A Multifunctional Polymeric Periodontal Membrane with Osteogenic and Antibacterial Characteristics

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic, destructive inflammatory disease affecting tooth-supporting tissues in humans. Guided tissue regeneration strategies are widely utilized for periodontal tissue regeneration generally by using a periodontal membrane. The main role of these membranes is to establish a mechanical barrier that prevents the apical migration of the gingival epithelium and hence allowing the growth of periodontal ligament and bone tissue to selectively repopulate the root surface. Currently available membranes have limited bioactivity and regeneration potential. To address such challenges, an osteoconductive, antibacterial, and flexible poly(caprolactone) (PCL) composite membrane containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is developed. The membranes are fabricated through electrospinning of PCL and ZnO particles. The physical properties, mechanical characteristics, and in vitro degradation of the engineered membrane are studied in detail. Also, the osteoconductivity and antibacterial properties of the developed membrane are analyzed in vitro. Moreover, the functionality of the membrane is evaluated with a rat periodontal defect model. The results confirmed that the engineered membrane exerts both osteoconductive and antibacterial properties, demonstrating its great potential for periodontal tissue engineering.