A Novel Candidate for Guided Tissue Regeneration: Chitosan and Eggshell Membrane

Background The primary cause of adult tooth loss is commonly attributed to periodontal disease, a condition that weakens the supportive structures around the teeth. In addressing periodontal diseases, surgeons often employ the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) technique, which involves the use of a barrier membrane. Aim The aim of the present study is to assess the composition and mechanical strength of chitosan and eggshell membrane. This research was conducted to provide insights into their potential application in facilitating tissue regeneration. Materials and procedures Chitosan and eggshell membrane were combined to create the membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using FEI Quanta FEG 650 SEM (JSM IT-800, JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan) was carried out, and mechanical properties were used to measure the parameters of membrane characterization.  Results In the dry condition, the membrane's tensile strength was 0.30 MPa and its elongation at break was 8.2%. In the wet condition, the membrane's tensile strength was 0.13 MPa and its elongation at break was 22.6%. The SEM results depicted membrane surface with pore sizes ranging from 16 to 100 meters, and the result obtained from membrane porosity test was 31.2%.  Conclusion The chitosan-eggshell membrane exhibited a fibrous surface with a desirable pore size for use as a GTR membrane, but it has low mechanical strength.