Nisin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN-Nisin) Mitigate Treponema denticola Intracellular Infection and Restore Highly Dysregulated Host Gene Expression

Background/Objectives: Periodontal disease is a bacterially driven chronic inflammatory condition that compromises tooth-supporting tissues. Treponema denticola is strongly associates with periodontal tissue destruction and tooth loss. Given the contribution of antibiotic overuse, the rise of multi-drug resistance represents a major therapeutic challenge. Previous literature has shown that nisin, an antimicrobial peptide, exhibits activity against periodontal pathobionts, including T. denticola. Yet, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), may enhance nisin's intracellular activity and therapeutic potential. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of SLN-Nisin in treating intracellular T. denticola infection in human periodontal ligament cells in periodontal disease in vitro settings.