https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=10.3390%2Fjfb16020040

Original title: The Microbial Diversity and Biofilm Characteristics of d-PTFE Membranes Used for Socket Preservation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Barbara Franović, Marija Candrlić, Marko Blašković, Ira Renko, Katarina Komar Milas, Elitza Petkova Markova-Car, Bojana Mohar Vitezić, Dragana Gabrić, Ivana Gobin, Sabina Mahmutović Vranić, Željka Perić Kačarević, Olga Cvijanović Peloza

In the context of open wound healing, high-density PTFE (d-PTFE) membranes provide structural stability and prevent bacterial penetration due to their dense microstructure and hydrophobic surface properties. In this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) evaluating the microscopic and molecular characteristics of d-PTFE membranes during open-wound socket preservation, permamem^® showed a smoother biofilm structure, significantly lower microbial diversity, and fewer opportunistic pathogens than an alternative d-PTFE membrane, highlighting its ability to limit microbial accumulation and support controlled healing.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the microbial diversity and biofilm formation of d-PTFE membranes during a four-week open-healing period in socket preservation, and to assess whether differences in membrane microstructure are associated with variations in biofilm formation that may potentially impact healing dynamics and infection risk.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-nine patients (48 extraction sites) scheduled for implant placement were included. Following tooth extraction, sockets were grafted with a 1:1 mixture of autogenous bone and cerabone^® and randomly assigned to receive permamem^® or an alternative high-density PTFE membrane. After four weeks of open healing, membranes were retrieved and analyzed using SEM, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing to assess biofilm structure, bacterial load, and microbial diversity.

RESULTS

permamem^® demonstrated a lower microbial diversity and reduced bacterial abundance:

SEM: permamem^® showed a smoother extracellular layer with fewer adherent tissue cells, compared to a denser biofilm matrix on the alternative membrane, where bacteria encapsulated in polymeric layers (“sweaters”) were visible.

qPCR: Significantly reduced Veillonella parvula and lower overall bacterial load were detected on permamem^®.

NGS: Lower microbial (alpha) diversity was observed on permamem^®. Streptococcus oralis was more abundant on permamem^®, whereas Fusobacterium nucleatum and parvula predominated on the alternative membrane.

CONCLUSION

The smooth surface design of permamem^® may support a safe healing environment in open wound healing by promoting a less diverse, pathogen-reduced biofilm profile, contributing to favorable bone regeneration outcomes in socket preservation procedures.