Preparation and optimization of an eggshell membrane-based biomaterial for GTR applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) membranes are crucial for periodontal tissue repair.
• Current collagen-based GTR membranes are expensive, limiting patient access and healthcare system efficiency.
• There is a need for cost-effective and biomimetic alternatives to conventional GTR membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, economical, and biomimetic GTR membrane using soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP).
• To incorporate poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp) to enhance mechanical and biological properties.
• To evaluate the potential of SEP-based membranes as a sustainable alternative to collagen membranes.

Main Methods:

• Screening significant factors for mechanical properties using Taguchi orthogonal array design.
• Optimizing membrane composition using response surface methodology.
• Characterizing the membrane with SEM, EDAX, ATR-FTIR, and assessing human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) proliferation.

Main Results:

• Maximal tensile strength of 3.1 MPa and modulus of 39.9 MPa predicted at 8.9 wt% PLGA, 7.2 wt% SEP, and 2 wt% HAp.
• Optimized PLGA/SEP/HAp membranes exhibited higher HPLF proliferation compared to tissue culture polystyrene and commercial collagen membranes.
• The developed membrane demonstrated promising mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) can be utilized to create a cost-effective nanofibrous GTR membrane.
• The SEP-based membrane is a promising, eco-friendly, and economically viable alternative to current collagen-based GTR products.
• This innovation could improve patient accessibility and reduce healthcare costs in periodontal regeneration.