Multifunctional Bilayer Nanocomposite Guided Bone Regeneration Membrane

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes have been commonly used for bone defect repair in clinical medicine. However, the existing GBR membranes are often limited by weak mechanical strength, poor antibacterial effect, overquick degradation or non-degradation, etc. Here, inspired by natural nacre and the most commonly used GBR membrane (Bio-Gide), we report a new kind of GBR membrane fabricated by combining evaporation-induced self-assembly with a subsequent ice-templating procedure. Similar to the Bio-Gide membrane, it also consists of a bilayer structure including a compact nacre-like layer and a porous layer. Furthermore, it exhibits high mechanical properties and other functions not achieved by the Bio-Gide membrane. The obtained high mechanical properties and multiple functions, including effective bacteriostasis, appropriate degradation rate, and biocompatibility, are superior to those of previously reported GBR membranes. This multifunctional bilayer membrane, fabricated via a simple and straightforward method, may be an appropriate candidate as a bioactive GBR membrane for clinical application.