Biodegradable and biocompatible alginate/gelatin/MXene composite membrane with efficient osteogenic activity and its application in guided bone regeneration

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) utilizes a barrier membrane to maintain the osteogenic space and promote osseointegration of the implants. Developing a novel biomaterial to meet the mechanical and biological performance requirements of GBR membrane (GBRM) remains a huge challenge. Here, the sodium alginate (SA, S)/gelatin (G)/MXene (M) composite membrane (SGM) was prepared by combining sol-gel and freeze-drying processes. The incorporation of MXene improved the mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of the SA/G (SG) membrane, and also enhanced its cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. More importantly, when the concentration of MXene is 0.25%W/V, the SGM composite membrane exhibited the best tensile strength (40 MPa), high swelling rate (1012%), and appropriate degradation rate (40%). Meanwhile, the biological improvements were more significant. Therefore, the appropriate amount addition of MXene has a positive and obvious effect on the improvements of the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and osteogenic induction of the SG composite membranes. This work provides a more extendable development idea for the application of SGM composite membrane as GBRM.