The effect of iron incorporation on the in vitro bioactivity and drug release of mesoporous bioactive glasses

Magnetic mesoporous bioactive glasses with the composition xFe–(80−x)SiO2–15CaO–5P2O5 (mol%) (Fe/MBGs) were prepared by the non-ionic block copolymer EO20PO70EO20 (P123) surfactant as template and the evaporation-induced self-assembly process using Ca, P, Si and Fe sources. The structure, morphology and magnetic properties of Fe/MBGs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectra, vibrating sample magnetometer and N2 adsorption–desorption technique. The results show that Fe/MBGs have porous network (pore diameter of 50–100 nm), mesoporous walls (mesoporous size of 4–5 nm), and that the mesostructure, magnetic properties and in vitro bioactivity of the Fe/MBGs depend on the chemical composition. Furthermore, the Fe incorporation in the MBGs enhanced the magnetic properties, demonstrated sustained drug delivery and maintained apatite-formation ability in SBF. This means that the Fe/MBGs allowed bioactivity could improve their drug delivery capacity, thus enhancing their potential applications as bioactive filler materials for bone tissue regeneration.