A comparison of the in vitro resorption rate of human amnion membrane and commercially available bovine collagen membrane for potential periodontal applications

Abstract

Introduction: There is a dire need for a reliable substitute for the connective tissue autografts for root coverage procedures. Recently, human amnion membrane is increasingly being used in this regard. This study investigates the in vitro resorption rate of human amnion membrane and compares it with the resorption rate of commercially available bovine collagen membrane. Materials and Methods: Thickness of human amnion membrane samples and bovine collagen membranes were measured. The in vitro resorption tests were conducted by placing the (i) human amnion membrane and bovine collagen membrane of equal sizes (10 mm × 5 mm) in 5 ml of pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution on a shaker set at 40 rpm for 4 weeks. The resorption rates were expressed as the accumulated weight losses of the membranes at the end of first, second, third and fourth week. Results: The average thickness of the amnion membranes used in this study was .46mm.The thickness of the bovine collagen membrane was .37mm.Amnion membranes degraded 21% of its initial weight at the end of the first week, 24.1%at the end of second week, 31.35% at the end of the third week and 70% at the end of four weeks. Bovine collagen membranes degraded 6%of its initial weight at the end of the first week, 13% at the end of second week, 49% at the end of the third week and 80%at the end of four weeks Conclusion: Human amnion membranes could assist root coverage procedures since they resist complete degradation even at 4 weeks.