Effect of Extracellular Matrix Membrane on Bone Formation in a Rabbit Tibial Defect Model

Abstract

Absorbable extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane has recently been used as a barrier membrane (BM) in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Absorbable BMs are mostly based on collagen, which is more biocompatible than synthetic materials. However, implanted absorbable BMs can be rapidly degraded by enzymes in vivo. In a previous study, to delay degradation time, collagen fibers were treated with cross-linking agents. These compounds prevented the enzymatic degradation of BMs. However, cross-linked BMs can exhibit delayed tissue integration. In addition, the remaining cross-linker could induce inflammation. Here, we attempted to overcome these problems using a natural ECM membrane. The membrane consisted of freshly harvested porcine pericardium that was stripped from cells and immunoreagents by a cleaning process. Acellular porcine pericardium (APP) showed a bilayer structure with a smooth upper surface and a significantly coarser bottom layer. APP is an ECM with a thin layer (0.18-0.35 mm) but with excellent mechanical properties. Tensile strength of APP was 14.15 ± 2.24 MPa. In in vivo experiments, APP was transplanted into rabbit tibia. The biocompatible material was retained for up to 3 months without the need for cross-linking. Therefore, we conclude that APP could support osteogenesis as a BM for up to 3 months.

Figure 1

Electrophoretic polypeptide patterns. Collagen type I (A), porcine pericardium (raw) (B), acellular porcine pericardium (C), marker (D).

Figure 2

Morphology of Bio-Gide and APP membranes, as visualized by SEM.

Figure 3

Tensile strength of the membrane (n = 10). Optical image of the broken ends (a), graph plotting the results of the tensile strength test (b); see Table 3.

Figure 4

Immunologic response to Bio-Gide and APP.

Figure 5

Evaluation of the barrier membrane 12 weeks after surgery.