Fabrication and properties evaluation of chitosan/BaTiO3 composite membranes for the periodontitis treatment

Abstract Periodontitis gradually damages the hard and soft tissues surrounding the tooth, leading to tooth loss. In recent years, the use of biomaterials in periodontitis treatment has expanded, including gels, nanoparticles, microparticles, fibers, and membranes. Among these, membranes have more clinical applications. Due to the ability of the piezoelectric material to regenerate damaged tissues, the aim of this study was to create piezoelectric composite membranes. To achieve this, Barium titanate powder (BaTiO 3 powder)—a piezoelectric substance—was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Four types of membranes were fabricated using solvent casting method: three composite membranes with chitosan matrix and BaTiO 3 fillers (at 3%, 6%, and 9% weight), and one chitosan membrane without BaTiO 3 . The microstructure of the membrane surfaces, agglomeration of BaTiO 3 in membranes, and hydrophilicity, antibacterial, and electrical properties of the membrane were also investigated. The results indicated that membranes containing 3 and 6% BaTiO 3 had suitable surface structure for the periodontitis treatment. Agglomeration of BaTiO 3 particles was higher in the membrane containing 9% BaTiO 3. The large amount of BaTiO 3 improved the antibacterial properties of the membranes. Additionally, the membranes containing BaTiO 3 had high electrical properties, especially those with 3% and 6% BaTiO 3 . Therefore, composite membranes containing BaTiO 3 , especially membranes containing 6% BaTiO 3 , are more favorable options than those without BaTiO 3 for periodontitis treatment.