Silk based Multifunctional Antibacterial Sandwich Like Composites for Periodontal Regeneration

Abstract

Periodontium is a integrated, functional unit of various tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontal tissues can be destructed by severe periodontal disease which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Various therapies including periodontal surgeries, biomaterials like collagen and hydrogels were being used for treatment of periodontitis, but they have severe limitations including donor side morbidity, immunological reactions and also the availability of materials. In this study, a trilayered composite scaffold comprising of silk fibroin (SF), copper doped bioactive glass (BG) and strontium doped zinc oxide was fabricated through electrospinning. The prepared scaffold was characterized by various techniques. FTIR was used for confirmation of polymeric functional groups in the scaffold. Evaluation of hydrophilicity, swelling, porosity and density of the trilayered scaffold showed that results were in optimal range that hold promise for future clinical applications, facilitating cell proliferation and promoting cell attachment to host tissues. Morphology and fiber alignment of synthesized scaffolds was confirmed by SEM. Obtained results confirm that the synthesized trilayered scaffolds were in agreement with the structure of periodontium tissues. Antibacterial activity was also observed against E.coli showing that the scaffolds stop the growth of bacteria. In vitro degradation studies proved that the composite scaffold demonstrated a favorable degradation rate matching the regeneration period of alveolar bone. From all the results, it can be concluded that this synthesized composite will be an encouraging biomaterial for periodontal regeneration