Comparative analysis of tissue specific efficacy of xenogeneic collagen membranes in a guided bone regeneration model

Naturally derived collagen membranes are widely applied in guided bone regeneration (GBR), whereas the implications of different tissue sources remain poorly understood. This study compared bovine pericardium (BP), bovine dermis (BD) and porcine dermis (PD, positive control) collagen membranes in a rat cranial defect model. Results showed that the BP membrane presented the highest type I collagen purity and stable partial degradation over 16 weeks, with superior membrane-adjacent bone formation (20.57-32.02%) and soft tissue healing comparable to the PD membrane. Total bone formation (BV/TV) was comparable across all three groups at 8 and 12 weeks. Despite robust vascularity, the BD membrane induced severe foreign body reactions, limiting tissue integration and local bone formation (<16.87%). Exuberant vascularization may not contribute to tissue regeneration function. Collectively, the BP membrane demonstrated optimal degradation behavior and favorable tissue regeneration performance, supporting its potential as a preferable candidate for GBR applications.