Characterization and in vitro Release Studies of Tetracycline and Rolitetracycline Imobilized on Anionic Collagen Membranes

This work reports the covalent immobilization of tetracycline and rolitetracycline over anionic collagen membranes and the drug release studies as an effort to develop a two stage drug release based on diffusion (fast release) and on the rate of membrane biodegradation (slow release). Independent from casting conditions antibiotics incorporated by dispersion were released in the range from 80 to 100% within 7 hours in concentrations significantly higher than those described for the prevention of bacterial growth. Antibiotic release within this period was predominantly diffusion controlled. Covalent immobilization by a modified azide procedure occurred with preservation of collagen structure independently from pH of casting and reaction conditions. Its expected that anionic collagen membranes with dispersed and covalently bound rolitetracycline or tetracycline, in association with conventional therapy, may significantly reduce membrane induced infections observed post-implantation, one of the major problem associated with periodontal ligaments reconstruction by the Guided Tissue Regeneration procedure.