A novel antimicrobial peptide targeting porphyromonas gingivalis that can reduce inflammation in a rat periodontitis model

Objectives This study aimed to develop a novel antimicrobial peptide that can inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and potentially reduce periodontal inflammation in a rat ligature-induced periodontitis model. Methods This study introduces a novel antimicrobial peptide, PFK, designed to target P. gingivalis and its associated biofilms. We evaluated its antibacterial activity, biofilm disruption capability, safety and biocompatibility in vitro, as well as its therapeutic potential in a rat model of periodontitis. Periodontitis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 15) via ligature placement around the mandibular first molars, combined with oral inoculation of P. gingivalis. Rats were divided into three groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with minocycline hydrochloride ointment Palio, and (3) treated with PFK (topical application, 10 µg/mL). Gingival tissues and alveolar bone were analyzed after 4 weeks. Results PFK demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis and effectively disrupted biofilms in vitro. In the rat periodontitis model, topical PFK treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in gingival tissues. Safety and biocompatibility assays indicated that PFK was biologically safe and exhibited low cytotoxicity. Conclusions These findings suggest that PFK is a promising candidate for periodontitis treatment and may address the limitations of current therapies.