Molded porous poly (L-lactide) membranes for guided bone regeneration withenhanced effects by controlled growth factor release

The aim of this study was to develop platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B B) loaded moldable porous poly (L-lactide) (PLLA)-tricalcium phosphate (TCP ) membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) therapy. The membranes were designed to fit various types of bone defect sites. PDCF-BB-dissolved PLLA- TCP in methylene chloride-ethyl acetate solution was cast on a dome shaped metallic mold to fabricate a model membrane. The release rate of PDGF-BB, t he osteoblast attachment test, and guided bone regeneration potential were evaluated with PDGF-BB-loaded PLLA-TCP membranes. Regular pores were genera ted throughout the membrane mainly due to phase inversion of PLLA-methylene chloride-ethyl acetate solution. A therapeutic amount of PDGF-BB was relea sed from the membrane. The release rate could be controlled by varying the initial loading content of PDGF-BB. A significant amount of cells attached onto the PDGF-BB-loaded membrane rather than onto the unloaded membrane. Do me shaped bone formation was achieved in rabbit calvaria at 4 weeks. This i ndicated that restoration of bone defects to the bone's original shape can be made possible by using molded membranes, which guide bone regeneration a long with providing sufficient spaces. Bone forming efficiency was increase d remarkably due to PDGF-BB release from PLLA-TCP membranes. These results suggested that the PDGF-BB releasing molded PLLA-TCP membrane may potential ly improve GBR efficiency in various types of bone defects. (C) 2001 John W iley & Sons.