OBJECTIVETo observe the soft tissue regeneration after implantation of two novel citric acid-based biodegradable materials in the skull defects in rats.

METHODSTwo novel citric acid-based biodegradable materials were implanted in the muscular tissues in the thigh and harvested 2 weeks later. Another 40 rats with surgically induced cranial defect were randomized into control group, autograft group, CUPE-HA group, and POC-HA group (n=10), and 3 months after implantation, the materials were harvested for histological and morphometric analyses.

RESULTSSoft tissue regeneration was stimulated by the two biodegradable materials in the muscular tissues. The implants also stimulated angiogenesis and soft tissue regeneration in the cranial defect and accelerated of intramembranous ossification.

CONCLUSIONThe 2 novel citric acid-based biodegradable materials can induce angiogenesis and soft tissue regeneration and accelerate intramembranous ossification in rats with cranial defects.