In vitro evaluation of a novel pH neutral calcium phosphosilicate bioactive glass that does not require preconditioning prior to use

Abstract

It is well known that bioactive glasses can cause a significant increase in pH due to the rapid release of calcium and/or sodium ions. Consequently, preconditioning of the glass is usually required prior to surgery to negate the effect of this sudden release of ions. However, preconditioning for several days is far from ideal and also preconditioning is not practical for novel organic/inorganic sol-gel hybrids currently being developed since the organic phase will start to hydrolyze and dissolve. This study describes a bioactive glass that dissolves without causing a significant change in pH from physiologically optimal values and requires no preconditioning prior to use. The bioactivity of the pH neutral glass, hydroxyapatite formation, and cellular responses, are measured and compared directly with results from archetypal 45S5 and S70C30 bioactive glasses. A hydroxyapatite layer was found to rapidly form (within 1 day) on the surface of the pH neutral glass upon reacting with simulated body fluid. In addition, improved cell compatibility was observed compared with 45S5 and S70C30 glasses. Therefore, this pH neutral glass has significant potential for bone repair applications.