Poly(L-lactide)acid/alginate composite membranes for guided tissue regeneration

The barrier membranes for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to treat bone defects have to satisfy the critera of biocompatibility, cell-occlusiveness, space-making, tissue integration and clinical manageability. In this study a system constituted of a poly(L-lactide) acid (PLLA) asymmetric membrane combined with an alginate film was prepared. The PLLA membrane functions to both support the alginate film and separate the soft tissue; the alginate film is intended to act as potential vehicle for the growth factors to promote osteogenesis. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of the bilamellar membrane and its stability in culture medium were evaluated. Moreover, the feasibility of using the alginate membranes as controlled-release delivery vehicles of TGF-β was monitored. Finally, the bacterial adhesion and permeability of Streptococcus mutans, selected for the high adhesive affinity, were monitored. The results showed that the surfaces of the alginate side, to be used in contact with the bone defect, were rougher than PLLA ones. When in contact with complete culture medium, the PLLA–alginate membrane retained its mechanical and structural properties for more than 100 days. Then, the degradation processes occurred but the membrane continued to be stable and manageable for 6 months. Growth factors such as TGF-β can be incorporated into alginate membranes functioning as drug delivery vehicle, and retain the biological activity when tested in an in vitro model system. The obtained membrane acted as a barrier to the passage of S. mutans bacteria and showed to promote a lower bacterial adhesion with respect to commercial GTR membranes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 57: 248–257, 2001