Copper- and zinc-bearing composite membranes for periodontal repair

Abstract

Periodontitis (inflammation and destruction of the tooth attachment apparatus) is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. Polymer-bioactive glass composite membranes can be used for the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) of diseased periodontal structures. GTR involves the placement of the membrane to exclude soft epithelial and gingival tissues from the exposed tooth in order to facilitate the regeneration of the more slow-growing periodontal ligament and hard tissues. Bioactive glasses incorporating antimicrobial ions such as silver, zinc and copper have been shown to resist biomaterial-centred infection; although, the presence of these metal ions is reported to reduce bioactivity in some instances. Chitosan, a biodegradable carbohydrate polymer, is a popular choice for GTR membranes as its structure resembles that of bone extracellular matrix. In the present study, copper- and/or zinc-bearing bioactive glasses were prepared by the sol-gel process and incorporated into chitosan membranes by solvent-casting. The in vitro bioactivity and degradation rates of the chitosan-bioactive glass membranes were evaluated with respect to their potential use as GTR membranes