Electrospun PLGA/PEO Membranes as Antimicrobial Barrier Scaffolds with Sustained Tetracycline Release for Guided Bone Regeneration

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a standard strategy to promote bone regeneration around dental implants by blocking epithelial and connective tissue invasion into defect sites. Functionalization of barrier membranes with bioactive molecules has emerged as a promising approach to convert them from inert barriers into dynamic mediators of tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed a biodegradable nanofibrous membrane for GBR that incorporated tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. The membrane was fabricated via electrospinning using a polymer blend of poly(l-lactide-<i>co</i>-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Electrospinning enabled precise control over nanofiber morphology, thereby promoting cell adhesion and growth. Optimization of the polymer concentration and injection rate influenced fiber diameter and surface characteristics, while directly impacting cell attachment. Incorporation of TC improved membrane hydrophilicity and inhibited Streptococcus mutans. Herein, an initial burst release was followed by a prolonged stable phase. The PLGA:PEO (1:2) formulation exhibited the most favorable performance; drug release kinetics profiles showed an initial burst phase 2.75 ± 0.05 ppm followed by gradual extended release up to 90 days, hydrophilicity, swelling behavior, antibacterial efficacy average diameter of 37 ± 0 nm, and biocompatibility. MTT assays confirmed that the membranes were non-cytotoxic with cell viability values of 93.23 ± 1.50%; a cell viability greater than 70% indicates that the material is non-toxic to cells and supports osteoblast proliferation, both essential for bone regeneration. Although the mechanical strength was slightly lower in PEO-rich blends, the formulation maintained adequate mechanical properties for biomedical applications, offering soft yet resilient characteristics suitable for tissue scaffolding. The GBR membrane represents a promising formulation that exhibits high potential for clinical applications in both oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration.