Magnesium‐Containing Bioactive Glasses for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The importance ofMgin the human body, its key role in bone tissue development, in addition to its application to improve and modify physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of bioactive silicate glasses, makeMga very interesting element as a component of bioactive glasses for medical applications. AlthoughMgis a typical element in the composition of numerous developed bioactive glasses, the analysis of the literature reveals that further research is required to gain comprehensive understanding about the effects ofMgOon bioactive glass structure and properties. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the field ofMg‐containing bioactive glasses discussing available compositions and summarizing existing knowledge on effects ofMgOon glass properties. The biomedical applications of several developed glasses are discussed highlighting the distinct effects ofMgin relevant areas, such as bioactivity and cell response, and focusing on the most common applications for these glasses, such as bone cements, bioactive coatings, and scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The effect ofMgon bone development is discussed and avenues for future research in the field are proposed, emphasizing the need to investigate unstudied properties of (already developed)Mg‐containing glass compositions, such as angiogenesis‐stimulating action and the effect on osteoclast functions, to develop newMg‐containing bioactive glasses as well as to make products of different shape designs such as nanoparticles, fibers, and complex porous structures.