Abstract
Composites that can mimic the in vitro bioactive behavior of bioactive glasses were designed to fulfill two main features of bioactive glasses that are responsible for their high bond-to-bone rates: (1) capability of providing ions such as calcium and phosphate to the nearby environment and (2) ideal surface structure that allows fast heterogeneous precipitation of hydroxy-carbonate-apatite (HCA). The novel composites were prepared by incorporating bioactive glass particles into polymer matrices. The in vitro bioactivity test was performed by introducing samples into a buffered solution as well as into a simulated body fluid solution. FTIR was used to evaluate the kinetics of HCA (hydroxy-carbonate-apatite) precipitation. The results showed that the obtained composites can supply ions, such as silicates and phosphates in rates and concentrations comparable or superior than bulk bioactive glasses. Moreover, the surface chemistry of the composites was altered to mimic the surface of bioactive glasses. It was demonstrated that the in vitro bioactivity of the composites was enhanced by chemically modifying polymer surfaces through the introduction of special alkoxysilane groups.
Highlights
The use of synthetic materials as a way to replace damaged tissues has been studied and practiced for a long time
Extensive and fast release of silicate and phosphate ions from materials when exposed to body fluids are particular characteristics of highly bioactive materials
The similar or higher rates of ionic evolution from composites, when compared to bulk bioactive glasses, were explained by the fact that particles within the composite are participating in the overall dissolution process
Summary
The use of synthetic materials as a way to replace damaged tissues has been studied and practiced for a long time. As a consequence of this fact, HCA deposition only occurs on the surface of exposed particles in 7 days, for bioactive composites tested in solutions with low concentration of calcium and phosphate ions.
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