A novel bioabsorbable composite membrane of Polyactive 70/30 and bioactive glass number 13--93 in repair of experimental maxillary alveolar cleft defects.

A novel bioabsorbable composite membrane of polyethylene oxide terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate copolymer (Polyactive 70/30) combined with bioactive glass No. 13--93 was tested in the repair of experimental maxillary alveolar cleft defects. In this pilot study, the possible ability of the membrane to promote bone formation by guided tissue regeneration was investigated. Standard alveolar defects were made bilaterally in the maxilla of 12 growing rabbits and were filled with autogenous bone grafts. The test defect was covered with the composite membrane and the other defect was left uncovered to serve as a control. The follow-up time was 10 weeks. Radiological, histological, and histomorphometric evaluations were performed. Radiologically, no statistically significant differences between test and control defects at 10 weeks were found. Histologically, the membrane enhanced osteogenic activity locally at the membrane-bone interface. Swelling of the membrane was observed. Histomorphometrically, no significant promotion of bone formation by the membrane was observed. The composite membrane was found to be biocompatible and surgically easy to use, but its osteopromotive effect was limited in this experimental cleft model. Further studies are necessary to assess its suitability for reconstructive surgical applications. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2005.