Mesoporous Glass Research Articles

Mesoporous Silk-Bioactive Glass Nanocomposites as Drug Eluting Multifunctional Conformal Coatings for Improving Osseointegration and Bactericidal Properties of Metal Implants.

Endowing metal implants with multifunctional traits to prevent implant-associated infections and improve osseointegration has become a pivotal facet in orthopedics and dental fixation. Herein, we report the synthesis of mesoporous 70S bioactive glass-silk fibroin nanocomposites inspired by the biomimetic organo-apatites of mineralized collagen. The mesoporous, biomimetic nanocomposites enabled loading of antibiotics (gentamicin and doxycycline) and favored their release in a rapid manner while preserving their bioactivity. Ease in modification of the mesoporous nanocomposites enabled tailoring of 3-(aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane to the silanol network of bioactive glass, which improved the loading capacity of the hydrophobic drug (dexamethasone). The modification favored the slow and sustained release of dexamethasone from the modified mesoporous nanocomposites, which is desired for mediating osteogenesis and immunomodulation. Conformal coatings of these drug-loaded nanocomposites were materialized on stainless-steel implants through a facile electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique, wherein the deposition yield can be controlled by applied parameters. Antibiotic coatings exhibited antibacterial efficacy with bioactivity retained up to 28 days, while dexamethasone-loaded coatings favored mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and osteoinduction. The immunomodulatory roles were also ascertained, wherein M2 macrophage biasness was favored in dexamethasone-loaded coatings. The versatility of these mesoporous biomimetic nanocomposites guarantee the loading of scenario-specific drugs to aid their local delivery through the conformal EPD coatings developed over metal implants toward improving implant patency.

On the issue of textured crystallization of Ba(NO3)2 in mesoporous SiO2: Raman spectroscopy and lattice dynamics analysis

The lattice dynamics of preferentially aligned nanocrystals formed upon drying of aqueous Ba(NO3)2 solutions in a mesoporous silica glass traversed by tubular pores of approximately 12 nm are explored by Raman scattering. To interpret the experiments on the confined nanocrystals polarized Raman spectra of bulk single crystals and X-ray diffraction experiments are also performed. Since a cubic symmetry is inherent to Ba(NO3)2, a special Raman scattering geometry was utilized to separate the phonon modes of Ag and Eg species. Combining group-theory analysis and ab initio lattice dynamics calculations a full interpretation of all Raman lines of the bulk single crystal is achieved. Apart from a small confinement-induced line broadening, the peak positions and normalized peak intensities of the Raman spectra of the nanoconfined and macroscopic crystals are identical. Interestingly, the Raman scattering experiment indicates the existence of comparatively large,∼10–20 μm, single-crystalline regions of Ba(NO3)2 embedded in the porous host, near three orders of magnitude larger than the average size of single nanopores. This is contrast to the initial assumption of non-interconnected pores. It rather indicates an inter-pore propagation of the crystallization front, presumably via microporosity in the pore walls.

Mesoporous IrNiTa metal glass ribbon as a superior self-standing bifunctional catalyst for water electrolysis

Metallic glasses (MGs) only show single activity for water electrolysis and rarely show superior bifunctional activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, IrNiTa (INT) MG ribbon with mesoporous surface is prepared by using a new synthesis procedure. It shows an overpotential of 48 mV for HER and 266 mV for OER to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 under alkaline conditions. By combining experimental characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the outstanding catalytic performance is attributed to: i) the large surface area of the mesoporous structure, ii) the good charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface, iii) the super hydrophilicity/aerophobicity of the MG ribbon and iv) the promotion of Ni and Ta atoms towards the intrinsic activity of Ir atoms in the INT (HER) and of surface IrO2 layer (OER). By using these self-standing INT MG ribbons as both the cathode and anode for overall water splitting, a stable cell voltage of 1.58 V is required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is 60 mV smaller than the value for Pt/C||IrO2 couple. This work demonstrates the potential use of MGs as integrated bifunctional electrodes for scalable water electrolysis.

NEW INSIGHT INTO THE EFFECT OF NOZZLE DIAMETER ON THE PROPERTIES OF SPRAYED ZnO THIN FILMS

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers and nanopetals were successfully deposited onto mesoporous silicon (meso-PSi), silicon, and glass substrates using zinc acetate via Spray Pyrolysis method. Electrochemical etching of the P-type (100) silicon wafer was used to prepare the mesoporous silicon layer. The effects of nozzle diameter and substrate type on the morphological, structural, and optical properties were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDX techniques, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectrometry. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirms the meso-PSi morphology with a diameter varying from 20[Formula: see text]nm to 45[Formula: see text]nm and illustrates the prepared ZnO nanostructures. EDX results show that the ratio of Zn:O is found to be similar to 1:1 for the 3-mm diameter when the oxygen is much higher than the Zn element in the 18-mm diameter. XRD measurements indicated that all films show a hexagonal Wurtzite structure with a variation of crystallographic properties and orientation according to the prepared morphology. The mean value of the crystallite size is 14.27[Formula: see text]nm for the 3-mm diameter and 19.01 nm for the 18-mm diameter. The variation in the morphological characteristics of the deposited ZnO leads to a variation in the optical properties of the sprayed ZnO thin films. The layers bandgap energy (Eg) was estimated to be 3.28 and 3.26[Formula: see text]eV for the ZnO layers prepared by 18-mm and 3-mm nozzle diameters, respectively. This study is also helpful for subsequent studies on the tailoring of morphology and ZnO growth control on PSi substrates.

Mesoporous Bioglasses Enriched with Bioactive Agents for Bone Repair, with a Special Highlight of María Vallet-Regí's Contribution.

Throughout her impressive scientific career, Prof. María Vallet-Regí opened various research lines aimed at designing new bioceramics, including mesoporous bioactive glasses for bone tissue engineering applications. These bioactive glasses can be considered a spin-off of silica mesoporous materials because they are designed with a similar technical approach. Mesoporous glasses in addition to SiO2 contain significant amounts of other oxides, particularly CaO and P2O5 and therefore, they exhibit quite different properties and clinical applications than mesoporous silica compounds. Both materials exhibit ordered mesoporous structures with a very narrow pore size distribution that are achieved by using surfactants during their synthesis. The characteristics of mesoporous glasses made them suitable to be enriched with various osteogenic agents, namely inorganic ions and biopeptides as well as mesenchymal cells. In the present review, we summarize the evolution of mesoporous bioactive glasses research for bone repair, with a special highlight on the impact of Prof. María Vallet-Regí´s contribution to the field.

Confinement Growth and Near-Infrared Broadband Luminescence of Pbs Quantum Dots in Mesoporous Glass

Confinement Growth and Near-Infrared Broadband Luminescence of Pbs Quantum Dots in Mesoporous Glass

A Robust Hierarchical MXene/Ni/Aluminosilicate Glass Composite for High-Performance Microwave Absorption.

The 2D titanium carbide MXene with both extraordinary electromagnetic attenuation and elastic properties has shown great potential as the building block for constructing mechanically robust microwave absorbing composites (MACs). However, the weak thermal stability has inhibited the successful incorporation of MXene into the inorganic MACs matrix so far. Herein, an ultralow temperature sintering strategy to fabricate a hierarchical aluminosilicate glass composite is demonstrated by using EMT zeolite as starting powder, which can not only endow the composites with high sinterability, but also facilitate the alignment of MXene in the glass matrix. Accordingly, the highly oriented MXene and mesoporous structure can effectively reduce the conduction loss in the out‐of‐plane direction while maintaining its large polarization loss. Meanwhile, the in situ formed Ni nanoparticles via ion exchange serve as a synergistic modulator to further improve the attenuation capability and impedance matching of composite, resulting in a low reflection loss of −59.5 dB in X band and general values below −20 dB with a low fitting thickness from 4 to 18 GHz. More attractively, such a delicate structure also gives the composite a remarkable fracture strength and contact‐damage‐resistance, which qualifies the mesoporous glass composite as a structural MACs with a superior comprehensive performance.

Porosity and thickness effect of Pd–Cu–Si metallic glasses on electrocatalytic hydrogen production and storage

This contribution places emphasis on tuning pore architecture and film thickness of mesoporous Pd–Cu–Si thin films sputtered on Si/SiO2 substrates for enhanced electrocatalytic and hydrogen sorption/desorption activity and their comparison with the state-of-the-art thin film electrocatalysts. Small Tafel slope of 43 mV dec–1 for 1250 nm thick coating on 2 µm diameter pores with 4.2 µm interspacing electrocatalyst with comparable hydrogen overpotentials to the literature suggests its use for standard fuel cells. The largest hydrogen sorption has been attained for the 250 nm thick electrocatalyst on 5 µm pore diameter with 12 µm interspacing (2189 µC cm−2 per CV cycle), making it possible for rapid storage systems. Moreover, the charge transfer resistance described by an equivalent circuit model has an excellent correlation with Tafel slopes. Along with its very low Tafel slope of 42 mV dec–1 10 nm thick electrocatalyst on 2 µm diameter pores with 4.2 µm interspacing has the highest capacitive response of ∼ 0.001 S sn cm−2 and is promising to be used as a nano-charger and hydrogen sensor. The findings of Si/SiO2 supported mesoporous Pd-based metallic glass (MG) assemblies suggest a similar design applicability for crystalline systems and other MG types.

A new biocompatible phosphate free mesoporous calcium borosilicate glass-ceramics for medical application

Boron plays an important role in life processes such as bone growth and maintenance. Structural and bioactivity properties of phosphate free novel composition of calcium borosilicate mesoporous glass–ceramic is reported. X-ray diffraction studies indicate the amorphous nature of sample and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy reveal the possible bending and stretching vibration modes of silicate and borate groups. N2 adsorption–desorption studies reveal the mesoporous structure with average pore diameter of 28 nm and surface area of 101 m2 g−1. The sample exhibits good bone-like hydroxyapatite layer formation after soaking in stimulated body fluids. Biocompatibility test of sample carried out by using myoblasts cell derived from muscle of mouse indicates an excellent biocompatibility.

Effect of low temperature crystallization on 58S bioactive glass sintering and compressive strength

Mesoporous glass 58S (60SiO2, 36CaO, 4P2O5 mol.%) has excellent bioactivity, biocompatibility, and forms strong bonds with bone making it attractive for implants. Mesoporous bioactive glass 58S powder is typically consolidated through sintering in order to produce an implant with sufficient strength to withstand the in vivo loads. However, heating the glass often leads to crystallinity, which is undesirable because it can reduce bioactivity. Hence, there is a trade-off between minimising crystallinity and maximising glass strength. Even at relatively low temperatures, it has been suggested that segregation of calcium and phosphate from silica within the glass can lead to crystallization. In this work, we confirm the occurrence of low temperature segregation in bioactive glass 58S using electron microscopy with elemental mapping. We probe how segregation affects the material properties of post-sintered glasses via comparison to a glass where phase separation is prevented via addition citric acid to the parent sol.

Polymer (PCL) fibers with Zn‐doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles for tissue regeneration

AbstractComposite fibrous membranes based on poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) were fabricated by electrospinning. MBGNs and Zn‐doped MBGNs prepared by microemulsion sol–gel method were successfully incorporated inside the polymeric fibers of 240 and 385 nm in diameter for undoped and Zn‐doped PCL_MBGNs fibers, respectively. Thermal analysis showed that the concentration of MBGNs reached a maximum of around 21 wt% for Zn‐doped MBGNs. Both PCL_MBGNs and PCL_MBGNs_Zn composite membrane exhibited bioactivity after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the evolution of composite membranes, confirming the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp). However, the degradation products of membranes did not affect the viability and proliferation of murine stromal cells (ST‐2) and thus the new fiber structures represent a suitable environment for cell adhesion. Therefore, the incorporation of mesoporous glass nanoparticles doped with therapeutically active Zn2+ ions inside the PCL fibers offers the possibility to create a multifunctional biomaterial suitable for drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Mesoporous Pd-Based Metallic Glass Assemblies with Tunable Pore Architecture and Film Thickness

The necessity for efficient green energy production compels scientists to develop advanced nanostructured metallic alloys with tunable properties. This contribution places emphasis on tuning pore architecture and film thickness of mesoporous Pd – Cu – Si thin films sputtered on Si substrates for enhanced electrocatalytic and hydrogen sorption/desorption activity and their comparison with the state-of-the-art electrocatalysts. The small Tafel slope of 44 mV dec–1 with a rapid rise in the cathodic current rendering low hydrogen overpotentials of 24 mV at 10 mA cm–2, and the largest sorption/desorption peaks for the T4H2 electrode suggest its use for a fuel cell electrode. Moreover, the kinetic parameters described by the equivalent circuit model have a very good correlation with Tafel slopes and sample mass. The 10 nm T1H1 sample has one of the highest capacitive responses where the hydrogen-metal interaction takes place and is promising as a nano-charger and sensing of hydrogen.

Tantalum-containing meso-porous glass fibres for hemostatic applications

Novel tantalum-containing meso-porous bioactive glass (Ta-MBG) powders, developed via the sol-gel process, have demonstrable hemostatic properties. However, powders can create dust in the operating environment and may be washed away if profuse bleeding occurs. Powders may not adequately compress wound tissue, and in certain circumstances, a thick callus can form, which is challenging to remove. Fibrous forms of MBGs offer advantages over powders for hemostatic applications, yet they appear comparatively under-researched. In this study, Ta-MBG compositions were successfully designed and fabricated into fibrous mats using electrospinning. State-of-the-art imaging techniques were used to investigate the mats. The individual fibres were ∼300 nm in diameter and contained porosity (1−50 nm). There was also micrometre-sized -porosity (1−2 μm) – this constituted the pore space between the matted fibres, unlike the Ta-MBG powders, which comprised of uni-modal channels (pore size: 4 nm) within the particles themselves. Hierarchical micro-nano porosity is known to enhance the activation of coagulation proteins. The surface area and pore volume of the fibrous mats were a maximum of 61 m2 g−1, 0.23 cm3 g−1 compared to 374 m2 g−1, 0.27 cm3 g−1 for powders. The surface area is an important property facilitating blood fluid sorption and enhancing clotting. The measured zeta potential of the fibres was more highly-negative than that of powder; a highly-negative zeta potential can provide a stable matrix for hemostasis. Overall, the texture of the fibrous mats, the easily-accessible micron-sized pores, the presence of tantalum, the hierarchical porosity, the favourable zeta potential, and the naturally biomimetic architecture are important attributes which make the fibrous mats developed here an attractive alternative for hemostatic applications.

Paraelectric KH2PO4 nanocrystals in monolithic mesoporous silica: Structure and lattice dynamics

Combining dielectric crystals with mesoporous solids allows a versatile design of functional nanomaterials, where the porous host provides a mechanical rigid scaffold structure and the molecular filling adds the functionalization. Here, we report a study of the complex lattice dynamics of a SiO2:KH2PO4 nanocomposite consisting of a monolithic, mesoporous silica glass host with KH2PO4 nanocrystals embedded in its tubular channels ~12 nm across. A micro-Raman investigation performed in the spectral range of 70–1600 cm−1 reveals the complex lattice dynamics of the confined crystals. Their Raman spectrum resembles the one taken from bulk KH2PO4 crystals and thus, along with X-ray diffraction experiments, corroborates the successful solution-based synthesis of KH2PO4 nanocrystals with a structure analogous to the bulk material. We succeeded in observing not only the high-frequency internal modes (~900–1200 cm−1), typical of internal vibrations of the PO4 tetrahedra, but, more importantly, also the lowest frequency modes typical of bulk KH2PO4 crystals. The experimental Raman spectrum was interpreted with a group theory analysis and first-principle lattice dynamics calculations. The calculated phonon spectrum reveals a lattice instability against two optical modes probably related to an intrinsic anharmonicity of the vibrational dynamics of KH2PO4 crystals originating from the uncertainty of proton localization within the network of hydrogen bonds. The analysis of calculated eigen-vectors indicates the involvement of hydrogen atoms in most phonon modes corroborating the substantial significance of the hydrogen subsystem in the lattice dynamics of paraelectric bulk and of KH2PO4 crystals in extreme spatial confinement. A marginal redistribution of relative Raman intensities of the confined compared to unconfined crystals presumably originates in slightly changed crystal fields and interatomic interactions, in particular for the parts of the nanocrystals in close proximity to the silica pore surfaces.

Composition and morphology effects on catalase mimetic activity of potential bioactive glasses

The catalase mimetic activity (CMA) of potential bioactive glasses based on Hench - 45S5 Bioglass® (46.1%SiO2-24.4%Na2O-26.9%CaO-2.6P2O5 mol%, called H), Kokubo bioactive glass (50%SiO2–25%Na2O–25%CaO mol%, called K) and mesoporous bioactive glass (80%SiO2–15%CaO–5%P2O5 mol%, called MBG) modified by the introduction of metal oxide (MO, M = Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zr and Ce) was tested in order to verify how their composition, morphology and synthesis procedure influence the ability to inhibit oxidative stress in terms of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a common reactive oxygen species (ROS).The characterization was achieved on the glasses before and after the soaking in H2O2 in order to obtain information about the kinetic order, the rate and the type of mechanism related to the decomposition H2O2 process. In fact, the H2O2 decomposition can follow a radical mechanism (with the formation of OH radical) or a peroxide-complex mechanism. Tests in SBF solutions were performed in order to verify the bioactivity in term of hydroxyapatite (HA) formation.The introduction of metal oxide into the glass composition promotes the CMA and the better catalytic activities were gained for the Co-, Mn-, Cu-, Ce- and Fe-containing glasses. All these glasses follow a 1st order kinetics but only in the case of Ce-containing glasses (H_4.0Ce) we observe a peroxide-complex mechanism. The Ce-containing glasses preserve their catalytic activity also coated with alginate and the reduction of glass powder dimension enhances the rate of H2O2 decomposition. Mesoporous glasses with a high specific surface area show a higher H2O2 decomposition rate with respect to that of melt-quenched derived glasses. The introduction of Ce, Cu, V, Ti, Zr and Fe do not modify the bioactivity in terms of HA formation during SBF tests (respect to H bioactive glass) and the alginate coating delay the HA formation without inhibiting its formation. H_5.3Co and H_5.3Mn showed the best catalytic performance (highest k value) but they seem not bioactive until 28 days of SBF soaking.By the data analysis obtained in this manuscript, we can affirm that the Ce-containing glasses are the most promising potential bioactive glasses with antioxidant properties.

Efficient Solar Evaporation by [Ni(Phen)3 ][V14 O34 Cl]Cl Hybrid Semiconductor Confined in Mesoporous Glass.

Efficient utilization of solar energy for water evaporation is an advanced and environmentally friendly technology to address the crisis of global drinking water shortages. This study concerns an efficient solar vapor generator comprised of a light-absorbing and photothermal hybrid compound [Ni(Phen)3 ][V14 O34 Cl]Cl (NiV14 ) confined in mesoporous and hydrophilic glass (meso-glass). The generator is floated in water by supporting it on a domestic melamine-formaldehyde (MF) foam to ensure evaporation at the water-air interface. The porous structures and poor thermal conductivities of the meso-glass and MF foam contribute to enabling a consistent water supply, strong solar thermal localization, and less heat dissipation and convection. Associated with the strong photothermal role of NiV14 , these synergistic effects lead to a water evaporation rate of 14.38 kg m-2 h-1 with total water evaporation efficiency of 111.4% under 6 suns and a daily solar water purification yield of 42.00 L m-2 under 1 sun irradiation. This solar evaporation system shows great promise for high-efficiency water purification application.

Mesoporous Strontium-Doped Phosphate-Based Sol-Gel Glasses for Biomedical Applications.

Mesoporous phosphate-based glasses have great potential as biomedical materials being able to simultaneously induce tissue regeneration and controlled release of therapeutic molecules. In the present study, a series of mesoporous phosphate-based glasses in the P2O5-CaO-Na2O system, doped with 1, 3, and 5 mol% of Sr2+, were prepared using the sol-gel method combined with supramolecular templating. A sample without strontium addition was prepared for comparison. The non-ionic triblock copolymer EO20PO70EO20 (P123) was used as a templating agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that all synthesized glasses have an extended porous structure. This was confirmed by N2 adsorption-desorption analysis at 77 K that shows a porosity typical of mesoporous materials. 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (31P MAS-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies have shown that the glasses are mainly formed by Q1 and Q2 phosphate groups. Degradation of the glasses in deionized water assessed over a 7-day period shows that phosphate, Ca2+, Na+, and Sr2+ ions can be released in a controlled manner over time. In particular, a direct correlation between strontium content and degradation rate was observed. This study shows that Sr-doped mesoporous phosphate-based glasses have great potential in bone tissue regeneration as materials for controlled delivery of therapeutic ions.

Multifunctional Copper-Containing Mesoporous Glass Nanoparticles as Antibacterial and Proangiogenic Agents for Chronic Wounds.

The physiological wound healing process involves a cascade of events which could be affected by several factors resulting in chronic, non-healing wounds. The latter represent a great burden especially when bacterial biofilms are formed. The rise in antibiotic resistance amongst infectious microorganisms leads to the need of novel approaches to treat this clinical issue. In this context, the use of advanced biomaterials, which can enhance the physiological expression and secretion of the growth factors involved in the wound healing process, is gaining increasing attention as a robust and appealing alternative approach. Among them, mesoporous glasses are of particular interest due to their excellent textural properties and to the possibility of incorporating and releasing specific therapeutic species, such as metallic ions. One of the most attractive therapeutic ions is copper thanks to its proangiogenic and antibacterial effects. In this contribution, copper containing mesoporous glass nanoparticles were proposed as a multifunctional device to treat chronic wounds. The developed nanoparticles evidenced a very high specific surface area (740 m2/g), uniform pores of 4 nm and an almost total release of the therapeutic ion within 72 h of soaking. The produced nanoparticles were biocompatible and, when tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial species, demonstrated antibacterial activity against both planktonic and biofilm bacteria in 2D cell monolayers, and in a 3D human model of infected skin. Their proangiogenic effect was tested with both the aortic ring and the chick chorioallantoic membrane assays and an increase in endothelial cell outgrowth at a concentration range between 30 and 300 ng/mL was shown. Overall, in this study biocompatible, multifunctional Cu-containing mesoporous glass nanoparticles were successfully produced and demonstrated to exert both antibacterial and proangiogenic effects.

Strontium- and Cobalt-Doped Multicomponent Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses (MBGs) for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering Applications.

Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) offer suitable platforms for drug/ion delivery in tissue engineering strategies. The main goal of this study was to prepare strontium (Sr)- and cobalt (Co)-doped MBGs; strontium is currently used in the treatment of osteoporosis, and cobalt is known to exhibit pro-angiogenic effects. Sr- and Co-doped mesoporous glasses were synthesized for the first time in a multicomponent silicate system via the sol–gel method by using P123 as a structure-directing agent. The glassy state of the Sr- and Co-doped materials was confirmed by XRD before immersion in SBF, while an apatite-like layer was detected onto the surface of samples post-immersion. The textural characteristics of MBGs were confirmed by nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. In vitro experiments including MTT assay, Alizarin red staining, and cell attachment and migration showed the cytocompatibility of all the samples as well as their positive effects on osteoblast-like cell line MG-63. Early experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells also suggested the potential of these MBGs in the context of angiogenesis. In conclusion, the prepared materials were bioactive, showed the ability to improve osteoblast cell function in vitro and could be considered as valuable delivery vehicles for therapeutics, like Co2+ and Sr2+ ions.

A Structural Comparison of Ordered and Non-Ordered Ion Doped Silicate Bioactive Glasses.

One of the key benefits of sol-gel-derived glasses is the presence of a mesoporous structure and the resulting increase in surface area. This enhancement in textural properties has a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of the materials. In this context the aim of this study was to investigate how sol-gel synthesis parameters can influence the textural and structural properties of mesoporous silicate glasses. We report the synthesis and characterization of metal ion doped sol-gel derived glasses with different dopants in the presence or absence of a surfactant (Pluronic P123) used as structure-directing templating agent. Characterization was done by several methods. Using a structure directing agent led to larger surface areas and highly ordered mesoporous structures. The chemical structure of the non-ordered glasses was modified to a larger extent than the one of the ordered glasses due to increased incorporation of dopant ions into the glass network. The results will help to further understand how the properties of sol-gel glasses can be controlled by incorporation of metal dopants, in conjunction with control over the textural properties, and will be important to optimize the properties of sol-gel glasses for specific applications, e.g., drug delivery, bone regeneration, wound healing, and antibacterial materials.