Fabrication and Characterization of Semi-Resorbable Bioactive Membrane Derived from Silk Fiber Sheet for Guided Bone Regeneration

The barrier membrane is a key component in guided bone regeneration (GBR); however, there is no current commercially available membrane universally suitable for all clinical situations. The semi-resorbable bioactive barrier membrane derived from a silk fiber sheet (SF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) was fabricated to provide improved physical, mechanical, and bioactive properties. There were four experimental groups: PVA/SF, 1BCP/PVA/SF, 3BCP/PVA/SF, and 5BCP/PVA/SF. All fabricated membranes appeared white in color with a smooth texture; however, SEM images revealed a rougher top surface compared to the bottom surface. FTIR and DSC validated the presence of the SF and PVA with or without BCP. All membranes displayed high hydrophilicity, except the PVA/SF group, which remained hydrophobic on the bottom surface. The water uptake of all groups reached the plateau phase within 10 min. The degradation rate fell within the range of 5-20% over a three-month period. Both fibroblastic and osteoblastic cells attached and survived on the BCP-incorporated membranes, comparable to those observed in the commercially available ossifying collagen membrane. Among the fabricated membranes, the 3BCP/PVA/SF formulation demonstrated the most favorable physical, mechanical, and biological properties for GBR applications.