Influence of the partial substitution of CaO with MgO on the thermal properties and in vitro reactivity of the bioactive glass S53P4

► MgO replacement for CaO decreased the glass transition and the melting temperatures. ► MgO replacement for CaO induced stronger glass network. ► All glasses formed hydroxyapatite when immersed in SBF. ► The thickness of the surface layers decreased with increasing MgO content. ► The glass with highest MgO contents exhibited a slower dissolution tendency.