In-vitro assessment of biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties of 85S bio-glass and SrTiO3 composites

Abstract

Strontium-containing ceramics enhance bone healing and graft osseointegration, but bacterial infections may impede the process, risking surgical failure. In this study, we explore the development of composites comprising strontium titanate (SrTiO3) and 85S (85SiO2–10CaO–5P2O5 mol%) bio-glass at varying concentrations using in-vitro tests such as simulated body fluid (SBF), MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), hemolysis, and antibacterial assays. X-ray diffractogram (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirm the development of the hydroxyapatite layer after immersing in SBF. Notably, 10 wt% of SrTiO3 in 85S bio-glass (STO_10) exhibits exceptional bone formation properties. Furthermore, MTT assays reveal non-cytotoxicity and high cell proliferation behaviour towards MG_63 cells even after 168 h, particularly for 25 mg/ml of high concentration, and are hemocompatible up to STO_10. Additionally, STO_10 demonstrates a 62 % reduction in the growth of E. coli and a 55 % reduction in S. aureus, highlighting its antimicrobial efficacy. These compelling in-vitro findings unveil the significant potential of STO_10 in the field of bone tissue regeneration.