Biocompatibility studies of anionic collagen membranes with different degree of glutaraldehyde cross-linking

The work describes the biocompatibility and biodegradation studies of anion ic collagen membranes casted form collagen gels collagen, that were selecti ve hydrolyzed at the carboxyamide groups, as a function of the degree of cr oss-links induced by glutaraldehyde. Independently from the degree of cross -links, all membranes studied were characterized by a similar inflammatory response, inversely dependent on glutaraldehyde reaction time, that decreas ed from the time of the implant. Cell alterations, mineralization or contac t necrosis were not observed in any of the membranes studied. Rates for mem brane tissue biodegradation were directly related to glutaraldehyde reactio n time, and ranged from 30 to periods longer than 60 days, associated with good biocompatibility. Although other properties must be considered, their use in the treatment of periodontal diseases, the biological behavior obser ved with the 8 h GA cross-linked membrane suggests that, anionic collagen m embrane described in this work may be of potential use, not only in associa tion with guided tissue regeneration technique for periodontal tissue recon struction, but also in other collagen biomaterial applications where contro lled biodegradability is required. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.