Development and characterization of novel ZnO-loaded electrospun membranes for periodontal regeneration

Abstract

Objectives This study reports on the synthesis, materials characterization, antimicrobial capacity, and cytocompatibility of novel ZnO-loaded membranes for guided tissue/bone regeneration (GTR/GBR). Methods Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and PCL/gelatin (PCL/GEL) were dissolved in hexafluoropropanol and loaded with ZnO at distinct concentrations: 0 (control), 5, 15, and 30 wt.%. Electrospinning was performed using optimized parameters and the fibres were characterized via scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM/TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle (CA), mechanical testing, antimicrobial activity against periodontopathogens, and cytotoxicity test using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey (α=5%). Results ZnO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the overall submicron fibres, which showed fairly good morphology and microstructure. Upon ZnO nanoparticles’ incorporation, the PCL and PCL/GEL fibres became thicker and thinner, respectively. All GEL-containing membranes showed lower CA than the PCL-based membranes, which were highly hydrophobic. Overall, the mechanical properties of the membranes were reduced upon ZnO incorporation, except for PCL-based membranes containing ZnO at the 30 wt.% concentration. The presence of GEL enhanced the stretching ability of membranes under wet conditions. All ZnO-containing membranes displayed antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested, which was generally more pronounced with increased ZnO content. All membranes synthesized in this study demonstrated satisfactory cytocompatibility, although the presence of 30 wt.% ZnO led to decreased viability. Significance Collectively, this study suggests that PCL- and PCL/GEL-based membranes containing a low content of ZnO nanoparticles can potentially function as a biologically safe antimicrobial GTR/GBR membrane.

Synthesis and characterization of CaO-loaded electrospun matrices for bone tissue engineering

“…The PCL solution was then loaded with distinct concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%, relative to the total polymer weight) of CaO nanoparticles; whereas, the PCL/GEL solution was loaded with only 15 wt.% of nanoparticles (to investigate the effect of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity on the antibacterial activity). The mixtures were stirred for 24 h and sonicated for 90 min before their use to improve nanoparticle dispersion within the polymer solution, and then electrospun using an electrospinning system consisting of a high-voltage source (ES50P-10W/DAM, Gamma High-Voltage Research Inc., Ormond Beach, FL, USA), a syringe pump (Legato 200, KD Scientific Inc., Holliston, MA, USA), and a grounded stainless steel collecting drum connected to a high-speed mechanical stirrer (BDC6015, Caframo Limited, Georgian Bluffs, ON, CA) [17, 30]. The solutions were individually loaded into a plastic syringe (Becton, Dickson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) fitted with a 27G metallic blunt-tip (CML Supply, Lexington, KY, USA), and electrospun at room temperature, using the following parameters: a fixed spinning distance of 18 cm, rotating mandrel with 120 rpm of speed, flow rate of 1.5 mL/h, and varying electric voltages according to the solution.…”

Electrospinning of Collagen and Its Derivatives for Biomedical Applications

“…Consequently, these electrospinning techniques have attracted increasing attention for applications in the fields of tissue engineering, drug delivery, Figure 14. Cytotoxicity assays results on PCL (a) and PCL/GEL-based (b) membranes and cell viability [means (%) and standard deviations (±SD)] after exposure to concentrated (100%) extracts (c) [108].…”

“…Mixtures of polycaprolactone and gelatin and ZnO in hexafluoropropanol had also been electrospun into nanofibers to afford ZnO-loaded electrospun membranes that possessed good biocompatibility, stretching ability, antibacterial activity, as potentially useful materials for periodontal regeneration [108] (Figure 14).…”

Advanced Scaffolds for Dental Pulp and Periodontal Regeneration

“…109 Based on the well-known side effects, such as bacterial strain resistance, associated with the overuse of antibiotics, alternative agents, such as zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, have been proposed by our group. 110 Successful synthesis of PCL-based nanofibrous membranes using ZnO has been recently reported (Figure 5). 110 The antimicrobial action of cytocompatible ZnO-modified membranes was tested against Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg ) and Fusobacterium nucleatum ( Fn ).…”

“…110 Successful synthesis of PCL-based nanofibrous membranes using ZnO has been recently reported (Figure 5). 110 The antimicrobial action of cytocompatible ZnO-modified membranes was tested against Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg ) and Fusobacterium nucleatum ( Fn ). All membranes containing different concentrations of ZnO demonstrated significant antimicrobial action against the periodontopathogens tested.…”