COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE MATRIX ARCHITECTURE OF A BIORESORBABLE SYNTHETIC GRAFT MATRIX AND DEMINERALIZED FREEZE-DRIED BONE ALLOGRAFT: A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC AND ENERGY-DISPERSIVE SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The regenerative performance of a bone graft substitute is governed by its matrix architecture and elemental composition, yet direct ultrastructural comparisons between synthetic and allogenic grafts used in periodontal therapy remain limited. Aim: The surface micro-architecture and elemental composition of a bioresorbable synthetic graft matrix and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) were comparatively evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro comparative analytical study, six specimens each of a bioresorbable synthetic graft matrix (Group 1) and DFDBA (Group 2) were examined by field-emission SEM at 500×, 1000× and 1500× magnification, followed by EDS elemental mapping of representative areas. Results: The synthetic matrix exhibited a finely porous, uniform and interconnected architecture at all magnifications, whereas DFDBA showed an irregular, comparatively denser and less interconnected porosity that became more compact at higher magnification. EDS revealed inverse elemental profiles: the synthetic matrix was mineral-dominant while DFDBA was organic-dominant. Conclusion: The bioresorbable synthetic graft matrix demonstrates a more uniform, interconnected and mineral-rich scaffold favourable for osteoconduction and mechanical space maintenance, while DFDBA offers a collagen-dominant, osteoinductive matrix of comparatively lower porosity. The two materials appear structurally and compositionally complementary, and graft selection should be individualised to the regenerative requirements of the defect.