Collagen Membrane and Immune Response in Guided Bone Regeneration: Recent Progress and Perspectives

Abstract

Collagen is one of the important components of collagen membranes as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Most previous studies have focused on combining collagen membranes with various cross-linking agents, grafting materials, and cytokines to enhance their mechanical properties and bioactivities. Moreover, collagen membranes are often designed to minimize foreign body reactions involving macrophages. However, macrophages were recently found to play a pivotal role during bone regeneration based on their polarization into both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Because of the abilities to modulate macrophage polarization and mediate the balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory microenvironments, immune-responsive collagen membranes may be an innovative strategy for promoting bone regeneration. Herein, following a brief review of collagen membranes and the background of macrophages, recent modulations and studies of immune-responsive collagen are described to express the potential of collagen interacting with macrophages and the necessity of further studies in the field of immune-responsive collagen membranes.

Degradation pattern of a porcine collagen membrane in an in vivo model of guided bone regeneration

“…In order to increase the stability of collagen membranes and delay their degradation, different approaches have been proposed, including cross‐linking the collagen, applying a double layer of membranes, using tetracycline impregnation and systemically administering tetracycline . By modifying surface properties, particle size, porosity and the release of ions, future studies should aim at manufacturing an ideal immune‐mediated collagen membrane that promotes anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages and the secretion of regenerative cytokines, whilst at the same time prevents the migration of undesired soft tissues into the osseous wound …”

Roles of electrical stimulation in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on conductive fibers

“…Last but not the least, it was proven that the behaviors of immune cells could also be regulated by the biomaterial surface properties, particularly, when the surface features were in nano‐scale . In considering the highlighted interests in correlating the macrophage effect with tissue regeneration, it was proposed that the conductive rough‐surfaces POP fibers might also have significant effect on macrophages, which possibly resulted in immunomodulatory effects to accelerate bone repair processes . Studies concerning these issues would be valuable and deserved to be carried out in future studies.…”

Novel ultrafine‐grained β‐type Ti–28Nb–2Zr–8Sn alloy for biomedical applications

“…The composition and surface characteristics could influence the cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and intracellular responses. 21,22 The immune cells and inflammatory factors affect the survival rate of bone implants. 19,20 Therefore, it is necessary to assess the interaction between cells and the implant materials before preclinical trials.…”