Polycaprolactone/sodium alginate membrane with MgZnO nanoparticles for treatment of periodontal infection in diabetic wister rats

Synthetic periodontal membranes have appeared as a promising treatment modality for periodontal disease. They provide a suitable site for attachment and growth environment for periodontal cells and exhibit high biocompatibility and high water retaining capacity. However, existing membranes can develop biofilms and induce inflammation at the periodontal pocket and gingival cells, hence limiting their effectiveness. A Polycaprolactone/sodium alginate-based core-shell membrane with Magnesium doped Zinc oxide (PCL/SA/MgZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) was developed, with initial burst release followed by sustained release of the antibacterial agent. The membrane was synthesized using casting and dip coating methods and characterized using Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes were then evaluated for their antibacterial potential against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, saliva microcosm, and diabetic saliva microcosm. Furthermore, they were analyzed for water-retaining capacity as well as mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The membranes were finally tested in a novel alloxan-induced diabetic periodontal rodent model based on the coinfection of E. faecalis and S. mutans. The results showed the enhanced antibacterial potential of PCL/SA/MgZnO membranes against E. faecalis, S. mutans, saliva microcosm, and diabetic saliva microcosm. The PCL/SA/MgZnO exhibited better mechanical strength as compared to PCL/SA and PCL/SA/ZnO membranes. The histological findings showed reduced inflammation in diabetic rats with periodontitis treated with PCL/SA/MgZnO. Furthermore, periodontal regeneration was also observed in the X-ray radiographs of rats treated with PCL/SA/MgZnO membranes. The PCL/SA-based core-shell membranes with MgZnO are effective candidates for the treatment of periodontal biofilms and inflammation in high-risk patients such as diabetic patients.