Degradation Properties of a Bi-layered Cross-linked Collagen Membrane for Localized Bone Regeneration: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Abstract

Purpose: (i) To evaluate the biologic properties of a bi-layered 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride-cross-linked collagen membrane (CCM) in vitro. (ii) To assess the efficacy of CCM for localized bone regeneration in vivo. Materials and Methods: Biodegradation of CCM compared to a native collagen membrane (NCM) was assessed in vitro. In vivo, twelve male New Zealand White rabbits were used. Four calvarial, circular defects (diameter 8 mm) were created in each animal. The sites were randomly allocated to i) CCM+biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) (CCM-BCP group), ii) CCM alone (CCM), iii) BCP alone (BCP) and, iv) negative control (control). Animals were sacrificed at 2 (n=6) and 8 weeks (n=6). Outcome measures included: micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis (total augmented volume [TAV], new bone volume) and histomorphometry (total augmented area [TAA], newly formed bone, remaining membrane thickness [RMT]). Result: CCM was more resistant to degradation than NCM. μCT analysis showed CCM-BCP (196.43±25.30 mm3) and BCP (206.23±39.13 mm3) groups had significantly (P<0.01) larger TAV than the control (149.72±12.28 mm3) after 8 weeks. Histomorphometrically, CCM-BCP group (17.75±5.97 mm2) had significantly (P<0.01) greater TAA compared to the CCM group (7.74±2.25 mm2) and the control (8.13±1.81 mm2) after 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, RMT was reduced by 67%. Conclusion: CCM can be a favorable choice of barrier membrane when performing guided bone regeneration (GBR) in localized bone defects. CCM has better resistance to degradation than the natural collagen membrane, in vitro. In vivo, CCM provides an advantageous integration of prolonged barrier function and biocompatibility for GBR.