[3] Barrier membranes have been derived from a variety of sources, both natural and synthetic, and are marketed under various trade names.
[5] Although ePTFE is considered the standard for membranes[6] and excellent outcomes have been achieved with this material,[7] they are often contaminated with bacteria (which limits the amount of bone regrowth that will occur) and must eventually be removed via at least one extra surgery 4–6 weeks after the tissue has regrown.
Their sources are varied, beginning in early years with rat or cow collagen, cargile membrane, polylactic acid, polyglycolide, Vicryl, artificial skin and freeze-dried dura mater.
Collagen absorbable barrier membranes do not require surgical removal, inhibit migration of epithelial cells, promote the attachment of new connective tissue, are not strongly antigenic and prevent blood loss by promoting platelet aggregation leading to early clot formation and wound stabilization.
[10] Compared to ePTFE membranes, resorbable barriers allow for fewer exposures and therefore reduce the effects of infection on newly formed bone.
[4] Use of collagen membranes in particular, with bone mineral as a support and space maintainer, has achieved predictable treatment outcomes.
Italy Petti G. (1988) “A new attachment:guided tissue regeneration using an amniotic membrane and fibrin glue-preclinical considerations after 2 years” The Journal of the American Dental Association, JADA/FDI.