Evaluation of Structural, Physical and Cytotoxicological Properties of Cissus quadrangularis, Carrageenan and Extracellular Matrix Based Guided Tissue Regeneration Membrane

Background: Bone tissue engineering has increasingly focused on developing bioactive composite membranes from natural polymers to enhance periodontal regeneration. This study aimed to compare the structural, physical, and cytotoxic properties of a type 1 collagen-Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) membrane with a novel GTR membrane combining Cissus quadrangularis, carrageenan, and ovine extracellular matrix. Materials and Methods: The GTR membranes were fabricated using a CaCl₂-induced gelation process followed by freeze-drying. Group 1 included a type 1 collagen membrane (Perio Col), and Group 2 included the novel membrane. Structural and physical properties were assessed using FTIR, SEM, tensile strength, swelling, and contact angle analysis. Results: Group 2 showed superior tensile strength (28.9 MPa) compared to Group 1 (16.1 MPa), lower swelling ratios (52% vs. 66%), and a reduced contact angle (68° vs. 87°), indicating better wettability. The MTT assay demonstrated significantly enhanced cytocompatibility in Group 3 (cells exposed to the novel membrane with a plant compound), which exhibited 92±4% cell viability compared to Group 2 (85±5%) and the control group (100%). Statistical analysis (p<0.01) confirmed the novel membrane’s enhanced biocompatibility due to the addition of the plant compound. Conclusion: These findings highlight the novel membrane’s potential as a regenerative material for periodontal applications, with its favourable mechanical properties, improved wettability, and cytocompatibility making it a promising scaffold for tissue regeneration and therapeutic advancements in regenerative medicine.