Optimization of the CaO and P2O5 contents on PDMS–SiO2–CaO–P2O5 hybrids intended for bone regeneration

Osteoproductive materials that induce quick bone regeneration are needed for the developing area of scaffold-based bone engineering. Bioactive silica-based glasses, ceramics, and hybrids are called to play an important role in this field. Organic–inorganic hybrid materials based on SiO2-modified PDMS–P2O5–CaO are studied in this work. These materials are synthesized by the sol–gel method, and the influence of the composition on the reaction kinetic, obtained porosities, degradation and bioactive behavior, and cytotoxicity is studied. Materials with greater contents in CaO yield faster reaction kinetics and produce porous materials that favor a quicker degradation, whereas with greater P2O5 contents produce denser and more stable materials. The incorporation of CaO and P2O5 up to 5 and 25 % in weight into the SiO2 network, respectively, resulted in an increase of the apatite-forming ability in PBS. None of the studied compositions are cytotoxic, showing cellular viability over 70 % at all times.