Morphological Structure of Allogeneic and Heterologous Collagen Matrix: Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis

Abstract

Periodontal surgery to treat gingival recession or root exposure and improve peri-implant esthetics often requires soft tissue grafting. Allogeneic or heterologous collagen matrix can be a useful alternative to autologous soft tissue grafts via the avoidance of the invasive procedure of harvesting autologous tissues. A variety of collagen matrix products are on the market. However, little is known about the morphological characteristics of these products. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the morphological characteristics of the allogeneic or heterologous collagen matrices available today. Cross-sectional and surface specimens of five acellular collagen matrix products were prepared, and the morphology of each specimen was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Mucograft and Collprotect showed two-layer or three-layer structures with porous spongious collagen, whereas Derma, Mucoderm, and Alloderm consisted of a single layer of compressed collagen. The structural differences of these commercially available collagen matrices may be attributable to the differences in the composition of animal tissue and collagen structure from which they are derived.