Development and Characterization of a Dual Nanofibrillar Membrane of Polylactic Acid Loaded with Hydroxyapatite and Chlorhexidine for Guided Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration requires membranes that combine structural stability, biocompatibility, and bioactive properties. This study aimed to develop a bilayer electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) membrane incorporating nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) and chlorhexidine (CHX). Membranes were fabricated by electrospinning at 15 kV and divided into four groups: PLA 10% (control), PLA 10%/CHX 0.2%, PLA 10%/nano-HA 10%, and a bilayer combining the CHX- and nano-HA-loaded formulations in separate monolayers, creating a bilayer nanofibrillar scaffold. We characterized microscopic structure, thermal behavior, and chemical composition using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. We evaluated cellular compatibility through cell adhesion and WST-1 metabolic activity assays. All groups exhibited randomly arranged nanofibrillar networks with comparable fiber morphology, while nano-HA-containing membranes showed particulate agglomerates. Thermal analyses indicated changes associated with material incorporation without evidence of major disruption of the PLA matrix, while chemical analyses confirmed incorporation of nano-HA and CHX. CHX-containing membranes did not compromise cell viability, whereas HA-containing membranes promoted favorable cell distribution and morphology. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing bilayer PLA membranes incorporating HA and CHX while maintaining suitable physicochemical characteristics and cellular compatibility.