Successful osseointegration and long-term stability of dental implants depend on sufficient healthy bone tissue at the surgical site. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has emerged as a critical treatment modality for alveolar bone defects, utilizing physical barrier membranes to selectively inhibit soft tissue cell migration and create a favorable environment for osteoblast proliferation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in GBR barrier membranes, specifically focusing on biodegradable polymers, biodegradable metals, and novel intelligent systems. We first detail the application of absorbable polymers, categorizing natural (e.g., collagen, chitosan, silk fibroin) and synthetic (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL)) materials, and discussing strategies to optimize their degradation kinetics and mechanical stability. A significant portion of this review is dedicated to the burgeoning field of biodegradable metals, particularly magnesium (Mg)- and zinc (Zn)-based alloys, which offer superior space-maintaining capacity and inherent bioactivity without the need for secondary removal. Furthermore, we explore novel GBR membranes characterized by advanced structural designs, such as asymmetric and bioinspired architecture, and smart responsive systems that respond to pH, light, or enzymes. Special emphasis is placed on the integration of electroactive materials, nanotechnology, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible sensing for real-time postoperative monitoring. By synthesizing progress across material science and digital technology, this review outlines the transition of GBR membranes from passive barriers to active, intelligent therapeutic platforms for precision bone tissue engineering.

Biodegradable magnesium (Mg)-based metals can undergo spontaneous corrosion and full degradation in the human body, releasing magnesium ions, hydroxides, and hydrogen. Mg and its alloys have shown preliminary success as an implantable biomaterial. Current research on biodegradable Mg-based metals addresses clinical challenges, including material design and preparation, property enhancement, and exploring relevant biological functions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biomedical applications of Mg-based implants across eight fields: cardiovascular, orthopedics, stomatology, general surgery, neurosurgery, fat metabolism, and other potential areas, building upon previously published work. The challenges and prospects of biodegradable Mg-based implants in these application fields are discussed.

Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) materials offer significant advantages in trauma care due to their degradable nature and superior mechanical properties. This study reports the first successful use of degradable Mg clips in damage control surgery for pelvic fractures, addressing challenges associated with severe hemorrhage and high mortality rates (30–70%). A 57-year-old male patient with pelvic fractures and traumatic shock underwent open reduction and internal fixation with Mg clips. At a six-month follow-up, imaging confirmed fracture healing, clip degradation, and no signs of rebleeding or infection, highlighting their effectiveness in precise hemorrhage control. Unlike traditional titanium clips, Mg clips degrade over time, eliminating the need for removal and reducing infection risks. This innovative approach combines Mg clips with conventional gauze packing, offering a more effective and safer alternative for managing pelvic trauma. Future large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and establish Mg clips as a global standard for pelvic fracture treatment. Their portability and functionality hold promise for advancing emergency trauma care.