Biological properties of a biomimetic membrane for guided tissue regeneration: a study in rat calvarial defects

Objective The biological properties of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide (nHA/PA66) membrane as a guided tissue regeneration barrier were investigated based on a critical-size calvarial defect model. Material and methods Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: nHA/PA66 membranes, control treated with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes, control treated with PA membranes and blank. Bone regeneration in each group was evaluated using morphological, serological, radiographic and histological techniques at 1, 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, post-operation. Results Slight degradation of nHA/PA66 membranes was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 4 and 8 weeks. The serum alkaline phosphatase level and the integral optical density of neo-bone were significantly higher in the nHA/PA66 group than those in the PA group and blank (P < 0.05). Radiographic and histological analysis showed a fully closed cranial defect for both the nHA/PA66 group and the e-PTFE group at 8 weeks. No remarkable difference was found between the nHA/PA66 group and the e-PTFE group at each time interval. Conclusion nHA/PA66 membrane promoted bone regeneration as effectively as conventional e-PTFE membrane. Based on a rat study, nHA/PA66 membrane provides a promising alternative to e-PTFE membrane due to the absence of requirement for a second surgery. To cite this article:Zhang JC, Huang C, Xu Q, Mo AC, Li JD, Zuo Y. Biological properties of a biomimetic membrane for guided tissue regeneration: a study in rat calvarial defects.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 392-397.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01857.x.