Mechanical properties, bioactivity and cell behavior of barium-containing calcium-phospho-alumino-borosilicate glass

Abstract

In this study, the effect of replacing CaO by BaO on mechanical properties, bioactivity, and cell adhesion of SiO2–B2O3–Al2O3–P2O5–CaO–Na2O based glass was investigated. Mechanical characterization, depth-sensing nano-indentation, and surface micro-indentation techniques were employed to determine the fracture toughness (KIC). The surface was photographed after micro-indentation effect using scanning electron microscopy. In vitro responses of the compounds of tris-buffered SBF solution were studied from different points of view: (i) morphology and elemental surface analysis using field emission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy; (ii) change in bonds using Raman spectroscopy; and (iii) ICP method for detecting the change in ion chemistry of SBF solution. The cell adhesion behavior was qualitatively evaluated by examining the morphology and attachment of mouse fibroblastic cells to the surface of the glasses. The results demonstrated that with the replacement of barium oxide, the hardness of the base glass increased, while the level of fracture toughness was maintained. In addition, in vitro bioactivity of barium oxide-containing glass was reduced compared to the base glass. However, structural dissolution and formation of calcium phosphate layers on their surfaces were also confirmed. The results showed that BaO-incorporated glasses had adequate cell propagation and proliferation, hence enjoying appropriate biocompatibility for use in coating applications.