The Synthesis, Characterization, and Biocompatibility Testing of TiO2-Substituted SiO2-Na2O-CaO-P2O5 Bioactive Glass Scaffolds

Abstract

The structural properties and bioactivity were investigated for scaffolds fabricated from a series of 42SiO2-24Na2O-21CaO-14P2O5 wt% glass compositions with incremental substitutions of TiO2 for SiO2. X-ray diffraction revealed crystallinity in the control (Con) and 12 wt% TiO2 (BG-2) scaffolds, while the 24 wt% (BG-4) scaffolds had a partial amorphous nature. SEM and stereo microscopy showed an interconnected network of open pores for all three compositions with pore diameters of 516 µm, 524 µm, and 533 µm measured with optical microscopy for Con, BG-2 and BG-4, respectively. SBF testing indicated the presence of CaP crystals on Con scaffolds in 15 days, but no visible deposition occurred for BG-2 or BG-4even after incubation for 60 days. Analysis of ion release profiles with ICP showed a slower release rate of Si and Ca for BG-4, as compared to the rapid decrease followed by leveling off for Con and BG-2. Future work could investigate the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds.