5 Conclusion
In this study, DP derived from mini-pig cranium was successfully fabricated. The present study then focused on the understanding of the modulatory effects of DP in GBR by investigating the involvement of macrophages in this process. The results indicate that DP scaffolds can modulate macrophage polarization to a pro-healing M2 phenotype. Additionally, macrophages polarized by the DP scaffolds supported BMSC migration and differentiation in vitro. Even more importantly, DP adequately improved the proportion of pro-healing macrophages as well as the area of bone regeneration in a rat cranium critical defect GBR model. Overall, our findings indicate that the DP can play an active role in GBR via its immunomodulatory effects rather than its function as a traditional barrier.