Strontium Release Research Articles

The Effects of the Addition of Strontium on the Biological Response to Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials: A Systematic Review

Strontium is known for enhancing bone metabolism, osteoblast proliferation, and tissue regeneration. This systematic review aimed to investigate the biological effects of strontium-doped calcium phosphate biomaterials for bone therapy. A literature search up to May 2024 across Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus retrieved 759 entries, with 42 articles meeting the selection criteria. The studies provided data on material types, strontium incorporation and release, and in vivo and in vitro evidence. Strontium-doped calcium phosphate biomaterials were produced via chemical synthesis and deposited on various substrates, with characterization techniques confirming successful strontium incorporation. Appropriate concentrations of strontium were non-cytotoxic, stimulating cell proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic factor production through key signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, BMP-2, Runx2, and ERK. In vivo studies identified novel bone formation, angiogenesis, and inhibition of bone resorption. These findings support the safety and efficacy of strontium-doped calcium phosphates, although the optimal strontium concentration for desired effects is still undetermined. Future research should focus on optimizing strontium release kinetics and elucidating molecular mechanisms to enhance clinical applications of these biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.

Sensitivity analysis of cesium and strontium release from TRISO particle under irradiation and high temperature conditions

This paper presents a systematic sensitivity analysis of the diffusivity parameters of cesium and strontium inside Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particle and their dependence on irradiation and high temperature annealing conditions. The BISON fuel performance code was used to model the base irradiation and the high temperature tests performed within the AGR-1 experiment. The sensitivity analysis results quantified the contributions of the various diffusion parameters to BISON predictions of Cs and Sr release from compacts exposed to a number of different irradiation and thermal conditions. Informed by the Sobol indices, a calibration study provided an optimized set of diffusion parameters that improved the accuracy of BISON predictions. Finally, we describe an analysis of the influence of irradiation and thermal conditions on the Cs and Sr release and characterize their dependence on the testing conditions. The systematic approach in this study allows us to better understand the transport mechanism of Cs and Sr inside TRISO particle, and to identify a number of future needs to fully resolve the discrepancy between BISON predictions of Cs and Sr release with the AGR-1 experimental observations.

Porous Titanium Scaffold: A New Design for Controlled Drug Delivery

Gelatin crosslinking using conventional methods is usually associated with some toxic side effects. In this research, therefore, the vacuum heating method at 10 Pascal and 140°C under different times of 8, 16, and 32 h was used to cross-link strontium-loaded gelatin microparticles with varying degrees obtained by the oil/water mixing method on titanium scaffolds by the dip-coating method to avoid toxicity and also to control the strontium release rate to the surrounding tissue. The possible phases formed on the surface of the porous titanium scaffolds, the gelatin microparticle distribution, gelatin strontium loading, and strontium release were characterized using thin film X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) machines, respectively. The results indicated that at 600°C, the rutile phase was formed on the surface of the heat-treated titanium scaffolds. Furthermore, strontium was successfully loaded in the spherical gelatin microparticles, and the strontium-loaded gelatin microparticles were distributed uniformly on the surface of the titanium scaffolds, while the rate of the in vitro strontium release decreased by increasing the time of the gelatin microparticle vacuum-heat crosslinking, whereas at the burst release step, the in vitro strontium release rates were around 5, 4.4, and 2.5 ppm/h, for the 8, 16, and 32 h vacuum-heat cross-linked gelatin microparticles, respectively.

Fate and transport of strontium in groundwater from a layered sedimentary aquifer system

In this article, strontium distribution in sedimentary coastal aquifers of Eastern India was studied and its association with groundwater particles has been ascertained using hydrochemical and morphological tools. Groundwater contains Sr2+ in the range of 0.08–4.0 mg/L with higher concentrations in Cretaceous formation. The particle number in groundwater varies from 4.5 × 105 to 3.3 × 106 per liter and follows the power law distribution with respect to the particle diameter. The calculated β values (2.54 and 4.03) signify the abundance of smaller particles over larger ones. The particle concentration of size range 0.45–8 μm is found to be 0.64–2.6 mg/L. Elemental data of groundwater particles clearly suggest their origin from the host rock minerals. Zeta potential data indicates diverse nature of colloids suggesting prevalence of both positive and negative charged species in the groundwater. The hydrochemical interpretation along with speciation studies infers that high Sr2+ in groundwater is a result of incongruent dissolution of carbonate minerals and the dissolved Sr2+ partitions into both dissociated and un-dissociated forms. Based on the Sr2+/Ca2+ ratio and mineral saturation indices, it can be inferred that the Sr2+ is preferentially associated with colloids over large particles and the migration takes place through sorption of Sr2+ onto clay-bound (extrinsic) colloids in groundwater. This study describes the mechanism of strontium release into groundwater and provides insights into the role of groundwater particles in controlling the strontium migration to deep aquifers.

Resorbable bacterial cellulose membranes with strontium release for guided bone regeneration.

Hybrid materials, based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and hydroxyapatite (HA), have been investigated for guided bone regeneration (GBR). However, for some GBR, degradability in the physiological environment is an essential requirement. The present study aimed to explore the use of oxidized bacterial cellulose (OxBC) membranes, associated with strontium apatite, for GBR applications. BC membranes were produced by fermentation and purified, before oxidizing and mineralizing by immersing in strontium chloride solution and sodium bibasic phosphate for 5cycles. The hybrid materials (BC/HA/Sr, BC/SrAp, OxBC/HA/Sr and OxBC/SrAp) were characterized for biodegradability and bioactivity and for their physicochemical and morphological properties. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolytic properties of the materials were also investigated. In vivo biocompatibility was analyzed by performing histopathological evaluation at 1, 3 and 9weeks in mices. Results showed that the samples presented different strontium release profiles and that oxidation enhances degradation under physiological conditions. All the hybrid materials were bioactive. Cell viability assay indicated that the materials are non-cytotoxic and in vivo studies showed low inflammatory response and increased connective tissue repair, as well as degradation in most of the materials, especially the oxidized membranes. This study confirms the potential use of bacterial cellulose-derived hybrid membranes for GBR.

Impact of Strontium and Krypton Release from Ghana’s MNSR following a Conjectural Accident Scenario

Accidental release of gaseous or liquid effluents is a critical issue and of a greater concern to the nuclear industry when it comes to the protection of the public and the environment. The emphasis becomes paramount when the release involves particulate of radiation particles. This paper provides a comprehensive insight report on an account of a research investigation carried out in addressing a radiological safety issue of Ghana’s Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) during its core conversion project. The amounts of Strontium-90 (Sr-90) and Krypton-85 (Kr-85) effluents presumably released from the reactor hall to the surroundings and the consequential emission radiation to the working area within a 200 m radius were analyzed for a six-month working period. The objective was to estimate specifically the approximate total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of Sr-90 and Kr-85 by considering a conjectural accident scenario using a well-recognized and user-friendly known atmospheric dispersion model before the preparatory period. The maximum TEDE value recorded at a ground deposition value of 4.6E − 01 kBq/m2 was approximately 1.80E − 02 mSv and 4.90E − 4 mSv for Sr-90 and Kr-85, respectively, at a maximum distance of 0.1 km from the source. The estimated dose values recorded were found to be within the recommended regulatory safety limits of 50 mSv for onsite workers and 1 mSv for the general public. No adverse effect was experienced with respect to human health and the environment.

Osseointegration effects of local release of strontium ranelate from implant surfaces in rats

BackgroundNumerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of strontium on bone growth, particularly by stimulating osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Thus, strontium release around implants has been suggested as one possible strategy to enhance implant osseointegration.AimThis study aimed to evaluate whether the local release of strontium ranelate (Sr-ranelate) from implants coated with mesoporous titania could improve bone formation around implants in an animal model.Materials and methodsMesoporous titania (MT) thin coatings were formed utilizing the evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) method using Pluronic (P123) with or without the addition of poly propylene glycol (PPG) to create materials with two different pore sizes. The MT was deposited on disks and mini-screws, both made of cp Ti grade IV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to characterize the MT using a Leo Ultra55 FEG instrument (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). The MT was loaded with Sr-ranelate using soaking and the drug uptake and release kinetics to and from the surfaces were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) utilizing a Q-sense E4 instrument. For the in vivo experiment, 24 adult rats were analyzed at two time points of implant healing (2 and 6 weeks). Titanium implants shaped as mini screws were coated with MT films and divided into two groups; supplied with Sr-ranelate (test group) and without Sr-ranelate (control group). Four implants (both test and control) were inserted in the tibia of each rat. The in vivo study was evaluated using histomorphometric analyses of the implant/bone interphase using optical microscopy.ResultsSEM images showed the successful formation of evenly distributed MT films covering the entire surface with pore sizes of 6 and 7.2 nm, respectively. The QCM-D analysis revealed an absorption of 3300 ng/cm2 of Sr-ranelate on the 7.2 nm MT, which was about 3 times more than the observed amount on the 6 nm MT (1200 ng/cm2). Both groups showed sustained release of Sr-ranelate from MT coated disks. The histomorphometric analysis revealed no significant differences in bone implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) between the implants with Sr-ranelate and implants in the control groups after 2 and 6 weeks of healing (BIC with a p-value of 0.43 after 2 weeks and 0.172 after 6 weeks; BA with a p-value of 0.503 after 2 weeks, and 0.088 after 6 weeks). The mean BIC and BA values within the same group showed significant increase among all groups between 2 and 6 weeks.ConclusionThis study could not confirm any positive effects of Sr-ranelate on implant osseointegration.

<p>Ion release of chitosan and nanodiamond modified glass ionomer restorative cements</p>

PurposeIon release from glass ionomer restorative cements (GICs) plays an important role in GICs. The ion release from chitosan and nanodiamond-modified glass ionomers was assessed.Materials and methodsThree GICs (Fuji IX, Ketac Universal and Riva Self Cure) were modified in the powder phase per weight by adding 5% or 10% of a commercially available chitosan powder (CH) or nanodiamond (ND) powder to the GICs. The specimens with dimensions 4 mm diameter and 6 mm height manufactured from the 15 GIC formulations were allowed to set for 1 hr and subsequently placed in neutral de-ionised water. The released ions were assessed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) to determine the elemental release. Additionally, three different disc-shaped specimens (3 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick) were constructed from each material for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) microanalysis to establish an ion weight percentage.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the ion release between the control materials for aluminium, silicon and strontium. The ion release from CH and most ND-modified GICs were significantly (p<0.00001) increased compared to the control materials. CH modifications significantly increased the ion release of aluminium, sodium, silicon and strontium for all three control materials (with the exception of the strontium release from Ketac Universal that was modified with 5% chitosan).ConclusionIon release can be advantageous to tooth structure due to the interaction of chitosan with the GIC chemistry and moisture during maturation. Ion release up to five times greater than the control was noted for some ions.

Cylindrical Layered Bone Scaffolds with Anisotropic Mechanical Properties as Potential Drug Delivery Systems.

3D cylindrical layered scaffolds with anisotropic mechanical properties were prepared according to a new and simple method, which involves gelatin foaming, deposition of foamed strips, in situ crosslinking, strip rolling and lyophilization. Different genipin concentrations were tested in order to obtain strips with different crosslinking degrees and a tunable stability in biological environment. Before lyophilization, the strips were curled in a concentric structure to generate anisotropic spiral-cylindrical scaffolds. The scaffolds displayed significantly higher values of stress at break and of the Young modulus in compression along the longitudinal than the transverse direction. Further improvement of the mechanical properties was achieved by adding strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) to the scaffold composition and by increasing genipin concentration. Moreover, composition modulated also water uptake ability and degradation behavior. The scaffolds showed a sustained strontium release, suggesting possible applications for the local treatment of abnormally high bone resorption. This study demonstrates that assembly of layers of different composition can be used as a tool to obtain scaffolds with modulated properties, which can be loaded with drugs or biologically active molecules providing properties tailored upon the needs.

Polymerization kinetics stability, volumetric changes, apatite precipitation, strontium release and fatigue of novel bone composites for vertebroplasty.

PurposeThe aim was to determine effects of diluent monomer and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) on polymerization kinetics and volumetric stability, apatite precipitation, strontium release and fatigue of novel dual-paste composites for vertebroplasty.Materials and methodsPolypropylene (PPGDMA) or triethylene (TEGDMA) glycol dimethacrylates (25 wt%) diluents were combined with urethane dimethacrylate (70 wt%) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (5 wt%). 70 wt% filler containing glass particles, glass fibers (20 wt%) and polylysine (5 wt%) was added. Benzoyl peroxide and MCPM (10 or 20 wt%) or N-tolyglycine glycidyl methacrylate and tristrontium phosphate (15 wt%) were included to give initiator or activator pastes. Commercial PMMA (Simplex) and bone composite (Cortoss) were used for comparison. ATR-FTIR was used to determine thermal activated polymerization kinetics of initiator pastes at 50–80°C. Paste stability, following storage at 4–37°C, was assessed visually or through mixed paste polymerization kinetics at 25°C. Polymerization shrinkage and heat generation were calculated from final monomer conversions. Subsequent expansion and surface apatite precipitation in simulated body fluid (SBF) were assessed gravimetrically and via SEM. Strontium release into water was assessed using ICP-MS. Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and fatigue properties were determined at 37°C after 4 weeks in SBF.ResultsPolymerization profiles all exhibited an inhibition time before polymerization as predicted by free radical polymerization mechanisms. Initiator paste inhibition times and maximum reaction rates were described well by Arrhenius plots. Plot extrapolation, however, underestimated lower temperature paste stability. Replacement of TEGDMA by PPGDMA, enhanced paste stability, final monomer conversion, water-sorption induced expansion and strontium release but reduced polymerization shrinkage and heat generation. Increasing MCPM level enhanced volume expansion, surface apatite precipitation and strontium release. Although the experimental composite flexural strengths were lower compared to those of commercially available Simplex, the extrapolated low load fatigue lives of all materials were comparable.ConclusionsIncreased inhibition times at high temperature give longer predicted shelf-life whilst stability of mixed paste inhibition times is important for consistent clinical application. Increased volumetric stability, strontium release and apatite formation should encourage bone integration. Replacing TEGDMA by PPGDMA and increasing MCPM could therefore increase suitability of the above novel bone composites for vertebroplasty. Long fatigue lives of the composites may also ensure long-term durability of the materials.

Pilot implantation study of a borate-glass filled hydrophilic bone cement

Hydrophilic composite-resin cements reinforced with highly degradable borate-glass may provide sustained strontium release to improve local bone quality. An 8 week pilot implantation study in a rabbit femoral defect model was conducted to evaluate the local response to new bone cement materials. The materials demonstrated favorable tissue responses with evidence of direct new bone formation. Counter to the literature, there were no beneficial effects associated with strontium releasing biomaterials. Nevertheless, highly hydrophilic glass filled cements may present benefit through rapid surface mineralization, and in vivo swelling, providing a press fit coupling to bone.

Strontium incorporation improves the bone-forming ability of scaffolds derived from porcine bone

Although heterogeneous bone scaffolds have shown potential in bone defect repair, their capability of aiding bone regeneration need to be further enhanced. Strontium, one important trace element in bone, has a well-known favorable effect on bone repair. Here a strontium containing scaffold (CPB/PCL/Sr) based on superficially porous calcined porcine bone (CPB) was obtained straightforwardly by sequential coating of SrCl2 and polycaprolactone (PCL). The basic characterization revealed that PCL coating could simultaneously improve the mechanical properties and, more importantly, restrain strontium release. Moreover, in vitro behaviors of human MSCs on CPB, CPB/PCL, and CPB/PCL/Sr were studied in detail. The comprehensive results of proliferation, osteogenic gene expression, ALP staining, and ALP activity demonstrated that PCL coating slightly impaired the bone repair potential of CPB. In contrast, CPB/PCL/Sr better supported the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs than CPB，highlighting the role of strontium. The in vivo test confirmed a better new bone formation of CPB/PCL/Sr than CPB and CPB/PCL. These results verified the superiority of incorporating strontium to improve the bone-forming ability of CPB, offering a promising alternative for bone defect repair.

Initial results from safety testing of US AGR-2 irradiation test fuel

Two cylindrical compacts containing tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-coated particles with kernels that contained a mixture of uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO) and two compacts with UO2-kernel TRISO particles have undergone 1600°C safety testing. These compacts were irradiated in the US Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program's second irradiation test (AGR-2). The time-dependent releases of several radioisotopes (110mAg, 134Cs, 137Cs, 154Eu, 155Eu, 90Sr, and 85Kr) were monitored while heating the fuel specimens to 1600°C in flowing helium for 300h. The UCO compacts behaved similarly to previously reported 1600°C-safety-tested UCO compacts from the AGR-1 irradiation. No failed TRISO or failed SiC were detected (based on krypton and cesium release), and cesium release through intact SiC was very low. Release behavior of silver, europium, and strontium appeared to be dominated by inventory originally released through intact coating layers during irradiation but retained in the compact matrix until it was released during safety testing. Both UO2 compacts exhibited cesium release from multiple particles whose SiC failed during the safety test. Europium and strontium release from these two UO2 compacts appeared to be dominated by release from the particles with failed SiC. Silver release was characteristically like the release from the UCO compacts in that an initial release of the majority of silver trapped in the matrix occurred during ramping to 1600°C. However, additional silver release was observed later in the safety testing due to the UO2 TRISO with failed SiC. Failure of the SiC layer in the UO2 fuel appears to have been dominated by CO corrosion, as opposed to the palladium degradation observed in AGR-1 UCO fuel.

The influence of strontium release rate from bioactive phosphate glasses on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Strontium-doped bioactive phosphate glasses (P-glasses) of general composition 40(P2O5)–25(CaO)–5(Na2O)–(30-x)MgO–x(SrO) (x=0,1,5,10) were fabricated via melt-quenching technique and effects of strontium (Sr) content on P-glass properties were systematically studied, including glass structure and density, thermal properties, solubility and cytocompatibility with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Sr-doping resulted in the weakening of glass network and a decrease in glass transition and melting temperatures. P-glasses maintained physiological pH on immersion in simulated body fluid and exhibited sustained ion release for up to ten weeks. All P-glasses tested were cytocompatible with hMSCs. Sr2+ release upregulated the genes associated with hMSC osteogenic differentiation; expression levels of early markers (RUNX2, COL 1) were proportional to the amount of Sr2+ in the P-glasses, while expression of late markers (AlP, OC) was the highest for the P-glass containing 5mol% Sr. It was concluded that Sr-doped P-glasses promoted osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and have considerable potential for bone tissue regeneration.

Strontium release from Sr2+-loaded bone cements and dispersion in healthy and osteoporotic rat bone

Drug functionalization of biomaterials is a modern and popular approach in biomaterials research. Amongst others this concept is used for the functionalization of bone implants to locally stimulate the bone healing process. For example strontium ions (Sr2+) are administered in osteoporosis therapy to stimulate bone growth and have recently been integrated into bone cements. Based on results of different analytical experiments we developed a two-phase model for the transport of therapeutically active Sr2+-ions in bone in combination with Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics for the Sr2+ release from bone cement. Data of cement dissolution experiments into water in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis account for dissolution kinetics following Noyes-Whitney rule. For dissolution in α-MEM cell culture media the process is kinetically hindered and can be described by Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used to determine the Sr2+ diffusion coefficient in healthy and osteoporotic trabecular rat bone. Therefore, bone sections were dipped in aqueous Sr2+-solution by one side and the Sr2+-profile was measured by classical SIMS depth profiling. The Sr2+ mobility can be described by a simple diffusion model and we obtained diffusion coefficients of (2.28±2.97)⋅10−12cm2/s for healthy and of (1.55±0.93)⋅10−10cm2/s for osteoporotic bone. This finding can be explained by a different bone nanostructure, which was observed by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the time and spatially resolved drug transport was calculated by finite element method for the femur of healthy and osteoporotic rats. The obtained results were compared to mass images that were obtained from sections of in vivo experiments by ToF-SIMS. The simulated data fits quite well to experimental results. The successfully applied model for the description of drug dispersion can help to reduce the number of animal experiments in the future.

Controlled gentamicin- strontium release as a dual action bone agent: Combination of the porous titanium scaffold and biodegradable polymers

Titanium is considered a promising biomaterial for load bearing implantation in orthopedics. However, its biologically inert behavior makes the surface treatment essential to improve the bioactivity. In this study, a porous titanium scaffold was fabricated using the space holder method and its surface was treated by the direct oxidation method. Strontium containing gelatin micro spheres (SrGMS) were synthesized using the water in oil method and deposited on the surface of the surface treated porous titanium scaffold (Ti-SrGMS). A thin layer of gentamicin containing poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) was deposited on the surface of Ti-SrGMS for two purposes: first, to postpone strontium release and second, to initially release gentamicin. Raman spectroscopy revealed rutile formation due to the thermal oxidation of titanium at 600 °C. Scanning electron microscope observation also indicated that SrGMS particles were deposited uniformly on the surface of the titanium scaffold. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that strontium ion was loaded in the gelatin micro sphere successfully. In vitro drug release measurement using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) also revealed that by using a layer of PVA with different concentrations on SrMGS particles, it would be possible to control the strontium release as it was needed for the surrounding tissue.

Controlled release of strontium through neutralization reaction within a methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-polyester hydrogel.

The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive hydrogel system that can release strontium ions, an element that has been shown to increase osteoblast proliferation and prohibit bone resorption, in a controlled manner. SrCO3 was selected as the salt of choice due to potential acid neutralization reaction between SrCO3 and degradation by-products of methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-co-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG-PLGA): namely, lactic acid and glycolic acid. SrCO3 was incorporated into mPEG-PLGA hydrogel, and the system was assessed for gelation properties, drug release and biocompatibility. SrCO3 incorporation at hydrogel to SrCO3 ratios of 5:1, 3:1 and 1:1 (wt%) did not compromise the thermosensitivity of mPEG-PLGA hydrogels. Furthermore, incorporation of SrCO3 at 1:1 ratio prevented copolymer self-catalysis and decreased hydrogel weight loss from 85% to 61% in vitro after 30 days. During the 30-day time frame, zero-order strontium release was observed and was correlated to hydrogel degradation and acidity. The addition of SrCO3 also improved in vivo hydrogel biocompatibility, due to moderation of acidic microenvironment and amelioration of inflammatory response. These results showed that the described system is suitable for the extended release of strontium and exhibits potential for localized treatment for osteoporosis or as a bone void filler.

Strontium-containing, carbohydrate-based polymer networks as tooth-adherent systems for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity

This study describes the design/physicochemical properties of strontium-containing, mucoadhesive carbohydrate polymeric platforms, designed as treatments for dentine hypersensitivity. Interactive networks were composed of strontium chloride (10% w/w), one of two base polymers (sodium carboxymethylcellulose, NaCMC or hydroxyethylcellulose, HEC), polycarbophil (PC) and, when required, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The physicochemical properties were characterised using oscillatory and flow rheometry, texture profile analysis, mucoadhesion analysis and, additionally, the strontium release properties were examined. All platforms exhibited pseudoplastic flow. Increasing polymer concentrations increased network viscoelasticity, consistency, hardness, compressibility, gel strength, adhesiveness, mucoadhesion and, retarded strontium release. Principally zero-order strontium release was observed from all platforms. Incorporation of strontium reduced the network elasticity, consistency, hardness, compressibility, gel strength and mucoadhesion; HEC-based platforms being affected to a greater extent than NaCMC platforms. NaCMC-based platforms containing 10% strontium chloride, PVP (3% w/w) and PC (3% w/w) potentially displayed the correct balance of physicochemical properties for the treatment of dentine sensitivity.

Competing Roles of Substrate Composition, Microstructure, and Sustained Strontium Release in Directing Osteogenic Differentiation of hMSCs.

Strontium releasing bioactive ceramics constitute an important class of biomaterials for osteoporosis treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the synthesis, phase assemblage, and magnetic properties of strontium hexaferrite, SrFe12O19, (SrFe) nanoparticles. On the biocompatibility front, the size- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity of SrFe against human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were investigated. After establishing their non-toxic nature, we used the strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles (SrFeNPs) in varying amount (x = 0, 10, and 20 wt %) to consolidate bioactive composites with hydroxyapatite (HA) by multi-stage spark plasma sintering (SPS). Rietveld refinement of these spark plasma sintered composites revealed a near complete decomposition of SrFe12O19 to magnetite (Fe3O4) along with a marked increase in the unit cell volume of HA, commensurate with strontium-doped HA. The cytocompatibility of SrHA-Fe composites with hMSCs was assessed using qualitative and quantitative morphological analysis along with phenotypic and genotypic expression for stem cell differentiation. A marked decrease in the stemness of hMSCs, indicated by reduced vimentin expression and acquisition of osteogenic phenotype, evinced by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and collagen deposition was recorded on SrHA-Fe composites in osteoinductive culture. A significant upregulation of osteogenic marker genes (Runx2, ALP and OPN) was detected in case of the SrHA-Fe composites, whereas OCN and Col IA expression were similarly high for baseline HA. However, matrix mineralization was elevated on SrHA-Fe composites in commensurate with the release of Sr2+ and Fe2+. Summarizing, the current work is the first report of strontium hexaferrite as a non-toxic nanobiomaterial. Also, SrHA-based iron oxide composites can potentially better facilitate bone formation, when compared to pristine HA.

Modulation of strontium release from a tertiary borate glass through substitution of alkali for alkali earth oxide

The effect of the substitution of Na2O for SrO in a series of nine borate glasses was studied to understand the effect of alkali for alkali earth oxide substitution in the boron transition range. Glasses were analyzed for post-firing composition, density, glass transition, 11B MAS-NMR and ion release in a simulated physiological condition (immersion in PBS at 37°C over time points of 1, 7, 30 and 60days). Post-compositional analysis revealed decreases in boron and sodium content during glass firing, and allowed for improvements in composition property relationships. Increased substitution of sodium resulted in decreases in glass density, glass transition, and non-bridging oxygen fraction in the glass. Strontium ion release kinetics were governed by Fickian diffusion and were not altered by the substitution of sodium for strontium in the glass. Boron ion release varied from pure Fickian diffusion controlled to a parabolic release demonstrating precipitation with high sodium contents.