STATE OF THE ART OF BARRIER MEMBRANE DERIVED FROM XENOGENEIC CORTICAL BONE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Resumo

Barrier membranes are fundamental in guided bone regeneration (GBR) because they prevent soft tissue invasion and promote new bone formation. Although conventional collagen membranes are widely used, they present limitations regarding mechanical strength and degradation rate. In recent years, membranes derived from xenogeneic cortical bone have emerged as a promising alternative. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze evidence on cortical membranes applied to GBR. Original articles published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved from the PubMed database and stratified by origin, country, processing, and performance. Of the nine studies, porcine membranes predominated over bovine and equine membranes, with studies concentrated in the Global North and there was methodological heterogeneity regarding partial or enzymatic demineralizing processing for collagen preservation or exposure. They were reported favorable biological properties, including biocompatibility, good clinical handling, mechanical strength, cell adhesion, and in vitro osteogenic differentiation, as well as evidence of in vivo osteopromotion. Partial preservation of laminar architecture and the benefits of collagen were highlighted as relevant factors for tissue integration and maintenance of regenerative space. However, important limitations persist, such as the small number of studies and lack of methodological standardization. It is concluded that xenogeneic cortical bone membranes, especially porcine ones, represent a sustainable alternative with osteopromotive potential for use in dentistry, although more robust clinical trials are needed.

Keywords: Guided tissue regeneration. Heterografts. Cortical bone.