title: A composite polymer/tricalcium phosphate membrane for guided bone regeneration in maxillofacial surgery.
abstract: The aim of the study was the development of a resorbable membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) with improved biocompatibility, which should be stiff enough to avoid membrane collapse during bone healing. Combining a bioactive ceramic with a resorbable polymer may improve the biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of resorbable devices. The present article describes the preparation, the mechanical properties, and the in vitro degradation characteristic of a composite membrane made of poly(L, DL-lactide) and alpha-tricalcium phosphate in comparison to a membrane made of pure poly(L, DL-lactide). The tensile strength and the elastic modulus as well as the molecular weight of the membranes were measured after in vitro degradation in buffer at 37 degrees C up to 28 weeks. The initial tensile strength of the composite and the polymer membrane was 37.3 +/- 2.4 MPa and 27.7 +/- 2.3 MPa and the elastic modulus 3106 +/- 108 MPa and 3101 +/- 104 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties remained constant up to 8 weeks and then decreased slowly until week 28. The molecular weight of both membranes decreased steadily from 170,000 D to 30,000 D. It was concluded that the mechanical requirements for a membrane for GBR were fulfilled by the composite membrane.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 14, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ignatius
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ohnmacht
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Claes
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kreidler
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Palm
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry*; D002516:Ceramics; D004548:Elasticity; D048091:Guided Tissue Regeneration / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008970:Molecular Weight; D016348:Osseointegration; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013515:Surgery, Oral; D013997:Time Factors; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; C033616:poly(lactide); C018392:tricalcium phosphate