Preparation and characterization of spray‐dried granulated bioactive glass micron spheres

Abstract Owing to its superior bioactivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, bioactive glass (BG) has been attracting significant attention within biomedical science fields. However, BG powders with variable particle sizes are required targeting different applications, such as dermal fillers. Thus, in this study, granulated BG powders were prepared via the spray drying and granulation method. Size‐controlled BG micron sphere with diameters of up to tens of microns can be mass‐produced and their phase information, particle morphology, and specific surface area were characterized via X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, respectively. In addition, the in vitro bioactivity was evaluated following Kokubo's protocol, and the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer after immersion into the simulated body fluid was confirmed via energy‐dispersive and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity was examined using a 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Finally, the resulting morphologies and corresponding properties are shown, and the related mechanisms are discussed.