Hard tissue repairing potency of mesoporous borosilicate bioactive glass: An in vitro assessment

Complete repair of the fractured hard tissues remains medically challenging, wherein the bioactive glass with antibacterial characteristics can efficiently support the bone growth. Thus, mesoporous borosilicate bioactive glasses (MBGs) of composition xB2O3–(80-x)SiO2–15CaO2–5P2O5 (0≤x≤15 mol%) were prepared using the sol-gel unified evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) technique and characterized. In addition, in vitro bio-degradation and bioactivity potential of these MBGs were assessed by immersing them in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for different periods to measure the weight loss and solution pH change. XRD analysis of these glasses showed very weak crystallinity of calcium phosphate Ca3(PO4)2 (JCPDS 70-0364) and FESEM images confirmed their strong mesoporosity with smooth textures. The recorded nitrogen (N2) adsorption-desorption isotherms and hysteresis loops of the studied MBGs indicated their hexagonal crystalline symmetry. The highest pore area and pore volume were estimated to be 342 m2g−1 and 0.6052 cm3, respectively. FTIR spectra of glasses revealed prominent peaks at 1400 and 1500 cm−1 corresponded to the vibration modes of borate units, C-O-C and O-H on P123. With the increase of boron contents, the rate of glass dissolution was increased, indicating their fast bio-degradation essential for efficient osteointegration. In short, the proposed MBGs are asserted to be beneficial for the bio-medical implants coating.