Effects of Thickness and Calcium Phosphate Ceramic Inclusion on PTMC/PLGA Blend Membranes for Supporting Bone Regeneration

Abstract

The present study assessed the physical and biological properties of membranes obtained by the electrospinning of a polymeric blend (70:30) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) in two different thicknesses. Membranes were formed with or without incorporating ceramic particles containing 60% hydroxyapatite (HA) and 40% β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP). The following parameters were assessed: (i) ultrastructural characterization, (ii) measurement of surface area and total pore volume, (iii) tear resistance, (iv) dissolution pH evaluation, (iv) in vivo assessment of potential new bone formation in critical defects. The specimens were divided into the following sample groups: G1 = 300 μm, G2 = 300 μm + HA/TCP, G3 = 600 μm, G4 = 600 μm + HA/TCP. The findings revealed fibrillar structure in various orientations in all the groups. Surface area, total pore volume, and dissolution pH were higher in G2 and G4, compared with G1 and G3. Tear resistance was higher for thicker membranes. Furthermore, G4 showed a greater percentage of new bone volume and density at 30 days than the other groups. The results suggest that the polymeric blend of PLGA and PTMC is a promising material for use as a membrane for clinical guided bone regeneration procedures, and represents a potential alternative to the currently available products.