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Zinc-containing bioactive glasses: surface reactivity and behaviour towards endothelial cells
V Aina1, G Malavasi, A Fiorio Pla
1Department of Chemistry IFM and Centre of Excellence NIS, University of Torino, Via Giuria, 7, 10125 Torino, Italy.
Acta Biomaterialia
|December 2, 2008
Summary
Zinc-doped bioactive glasses show reduced leaching and controlled pH, promoting endothelial cell growth. The HZ5 formulation offers a balance of bioactivity and biocompatibility for potential biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bioactive glass 45S5 (H glass) is known for its ability to form hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA).
- Endothelial cells (EC) are sensitive to changes in their environment, including pH and ion release.
- Understanding the influence of dopants on glass properties is crucial for developing advanced biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physico-chemical reactivity of zinc-doped 45S5 glasses (HZ5, HZ20) in buffer solutions.
- To evaluate the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of these glasses using endothelial cells.
- To determine the optimal zinc concentration for balancing bioactivity and biocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Immersion of glasses (45S5, HZ5, HZ20) in Tris and DMEM buffer solutions.
- Monitoring of ion leaching and pH changes.
- Assessment of HCA formation on glass surfaces.
- In vitro testing of endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation.
Main Results:
- Zinc doping significantly reduced ion leaching and inhibited HCA formation at high concentrations (HZ20).
- Zinc presence decreased the pH increase typically observed with H glass dissolution.
- HZ5 glass exhibited reduced solubility, HCA formation, and supported EC growth over 6 days.
- HZ20 glass showed high zinc release, reducing EC proliferation over prolonged exposure.
Conclusions:
- Zinc doping modulates the bioactivity and biocompatibility of 45S5 bioactive glass.
- The HZ5 formulation (5 wt.% Zn) presents a promising balance of reduced solubility, bioactivity, and endothelial cell compatibility.
- This suggests potential for HZ5 in applications requiring controlled ion release and cellular integration.
