Migration of epithelial cells on materials used in guided tissue regeneration

Materials used in guided tissue regeneration were examined in an in vitro model for regenerating human junctional epithelium. The extent of epithelial migration from gingival explants (epibolus) between the explant and an experimental substratum was significantly greater with a Millipore filter (HA) than with a teflon membrane (Biopore; BO) and a teflon periodontal material (Goretex; GT). Epithelial cells attached to HA, formed a morphologically and functionally distinct layer of proliferating cells along the substratum. In contrast, epithelial cells did not attach to either teflon material. The cells adjacent to the teflon substrata were nonproliferative and exhibited signs of degeneration or cell differentiation. Furthermore, epithelial cell migration along BO was significantly greater than along GT. Our results suggest that the low protein-binding capacity of the teflon material and the rough-textured surface of GT inhibit epithelial cell migration. The results may provide a rationale for understanding the differences in epithelial behavior after conventional therapy for periodontitis and during guided tissue regeneration.