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.