MXene-Based Hydrogel Disrupts Bacterial Biofilms and Reprograms Immune Cell Metabolism via Photothermal-Electron Transfer Effects to Reverse Bone Resorption in Periodontitis

• • GQM hydrogel achieves >99% antibacterial efficacy against P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum under NIR laser irradiation (808 nm, 1.0 W/cm², 10 min), disrupting biofilms via photothermal effect and electrostatic charge neutralization. • • MTA-Mg nanosheets enhance oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by promoting electron transfer, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and NAD+/NADH ratio by ~2-fold, leading to M2 macrophage polarization and reduced inflammation. • • In vivo rat periodontitis model shows GQM hydrogel reduces alveolar bone resorption by 70% (measured by micro-CT bone volume fraction) and decreases inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6) by >80% compared to untreated controls. • • The hydrogel is injectable and biodegradable, with a storage modulus of ~10 kPa and degradation over 14 days, suitable for clinical application in irregular periodontal pockets.