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The outer layer of the meninges, known as duramater plays a critical role in protecting the brain. In cases where it is damaged due to head trauma or surgery there can be a risk of leakage that may have life threatening consequences. While suturing to repair the mater is not always feasible due to the potential for further leakage finding biomaterials capable of replacing the damaged dura becomes essential. During the 19th century initial attempts at using synthetic materials for dural replacement faced challenges as they were rejected by the immune system. However researchers have made progress by developing materials such as collagen based xenografts that undergo treatments to prevent adverse reactions. This review focuses on types of dural replacement materials, like autografts, allografts, xenografts and synthetics. It sheds light on efforts to find an ideal neurosurgical dural replacement material while also discussing associated challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of neurosurgery, duraplasty is commonly performed after intradural surgery which requires excision of the dura mater and/ or in the case of head injury. Over the past century, several biomaterials have been investigated as a dural substitute for duraplasty. Bovine pericardium (xenograft) has been widely studied in clinical trials and is commercialized as a graft in cardiac surgery, as well as a dural substitute. Bovine pericardium as a dural substitute is elastic, suturable, and provides watertight capabilities. Another biomaterial that also has many biologic advantages is chitosan. Chitosan has been widely known as a good agent for wound healing, because of its hemostatic properties and its ability in reducing inflammation. The availability and benefits of both materials make it an interesting subject for further research. This review aims to provides knowledge about the potential bovine pericardium in combination with chitosan as a dural substitute, which not only provides watertight properties, but also accelerates tissue healing in dural defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]