Polyethyleneimine-modified eggshell membrane for dual bone and periosteum regeneration: A multifunctional approach for guided bone healing

The periosteum is a highly vascularized tissue and possesses exceptional osteogenic and bone regenerative capabilities. These properties make it an important component in bone defect repair. This study introduced a newly developed, polyethyleneimine-enhanced eggshell membrane (PESM) designed to promote dual regeneration of bone and periosteum. The PESM induced self-biomimetic mineralization to maintain space stability in defect areas. It also created an osteogenic microenvironment conducive to stem cell recruitment and differentiation, supporting simultaneous bone and periosteum regeneration. The structure and properties of the PESM were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and other techniques, which confirmed its suitability as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane. In vitro studies demonstrated that PESM enhanced osteogenic differentiation, mineralization, and angiogenic potential. In vivo experiments using a rat cranial defect model showed significant new bone formation and periosteum regeneration, confirming the efficacy of PESM as a multifunctional barrier. This innovative approach transformed conventional GBR practices by integrating osteogenic and periosteum-regenerative functionalities within a single material. It offered a promising strategy for clinical applications in oral bone repair. The PESM addressed existing limitations in GBR membranes and provided a sustainable and effective solution for complex bone defect regeneration. Statement of significance: A biomimetic membrane enhanced with polyethyleneimine was developed to facilitate dual-guided regeneration of bone and periosteum. Polyethyleneimine modified eggshell membrane innovatively induced self-biomimetic mineralization which could maintain the space stability of the defect area and create an osteogenic micro-environment to guide the formation of bone and periosteum by stem cells recruitment synchronously in vivo. By implanting this biomimetic membrane, complete regeneration of periosteal and bone tissue was achieved within a relatively short period.