Preparation and optimization of an eggshell membrane-based biomaterial for GTR applications.

OBJECTIVES: Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is a popular clinical procedure for periodontal tissue regeneration. However, its key component, the barrier membrane, is largely collagen-based and is still quite expensive, posing a financial burden to the patients as well as healthcare systems and negatively impacting the patient's decision-making. Thus, our aim is to prepare a novel biomimetic GTR membrane utilizing a natural biomaterial, soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP), which is economical as it comes from an abundant industrial waste from food and poultry industries, unlike collagen. Additive polymer, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and a bioceramic, nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp), were added to improve its mechanical and biological properties. METHODS: For this barrier membrane preparation, we initially screened the significant factors affecting its mechanical properties using Taguchi orthogonal array design and further optimized the significant factors using response surface methodology. Furthermore, this membrane was characterized using SEM, EDAX, and ATR-FTIR, and tested for proliferation activity of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs). RESULTS: Optimization using response surface methodology predicted that the maximal tensile strength of 3.1 MPa and modulus of 39.9 MPa could be obtained at membrane composition of 8.9 wt% PLGA, 7.2 wt% of SEP, and 2 wt% HAp. Optimized PLGA/SEP/HAp membrane specimens that were electrospun on a static collector showed higher proliferation activity of HPLFs compared to tissue culture polystyrene and a commercial collagen membrane. SIGNIFICANCE: From the results observed, we can conclude that SEP-based nanofibrous GTR membrane could be a promising, environment-friendly, and cost-effective alternative for commercial collagen-based GTR membrane products.

Influence of Polycaprolactone Concentration and Solvent Type on the Dimensions and Morphology of Electrosprayed Particles.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) micro- and nanoparticles produced using the electrospraying technique present high drug encapsulation capacity, a controllable surface area, and a good cost-benefit ratio. PCL is also considered a non-toxic polymeric material with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. All these characteristics make PCL micro- and nanoparticles a promising material for tissue engineering regeneration, drug delivery, and surface modification in dentistry. In this study, PCL electrosprayed specimens were produced and analyzed to determine their morphology and size. Three PCL concentrations (2, 4, and 6 wt%) and three solvent types (chloroform (CF), dimethylformamide (DMF), and acetic acid (AA)) with various solvent mixtures ratios (1:1 CF/DMF, 3:1 CF/DMF, 100% CF, 1:1 AA/CF, 3:1 AA/CF, and 100% AA) were used while keeping the remaining electrospray parameters constant. SEM images followed by ImageJ analysis showed a change in the morphology and size of the particles among various tested groups. A two-way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant interaction (p < 0.001) between PCL concentration and solvents on the size of the particles. With the increase in the PCL concentration, an increase in the number of fibers was observed among all the groups. The morphology and dimensions of the electrosprayed particles, as well as the presence of fibers, were significantly dependent on the PCL concentration, choice of solvent, and solvent ratio.

Parameter Screening and Optimization for a Polycaprolactone-Based GTR/GBR Membrane Using Taguchi Design.

Our objective was to determine and optimize the significant parameters affecting mechanical properties and mean fiber diameter (MFD) of a novel GTR/GBR membrane composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and chicken eggshell membrane (ESM). For this, we prepared electrospun membrane specimens (n = 16) with varying concentrations of PCL, ESM, nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp), and altered electrospinning parameters as generated by DOE++ software. After the determination of MFD and mechanical properties for all specimens, Taguchi orthogonal array L8 design was used to screen significant factors affecting the MFD and mechanical properties. PCL wt%, ESM wt%, HAp wt%, applied voltage (AV), flow rate (FR), and spinneret-collector distance (SCD) were the independent variables investigated. The response variables analyzed were MFD, tensile strength (TS), and elastic modulus. ANOVA outlined ESM wt%, HAp wt%, AV, FR, SCD, and an interactive effect between PCL wt% and AV to be the significant factors affecting modulus values of an electrospun PCL/ESM membrane (p < 0.05). Furthermore, concentrations of PCL and ESM were the significant factors affecting MFD (p < 0.05) and there were no significant factors affecting the TS values. Optimization using DOE++ software predicted that the maximal TS of 3.125 MPa, modulus of 278.168 MPa, and MFD of 882.75 nm could be achieved.

Effect of Electrospinning Parameters on the Fiber Diameter and Morphology of PLGA Nanofibers.

Background: Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) has been widely investigated for various biomedical applications, such as craniofacial bone regeneration, wound dressing and tissue engineering. Electrospinning is a versatile technology used to produce micro/nanoscale fibers with large specific surface area and high porosity. Purpose: The aim of the current study is to prepare PLGA nanofibers using electrospinning for guided tissue regeneration/guided bone regeneration applications. The objective of this study is to determine the appropriate electrospinning parameters such as applied voltage, flow rate, spinneret-collector distance and polymer solution concentration for preparation of PLGA fibrous membrane and their effect on the mean fiber diameter of the electrospun fibers. Method: PLGA pellets were dissolved in Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in various concentrations overnight using a bench rocker. The resulting PLGA solution was then loaded into a syringe and electrospinning was done by maintaining the other parameters constant. Similarly, various fibrous mats were collected by altering the specific electrospinning parameter inputs such as applied voltage, flow rate and spinneret-collector distance. The morphology of the fibrous mats was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope. The mean fiber diameter was assessed using ImageJ software and the results were compared using one-way ANOVA. Results: We obtained bead-free uniform fibers with various tested solution concentrations. One-way ANOVA analysis demonstrated significant variation in mean fiber diameter of the electrospun fibers with altering applied voltage, solution concentration, flow rate and spinneret-collector distance. Conclusion: The above-mentioned electrospinning parameters and solution concentration influence the mean fiber diameter of electrospun PLGA nanofibers.