Surface modification of a guided tissue regeneration membrane using tetracycline-containing biodegradable polymers

There are several considerations when choosing a barrier membrane for use with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to treat periodontal diseases: biocompatibility, cell‐occlusiveness, space‐maintaining ability, tissue integration, and clinical manageability can all affect success. Our laboratory developed drug‐releasing and space‐maintaining membranes for use with GTR to provide effective periodontal therapy. Tetracycline is used in periodontal therapy because of its antibacterial activity and because it enhances tissue regeneration by increasing osteoblast and anticollagenolytic activity. Here, tetracycline‐containing solutions of the polymers poly(L‐lactide), poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide), and poly(glycolide‐co‐caprolactone) were used to coat collagen sponges using a spray‐coating technique. The surface structure and morphology of the prepared membranes were characterized and the drug release, antibacterial effect, and mechanical properties were evaluated. All membranes comprised double layers: a dense coated layer and a collagen layer. The collagen layer had a porous surface and interconnected pores. In contrast, the coated layer was a thin film without pores and had a low concentration of polymer. This biodegradable, polymer‐coated collagen membrane retained its drug release properties as well as antibacterial effect and had better mechanical integrity than uncoated collagen sponge. Taken together, these results suggest that tetracycline‐loaded membranes might enhance GTR efficacy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.