Synthesis and In-vitro Analysis of Electrospun Biopolymers for Periodontal Regeneration

Objectives: One of the promising strategies for preiodontal regeneration is to use of bioactive membrane for appropriate cell interactions. The biological properties for tissue regeneration can be improved by combining polymers with nano-apatite. The aim of this study was to utilize biopolymers from natural source and develop 3D bioactive membrane for periodontal regeneration.
Methods: Initially chitin was extracted from natural source and deacetylated to develop chitosan. The biopolymer composite based on chitosan and alginic acid was synthesized by co-polymerization using crosslinking agents. In second step, bioactive composites were synthesized by linking silicon substituted nano-apatites to carboxyl groups in the biopolymers backbone by in-situ polymerization. The concentration of silicon-apatite was 20%, 40%, and 60% wt/wt. The films were prepared by solvent-casting method and the fibrous membrane was fabricated by electrospinning. The resultant materials were characterized by using FTIR, SEM/EDX. In-vitro cell proliferation was conducted on rat extracted oral fibroblasts cells followed by MTT assay. Cells were allowed to grow for 7 days at 37^oC with 5% CO₂ in a humidified environment.
Results: The FTIR spectral analysis showed the characteristic peak and shifting in peaks indicated the amide CONH₂ linkage. The presence of silicon nano-apatites shifted the peaks and bonded carboxyl group showed increase in intensity. The SEM/EDX analysis of resultant electrospun fibers revealed the presence of elements associated with silicon nano-apatites and copolymer. No loose particles were observed on electrospun fibers, indicating the formation of bond between the bioceramics and the polymer backbone. SEM images showed 3-D mesh of co-polymer/apatite nano-fibers. Non-toxic behavior of membrane was observed and there were graded and dose-related effect on experimental compounds. Cell proliferation increased with higher concentration of silicon-apatite.
Conclusions: The synthesis of biopolymers were successfully achieved by indigenous source and linked with groups of nano-apatites. Moreover, showed promising biocompatibility and have potential to be used for periodontal regeneration.