Development of Novel Functionally Graded GTR Membrane for Periodontal Lesions

Objective: Healing following periodontal treatment largely occurs by repair, with the formation of long junctional epithelium and limited amount of true regeneration of lost periodontium, cementum and bone. A considerable amount of research effort has focused on increasing regeneration of lost support by usin guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane or the use of biologically active factors that will encourage regeneration.  Both non-resorbable and resorbable membranes are available for techniques of GTR, but the outcomes of treatment are unpredictable. Consequently, there is a need for further research to develop bioactive functionalized GTR membranes (FGM) that may lead to improved regeneration of periodontal tissues lost as a consequence of disease. The objective was to develop and characterize  bioactive and functionalized GTR membrane.

Methods: Fiber, porous and non-porous membranes were developed using a combination of natural polymer Chitosan (CH) and Hydroxyapatite (HA), using two different molecular weights of CH. Characterization was performed to analyze physiochemical and biological properties of the membrane. In-vitro tests assessed the viability and biocompatibility of the prepared specimens.

Results: The CH:HA membranes had complete segregation of CH to HA. The membrane prepared with the low molecular weight (LMW) CH with HA in a ratio of 50:50 showed better cell viability d. Other components of the FGM prepared were porous membranes and fibers obtained through freeze gelation and electrospinning. OH and CH peaks identified on FTIR spectra showed covalent bonding of HA to CH on bottom surface and this was confirmed with SEM images showing prominent HA particles visible on one side of the membranes. 

Conclusion: Functionally graded membranes were successfully prepared, which are biocompatible, smooth on the top surface and rougher on the HA side. They were easy to handle, and possess two different properties of bioactivity and controlled degradability, which should be of value in periodontal regenerative procedures.