Branched AuAg nanoparticles coated by metal–phenolic networks for treating bacteria-induced periodontitis via photothermal antibacterial and immunotherapy

•A novel photothermal nanocomposite based onmetal–phenolic networks coated on the branched AuAg nanoparticles was prepared.•The material has strong antibacterial properties under NIR laser irradiation.•Scavenging reactive oxygen species and promoting polarization of M2 macrophages via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby regulating immunity.•This design provides new ideas for applying MPNs to photothermal therapy and immunotherapy.