Studying morphological characteristics of thermally treated bioactive glass ceramic using image analysis

Bioactive glass ceramics are materials which develop a strong bond with living tissues through a carbonate-containing hydroxyapatatite layer, similar to that of bone. Recently, the use of thermally treated bioactive glass in dental restorations has been proposed, as it could provide a bioactive surface, which in combination with a tissue regenerative technique could lead to periodontal tissues attachment. The purpose of this study was the investigation of the qualitative and quantitative alterations of thermally treated bioactive glasses after incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time intervals, through the use of Image Analysis methods. There is a remarkable decrease in the dimensions of bioactive glass particles-their shape being more elongated-with the immersion time in SBF and the depth from the surface. The influence on particles morphology in deeper layers is recognizable and the species in the coating, present bioactivity on the surface and in the volume.