Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026
08:14
Novel Process for 3D Printing Decellularized Matrices
Published on: January 7, 2019
7.6K
Poly-D-L-Lactic Acid Membranes for Bone Regeneration
Marco Annunziata1, Livia Nastri, Andrea Borgonovo
1*Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Second University of Naples, Naples †School of Oral Surgery, Dental Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|June 27, 2015
Summary
Poly-D-L-lactic acid (PDLLA) membranes and pins are biocompatible for bone defects in pigs. These resorbable membranes did not enhance bone regeneration, regardless of perforation, in this study.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Resorbable membranes are utilized in bone defect repair.
- Poly-D-L-lactic acid (PDLLA) is a common biomaterial for such applications.
- The influence of membrane perforation on bone regeneration is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the biocompatibility and biological properties of perforated and nonperforated PDLLA resorbable membranes.
- To assess the efficacy of PDLLA membranes in a domestic pig model of calvarial monocortical bone defects.
Main Methods:
- Created 6x10x10 mm circular calvarial bone defects in 3 domestic pigs.
- Assigned defects to experimental groups: control, nonperforated membrane only, perforated membrane only, bone only, bone + nonperforated membrane, bone + perforated membrane.
- Fixed PDLLA membranes with PDLLA pins using an ultrasonic device; harvested bone blocks after 40 days for histological processing.
Main Results:
- PDLLA membranes and pins demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with surrounding bone tissue.
- No inflammatory tissue or signs of infection were observed.
- Bone regeneration occurred from existing bone in a centripetal pattern; complete bone formation was observed in all bone-filled sites, irrespective of membrane type.
Conclusions:
- PDLLA membranes and pins are highly biocompatible and do not impede the bone healing process in monocortical calvarial defects.
- No additional benefit of PDLLA membranes, perforated or nonperforated, was observed for bone regeneration under these experimental conditions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the regenerative potential of these devices in other clinical models.
