B2O3–MgO–SiO2–Na2O–CaO–P2O5–ZnO bioactive system for bone regeneration applications

Bioactive samples of composition x·B2O3·(2x+2)MgO.(22.4−(2x+2))Na2O.(46.1−x) SiO2.26.9CaO·2.6P2O5·2ZnO (x varying from 0 to 4) have been prepared in the laboratory by the sol–gel technique. Structural information has been drawn from X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. By using the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller technique, it has been found that the samples are mesoporus with pore size varying from 19 to 42 nm. Detailed analysis of degradation behavior of the materials has been undertaken. Gentamycin has been tested as an antibiotic to study their drug release properties. Swelling, antimicrobial and cell culture studies have also been conducted. Attempt has been made to search for suitable chemical composition for the purpose of developing effective implant material for bone regeneration applications.