Decellularized Non-cross-linked Collagen Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Calvarial Defects

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-durability and bone regeneration capacity of the non-cross-linked collagen membrane in rabbit calvarial defect models. Materials and Methods: Four circular defects with 8 mm diameter were made in each of calvarium of 10 male rabbits. The following groups was randomly assigned to each defect - 1) Control, 2) membrane group containing non-cross-linked collagen membrane only (M), 3) bone graft group (B), 4) bone graft with membrane group (B+M). Animals were sacrificed and samples were harvested at 2 weeks (n=5) and 8 weeks (n=5). Histologic sections were prepared and histomorphometric analysis was performed. Result: Histologic results showed well adaptation of the non-cross-linked membrane on each defect and normal healing response at 2 weeks. At 8 weeks, the membranes were partially biodegraded. Histomorphometrically, B and B+M group showed the significantly greater total augmented area (B+M group, 10.44±1.49, P=0.016; B group, 9.13±0.53, P=0.032) and new bone formation (B+M group, 2.89±0.93, P=0.008; B group, 2.85±1.15, P=0.008) compared to control group. Collapsing of the central portion of the membrane, membrane group showed greater value in new bone formation at 8 weeks (1.78±0.68, P=0.032). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the non-cross-linked collagen membrane fabricated using the improved decellularized method was shown to be effective for the regeneration of calvarial bone defects. In addition, prolonged barrier function might be provided using this collagen membrane.