Fabrication of ACP–CCS–PVA composite membrane for a potential application in guided bone regeneration

The barrier membranes of guided bone regeneration (GBR) have been widely used in clinical medicine to repair bone defects. However, the unmatched mechanical strength, unsuitable degradation rates, and insufficient regeneration potential limit the application of the current barrier membranes. Here, amorphous calcium phosphate–carboxylated chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (ACP–CCS–PVA) composite membranes are fabricated by freeze–thaw cycles, in which the ATP-stabilized ACP nanoparticles are uniformly distributed throughout the membranes. The mechanical performance and osteogenic properties are significantly improved by the ACP incorporated into the CCS–PVA system, but excess ACP would suppress cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Our work highlights the pivotal role of ACP in GBR and provides insight into the need for biomaterial fabrication to balance mechanical strength and mineral content.