A study on the osteogenic effect of CGF membrane combined with bone graft in rabbit calvarial defects

To compare the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, barrier function, and bone regeneration performance of CGF membrane, heated‑compressed CGF membrane, and Bio‑Gide (BG) collagen membrane combined with bone graft in rabbit critical‑sized calvarial defects.

In vitro assessments included SEM, non‑enzymatic degradation, CCK‑8 assay, and Transwell migration assay using human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). In vivo, 6‑mm critical‑sized calvarial defects were created in rabbits and assigned to five groups: blank control, bone graft (BO) alone, BO + CGF membrane, BO + heated‑compressed CGF membrane, and BO + BG membrane. Bone regeneration was evaluated by micro‑CT (BMD, Tb.N) and histology at 4th and 12th weeks. A linear mixed model was used to account for multiple defects per animal.

All three membranes showed favorable microstructure and biocompatibility, and significantly inhibited HGF migration. In vivo, BMD and Tb.N were significantly higher in the three membrane‑covered groups than in the blank and BO‑alone groups (P < 0.01), with no significant differences among membrane groups. Heated-compression did not improve functional performance.

When used with bone graft, CGF membrane yields similar bone regenerative structural outcomes to BG membrane in non‑load‑bearing calvarial defects. Direct osteogenic molecular markers (ALP, osteocalcin) were not analyzed. Conventional CGF membrane is a reliable autologous barrier candidate for small‑to‑medium defects (≤ 6 mm).