Development of guided bone regeneration membrane composed of β-tricalcium phosphate and poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide-ε-caprolactone) composites

To create biodegradable and thermoplastic materials for guided bone regeneration, GBR, and guided tissue regeneration, GTR, membranes, composites of beta-tricalcium phosphate, TCP, and biodegradable polyesters, Poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone), PLGC, and Poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone), PLCL, were prepared by a heat-kneading method. The composites maintained thermoplasticity and mechanical strength by formation of a chemical interaction between Ca on TCP and C = 0 on the lactide segment of PLGC or PLCL. The composites also indicated composite effects in pH auto-regulation property and elongation of biodegradation period, e.g., the composites maintained their mechanical strength up to 12 weeks after soaking in both physiological and phosphate-buffered saline, and the period was sufficient time to use for GBR and GTR membranes. Animal tests for GBR indicated that the present composite membrane successfully regenerated beagles' mandible defects 10 x 10 x 10mm(3) in size. These results suggested that the TCP/PLGC bioresorbable composites could be utilized for GBR and GTR therapy. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.