Evaluation of Structural, Physical and Cytotoxicological Properties of Cissus quadrangularis, Carrageenan and Extracellular Matrix Based Guided Tissue Regeneration Membrane

Background

Bone tissue engineering has increasingly focused on developing bioactive composite membranes from natural polymers to enhance periodontal regeneration. This study aimed to compare the structural, physical, and cytotoxic properties of a type 1 collagen-Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) membrane with a novel GTR membrane combining Cissus quadrangularis, carrageenan, and ovine extracellular matrix.

Materials and Methods

The GTR membranes were fabricated using a CaCl₂-induced gelation process followed by freeze-drying. Group 1 included a type 1 collagen membrane (Perio Col), and Group 2 included the novel membrane. Structural and physical properties were assessed using FTIR, SEM, tensile strength, swelling, and contact angle analysis.

Results

Group 2 showed superior tensile strength (28.9 MPa) compared to Group 1 (16.1 MPa), lower swelling ratios (52% vs. 66%), and a reduced contact angle (68° vs. 87°), indicating better wettability. The MTT assay demonstrated significantly enhanced cytocompatibility in Group 3 (cells exposed to the novel membrane with a plant compound), which exhibited 92±4% cell viability compared to Group 2 (85±5%) and the control group (100%). Statistical analysis (p<0.01) confirmed the novel membrane’s enhanced biocompatibility due to the addition of the plant compound.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the novel membrane’s potential as a regenerative material for periodontal applications, with its favourable mechanical properties, improved wettability, and cytocompatibility making it a promising scaffold for tissue regeneration and therapeutic advancements in regenerative medicine.