Colonization of Retrieved Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes: Morphological and Microbiological Observations

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene membranes (ePTFE) used in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) are accessible to colonization by oral bacteria. The bacterial composition of the adherent biomass is unknown. We examined a total of 6 membranes that were retrieved after 4 to 6 weeks from human periodontitis sites, using optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well anaerobic cultivation. Five of the 6 membranes provided the microbiological data and microscopic data. TEM revealed an organized microbial mass covering the surfaces and also within the interstices of the open microstructure and occlusive portions of the membranes. Numerous bacterial forms including cocci, rods, and filaments with an interbacterial matrix, frequently in microcolonies, were identified. Anaerobic cultivation yielded Streptococcus and Actinomyces species with a minor component of Gram‐negative facultative rods comprised mainly of Haemophilus species. Candida species was recovered from one membrane. These data show that ePTFE is heavily colonized by oral bacteria during retention. The impact of bacterial colonization of ePTFE is not known but it seems reasonable to assume that colonization of membranes may affect connective tissue regeneration. Further studies will be needed to examine the effect of systemic antimicrobials on ePTFE colonization and in turn to examine the effect on GTR. J Periodontol 1993;64:162–168.

Periodontitis vs. Peri-Implantitis: The Same Disease? The Same Treatment?

“…Premature exposure, especially of the e-PTFE membrane, allows for bacterial growth and eventual bacterial penetration of the membrane exposed to the oral cavity. Tempro and Nalbandian (1993) reported an organized bacterial mass, composed primarily of Streptococcus and Actinornyces spp. and Gram-negative facultative rods, on the e-PTFE membranes and suggested that bacterial colonization may affect connective tissue regeneration.…”

Randomized controlled trial on lateral augmentation using two collagen membranes: morphometric results on mineralized tissue compound

“…Therefore, titanium re-inforced non-degradable e-PTFE membranes are still favored by some clinicians. Early exposure of barrier membranes to the oral environment jeopardizes the outcome due to infection, mostly manifested around non-resorbable membranes, or due to rapid disintegration in case of resorbable membrane (De Sanctis et al, 1996;Mayrand & Grenier, 1985;Nowzari & Slots, 1995;Sela, et al, 2003;Simion, et al, 1994;Tempro & Nalbandian, 1993).…”

Physiochemical properties and resorption progress of porcine skin-derived collagen membranes: <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> analysis

“…Although ePTFE membranes remain stable throughout an extended period, their main limitation is the requirement for additional surgery for retrieval 8) . Furthermore, early spontaneous membrane exposure to the oral environment and subsequent bacterial colonization have been reported to be common phenomena associated with nonresorbable membranes, which frequently require early, premature retrieval 9) . Therefore, resorbable membranes with comparable clinical outcomes have become popular.…”