Decellularized Matrix Scaffold Functionalized with GRGDS Peptide and Nanohydroxyapatite for Alveolar Bone Defect Repair

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that often leads to alveolar bone loss and eventually causes tooth detachment, seriously damaging the physical and mental health of patients. This study developed an osteogenic scaffold (G-nHA/SIS) derived from porcine small-intestinal submucosa (SIS), functionalized with Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) peptide and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) to promote alveolar bone regeneration. The scaffold has a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure, similar to that of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), providing physical support for cell infiltration and nutrient exchange. The GRGDS peptide and nHA work synergistically to promote the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), enhance alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, upregulate the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins, and facilitate osteogenic differentiation of cells. In a periodontitis rat model with an alveolar bone defect, the G-nHA/SIS scaffold exhibited excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Its osteogenic effect was comparable to that of commercially available products but with lower cost and easier availability. Therefore, this scaffold has broad clinical application potential in the field of bone repairs.