Enhanced bioactivity, biocompatibility and mechanical behavior of strontium substituted bioactive glasses

• The substitution of SrO was done for SiO2 in Na2O–CaO–SrO–P2O5–SiO2 bioactive glass.
• Network connectivity significantly influenced on bioactivity and biocompatibility.
• In vitro SBF studies showed enhanced HCA crystallinity on the glass surface.
• The cell culture studies exhibited better cell compatibility and significant growth.
• Density and elastic moduli increased with increasing concentration of strontia.

Strontium contained biomaterials have been reported as a potential bioactive material for bone regeneration, as it reduces bone resorption and stimulates bone formation. In the present investigation, the bioactive glasses were designed to partially substitute SrO for SiO2 in Na2O–CaO–SrO–P2O5–SiO2 system. This work demonstrates that the substitution of SrO for SiO2 has got significant benefit than substitution for CaO in the bioactive glass. Bioactivity was assessed by the immersion of the samples in simulated body fluid for different intervals. The formation of hydroxy carbonate apatite layer was identified by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The elastic modulus of the bioactive glasses was measured and found to increase with increasing SrO for SiO2. The blood compatibility of the samples was evaluated. In vitro cell culture studies of the samples were performed using human osteosarcoma U2-OS cell lines and found a significant improvement in cell viability and proliferation. The investigation showed enhancement in bioactivity, mechanical and biological properties of the strontia substituted for silica in glasses. Thus, these bioactive glasses would be highly potential for bone regeneration.

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