Adhatoda vasica and Tetracycline Coated Type I Collagen Membrane for Periodontal Regeneration: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of periodontal tissues and alveolar bone loss. The lost periodontium has been restored using regenerative materials such as collagen membrane. Enhancing these membranes with antibiotics or bioactive agents can improve their antimicrobial and physiochemical properties. Aim: This in-vitro study aimed to analyse the antibacterial and physiochemical properties of herbal agent Adhatoda vasica and tetracycline coated type I collagen membrane. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study was conducted at Central Research Laboratory Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study was carried out over a period of four months, from December 2024 to March 2025. Type I collagen membranes devoid of preexisting antimicrobial agents and exhibiting no structural defects were included for analysis. A total 40 membrane samples were used and divided equally into four groups (n=10 per group) to ensure uniform distribution for analysis. Adhatoda vasica extract was prepared using ethanol and coated onto Type I collagen membranes via dip coating, alone and in combination with tetracycline. The study comprised four groups: Group 1: Type I collagen membrane, (CM), Group 2: Adhatoda vasica (Av) coated CM (Av+CM), Group 3: Tetracycline coated CM, (T+CM) and Group 4: Av and T coated CM (Av+T+CM). Antibacterial efficacy was assessed through culture tests, while physicochemical properties such as membrane integrity was checked using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrophilicity via Ossila goniometer, surface roughness via Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), drug release was measured via a plate reader and degradation rate was determined by electronic weighing balance machine. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for intergroup comparisons. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group 4 (Av+T+CM) showed the highest antibacterial activity with zone of inhibition significantly greater than other groups (p<0.001). Surface roughness was significantly increased in Group 2 (Av+CM) and Group 4 (p<0.01) indicating enhanced topography. Hydrophilicity varied significantly with Group 2 showing the lowest contact angle (p<0.01). FTIR analysis showed no significant spectral shifts confirming structural integrity. Group 4 exhibited burst release during the initial three hours followed by sustained release upto 48 hours and exhibited slow rate of degradation. Conclusion: The present in-vitro study suggested that Adhatoda vasica and tetracycline when used synergically as a coating on Type I collagen membrane, provides excellent antibacterial and physiochemical properties and hence can be used as a therapeutic material for preventing infections and promoting periodontal regeneration after periodontal surgery.