Bioactive glasses beyond bone and teeth: emerging applications in contact with soft tissues

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bioactive glasses (BGs) are extensively studied for hard tissue replacement and regeneration.
• The ion release and surface reactivity of BGs are also relevant to soft tissue healing mechanisms.
• Emerging research explores BGs for applications beyond the skeletal system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current research on the application of bioactive glasses in soft tissue regeneration and wound healing.
• To explore the potential mechanisms underlying BG interaction with soft tissues.
• To highlight the suitability of BGs for repairing various non-skeletal tissues.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on bioactive glasses and soft tissues.
• Analysis of research investigating BG particulates, fibers, and nanoparticles.
• Examination of studies involving BGs with polymer components.

Main Results:

• Bioactive glasses demonstrate suitability for vascularization, wound healing, and repair of cardiac, lung, nerve, gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and laryngeal tissues.
• Various forms of BGs, including nanoparticles and fibers, show efficacy.
• BG-polymer composites are also investigated for soft tissue applications.

Conclusions:

• Bioactive glasses possess significant potential for soft tissue regeneration and wound healing.
• The surface bioreactivity and ion release of BGs are key mechanisms for soft tissue interaction.
• Further research into BG applications for diverse soft tissues is warranted.