Utilizing biodegradable alloys as guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane: Feasibility and challenges

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a therapeutic procedure used to enhance alveolar bone volume before dental implants. Commercial non-absorbable membranes (i.e., titanium membranes) typically require a second surgery to remove, whereas absorbable membranes (i.e., collagen membranes) will fail when put over extensive bone lesions due to their low mechanical strength. The GBR membrane that has been sought is still being developed. Biodegradable metals (BMs), particularly Mg and Zn, have recently been postulated as promising barrier membrane candidates. Herein, the goal of this research is to evaluate the mechanical and biological feasibility of using BMs as GBR membranes. It shows that BMs have a wide range of potential applications as GBR membranes, owing to their benign biocompatibility, sufficient mechanical support, tunable degradation rate, good osteogenic capabilities, broad-spectrum antibacterial behavior, and improved wound healing ability. The rapid degradation rate, hydrogen evolution impact, and stress corrosion cracking behavior all pose obstacles to the use of Mg-based membranes, which can be improved by surface modifications, heat treatment, alloying, etc. Due to its acceptable degradation rate and lack of gas production, Zn appears to be a better candidate for usage as a GBR membrane. In general, advances in the development of BMs have paved the door for BMs to be used as GBR membranes in oral clinical trials. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]