A preclinical overall evaluation of a novel biomimetic collagen membrane for guided tissue regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) relies on barrier membranes to facilitate periodontal tissue regeneration. Conventional collagen membranes may require chemical crosslinking, which can compromise biological activity. This study evaluated a novel decellularized small intestinal submucosa (dSIS) membrane prepared using an ecofriendly alkyl polyglycoside (APG) technique and compared its biological and regenerative performance with that of a commercial collagen membrane.

APG-treated dSIS membranes were characterized and compared with a commercially available collagen membrane (BioGide®; Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland). Amino acid composition, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and growth factor content were analyzed. In vitro osteoblast adhesion and proliferation were assessed using a human fetal osteoblast cell line. Regenerative efficacy was evaluated in a canine one-wall intrabony defect model using histometric analysis, micro-computed tomography, and fluorochrome labeling.

The dSIS membrane preserved the native collagen structure and retained higher levels of GAG and basic fibroblast growth factor than the commercial collagen membrane. Both membranes supported osteoblast adhesion and proliferation without cytotoxic effects. All defects healed uneventfully in vivo. Although no statistically significant differences were observed among groups due to the limited sample size, membrane-treated groups tended to exhibit greater new bone formation than the negative control group. Earlier bone remodeling was observed in the dSIS group.

We conclude that APG-treated dSIS demonstrates favorable biocompatibility and regenerative potential comparable to that of a conventional collagen membrane. Retention of native biomolecules may enhance the early bone healing, suggesting that the APG-treated dSIS is a promising alternative for periodontal tissue regeneration.