In situ synthesized Van-ZIF-8 functionalized electrospun PCL membrane with pH-responsive dual functionality for oral...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is crucial for periodontal and craniofacial bone defect repair.
• Current GBR membranes lack optimal biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy.
• Developing advanced GBR materials is essential for improved clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an enhanced GBR membrane by incorporating vancomycin-assisted zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (Van-ZIF-8) nanoparticles onto a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, drug release kinetics, antibacterial activity, and osteogenic potential of the novel PCL/Van-ZIF-8 membrane.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was used to fabricate the PCL membrane.
• Van-ZIF-8 nanoparticles were synthesized in situ on the PCL membrane surface.
• Characterization included mechanical testing, pH-responsive drug release studies, in vitro antibacterial assays against key pathogens, and cell culture studies with osteoblast and fibroblast cell lines.

Main Results:

• The PCL/Van-ZIF-8 membrane demonstrated significantly improved mechanical properties compared to the pristine PCL membrane.
• Vancomycin and zinc ions exhibited pH-responsive release, with accelerated release in an acidic environment (pH 5.4).
• The membrane showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and promoted osteoblast viability, proliferation, and mineralization while inhibiting fibroblast growth.

Conclusions:

• The PCL/Van-ZIF-8 composite membrane represents a promising advanced material for guided bone regeneration.
• Its enhanced mechanical strength, controlled drug release, potent antibacterial action, and osteoinductive capabilities address limitations of current GBR membranes.
• This novel biomaterial holds potential for improving the repair of periodontal tissues and craniofacial bone defects.