Synthesis and characterisation of a new composite aluminosilicate bioceramic

Sol–gel derived 60SiO2·20Al2O3·10Fe2O3·10Dy2O3 (mol%) glass and vitro-ceramic samples obtained after high temperature treatment were investigated with respect to structure, magnetic behaviour, response to simulated body fluid (SBF) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). After heat treatment, the iron preponderantly crystallises as magnetite and hematite. The field-dependent magnetisation measurements support a soft ferrimagnetic, nearly superparamagnetic behaviour. After soaking in SFB/BSA solutions, the analysis of the outermost surface layer by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows the attachment of the protein and the self-assembly of a calcium containing phase.

► Structure, magnetic behaviour, bioactivity and protein adherence on a new SiO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3-Dy2O3 bioceramic are investigated. ► Magnetite and hematite nanocrystallites developed in the aluminosilicate matrix lead to a nearly superparamagnetic behaviour. ► The increase of incubation time in protein solutions from 3 to 7 days has no relevant effect on protein attachment level. ► The occurrence of a calcium containing phase on sample surface after soaking in SFB/BSA solutions denotes sample bioactivity.