An investigation on structural and in vitro biological properties of silicate-based bioactive glass powder in SiO2-CaO-P2O5-ZrO2-Li2O quintuplet system

Zirconium (Zr) and Lithium (Li) modified 58S bioactive glasses (Z/L-BGs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The Z/L-BGs were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for up to 14 days and then were assessed by structural analysis, such as Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, pH measurements and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis were carried out to monitor the SBF solution. The formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the surface after seven days of immersion was concluded from the results. Afterward, in vitro biological evaluations exhibited the stimulating impact of Z/L-BGs on the proliferation, differentiation, and viability of the MC3T3 osteoblast-like cell line. Furthermore, Z/L-BGs revealed the enhanced antibacterial efficiency against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria compared to Li-free specimens.