Antibacterial and cytocompatibility analyses on triple layered poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/nanoapatite/lauric acid composite membrane

Abstract

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane has been extensively used for repair and regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues. It acts as a barrier to prevent down-growth of epithelial and connective tissues into the defects, thus allowing periodontal regeneration. Current commercial GTR membranes are susceptible to bacterial colonization, leading to premature membrane degradation. The purpose of this research was to prepare GTR membranes with antibacterial and biocompatibility properties. The triple layered composite membranes consisted of poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) and lauric acid (LA) substituted nanoapatite (NAp) were fabricated using solvent casting and thermally induced phase separation/solvent leaching technique. The physical properties of PLGA/NAp/LA membrane were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial effect of the composite membranes (1, 2 and 3 wt% LA) was then investigated on Phorphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum through disc-diffusion and percent reduction tests. MTT cell culture tests were conducted to evaluate the effects on the cells viability. Significantly, these composite membranes exhibited patterns of inhibition and killing effect against both periodontal microorganisms. Increase in LA content tended to increase the bactericidal activity. The PLGA/NAp/LA composite membranes possessed good biocompatibility by demonstrating positive effects on the cell morphology, viability and proliferation. Therefore, the PLGA/NAp/LA composite membranes can be classified as a prospective biodegradable GTR membrane for future periodontal application.