Preparation of antibacterial chitosan membranes containing silver nanoparticles for dental barrier membrane applications

[Display omitted] The materials of the dental barrier membranes (DBM), which is widely used for effective alveolar bone reconstruction, require high biocompatibility and additional functions. In this study, we prepared a chitosan/polyurethane (CSP) nanofibrous membrane incorporated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within the membrane. Characterization of CS-AgNP/polyurethane composite (AgCSP) nanofiber membranes showed that AgNPs were well embedded in chitosan membranes. In addition, biocompatibility and antibacterial effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis of the AgCSP was demonstrated by viability analysis and growth inhibition test. Collectively, AgCSP nanofiber membrane with antibacterial activity as well as biocompatibility may be useful in DBM and other tissue engineering applications.