (HFMNs) array on each side, each loaded with Augmentin antibacterial drug. This design enables mechanical interlocking with gingival tissue on one side and bone graft tissue on the other. The interlocking mechanism is facilitated by the swelling of the microneedle tips and the intricate design of the microneedles, which prevents both vertical and lateral detachment of the gingival tissue. Furthermore, upon swelling, the adhesive patch has the potential to completely fill the gap between the gingival connective tissue and the bone graft, thereby acting as a barrier to prevent the unwanted formation of connective tissue. Ultimately, this unique design has the potential to replace the use of barrier membranes and sutures in periodontal surgeries, offering a more straightforward, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing approach with a reduced risk of infection.
