The eggshell membrane as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration

The eggshell membrane (ESM) is a natural resource with a distinct design and composition, offering structural features consistent with barrier membranes used in guided bone regeneration (GBR), making it a promising candidate for this application. This study aims to assess the feasibility of chicken and duck ESMs as GBR alternatives by comparing them with resorbable porcine-derived collagen (Porcine CM, Bio-Gide®) and non-resorbable dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE, Cytoplast^TM).

ESMs were extracted using a standardized protocol. Membranes were then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), contact angle measurements (CAM), and cell culture-based assays.

FTIR revealed similar collagen spectra among membranes. SEM showed structural similarities between ESMs and Bio-Gide. DSC indicated integrity maintenance at 37°C and varied storage conditions. CAM testing demonstrated collagen-based membranes' higher hydrophilicity compared to d-PTFE. DMA analysis showed duck ESM's superior tensile strength and Young's modulus compared to chicken ESM and porcine CM. Biological evaluation revealed high compatibility with human gingival fibroblasts for all materials.

Findings illustrate a novel sustainable biomaterial that could be utilized for GBR and other periodontal therapies, particularly in its capacity to function as a physical barrier consistent with the traditional role of GBR membranes.