The biological membranes are biomaterials formed by structures of organic origin, usually collagen. They are used for many purposes depending on the characteristics of this material. The tunica albuginea is being used recently as a biological membrane and its characteristics however need to be studied and discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural features related to the biomechanics of bovine túnica albugínea preseved in 98% glycerin for use as a biological membrane. To analyze the influence of age on the resistance of the membrane, they were separated in two groups. There were tested 34 samples, 17 samples of membranes from animals up to one year and eleven months and 17 samples from animals with two until four years old. Two groups were formed in order to sense the correlation of membrane tension and resistance of the material. Thus was formed a sub-group with specimens tested from a longitudinal cross-section of the membrane with 12 samples and another sub-group composed of samples tested from cuts made in the longitudinal direction of the membrane with 12 samples. The results of tensile strength test did not show differences between groups in any of the comparisons.
biomaterial; natural implant; resistance
