Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical, Biological, and Physicochemical Properties of Biodegradable Barrier Membranes Synthesized From Polyvinyl Alcohol and Biopolymer Mucilage

Alveolar bone defects caused by periodontal disease and tooth extraction are difficult to treat, requiring barrier membranes for guided bone regeneration that balance biocompatibility, strength, wettability, and controlled degradation. This in vitro study developed and compared five biodegradable membrane formulations based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chia seed mucilage, modified with hydroxyapatite (HA), Tideglusib (TG), and CHIR99021 (CHIR). The groups included: A (PVA), B (PVA + mucilage + TG), C (PVA + mucilage + HA), D (PVA + mucilage + HA + TG), and E (PVA + mucilage + HA + CHIR). Characterization techniques included FTIR, contact angle, SEM, tensile testing, swelling, degradation, and porosity analysis. Cytocompatibility was assessed using MTT and Alamar Blue assays with human mesenchymal stem cells. FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of components. Group E demonstrated the lowest contact angle and highest tensile strength, indicating superior wettability and mechanical properties. Groups C–E showed slower degradation compared to A and B, with group D degrading the slowest. Group B exhibited the highest swelling and early cell viability, while groups C and D showed better long‐term cytocompatibility, with group D performing best at day 14. Overall, HA‐ and GSK‐3 inhibitor‐containing membranes, particularly groups D and E, showed the most promising combination of mechanical stability and cytocompatibility, warranting further in vivo and osteogenic evaluation.