Study of bioactive glass ceramic for use as bone biomaterial in vivo: Investigation by nuclear magnetic resonance and histology

The performance of the porous glass ceramic doped with 10 wt% Zinc and 2 wt% TiN (46S6-10Zn), in the restoration of critical diaphyseal bone defect, was evaluated by several physicochemical methods and histological studies. The critical defect in rabbits was created and then filled with 46S6-10Zn. At different periods after implementation, animals were sacrificed. Samples were harvested for exploration. The nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) of 31P and 29Si illustrates the progressive degradation of 46S6-10Zn in favor to of the formation and the development of biological apatite. Therefore, after one month of implementation, MAS-NMR 29Si proves the presence of Q2 (25%), Q3 (73%) and Q4 (2%). However, after six months, the disappearance of all these species was revealed and characterized by the 46S6-10Zn dissolution. Besides, MAS-NMR 31P demonstrates the presence of QC0 (4%), QHA0 (55%) and Qa0 (41%) after one month. Nevertheless, six months later, we observe the presence of QHA0 (80%) and Qa0 (20%). Histological study demonstrates an intimate contact of 46S6-10Zn surrounding bone after one month of implantation. However, after four months, mature bone matrix became calcified and the implanted 46S6-10Zn began to be degraded. Moreover, nine months later, 46S6-10Zn was nearly resorbed and replaced by a calcified tissue in the periphery and an osteoid tissue in the middle of bone defects.