Synthesis and Evaluation of Chitosan-Heparin-Minocycline Composite Membranes for Potential Antibacterial Applications

In this study, novel antibacterial composite membranes, namely Chitosan-Heparin-Minocycline composite membranes, are prepared from chitosan, heparin, minocycline, and CaCl(2)via ion pairing and complexation. These membranes are characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Release kinetics of minocycline from these membranes is evaluated in vitro. Their antibacterial activities are assessed using agar disk diffusion and biofilm assays in vitro. The chemical and physical characterization confirms the successful synthesis of composite membranes. The two types of minocycline-containing membranes achieve sustained release of minocycline for 17 days and 4 weeks in simulated body fluid, respectively. They demonstrate sustained potent antimicrobial effects againstStaphylococcus aureusandAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansin agar disk diffusion assays. Biofilm assays reveal that both minocycline-containing composite membranes significantly reduce viability ofAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansin 7-day biofilms. These results suggest that these minocycline-containing composite membranes can be exploited for antibacterial applications in medicine and dentistry.