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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Fluid-cell Raman Spectroscopy for operando Studies of Reaction and Transport Phenomena during Silicate Glass Corrosion
Published on: May 9, 2025
The unexplored role of alkali and alkaline earth elements (ALAEs) on the structure, processing, and biological
Adam Shearer1, Matthew Molinaro2, Maziar Montazerian1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. mbm6420@psu.edu.
Abstract:
Bioactive glass has been employed in several medical applications since its inception in 1969. The compositions of these materials have been investigated extensively with emphasis on glass network formers, therapeutic transition metals, and glass network modifiers. Through these experiments, several commercial and experimental compositions have been developed with varying chemical durability, induced physiological responses, and hydroxyapatite forming abilities. In many of these studies, the concentrations of each alkali and alkaline earth element have been altered to monitor changes in structure and biological response. This review aims to discuss the impact of each alkali and alkaline earth element on the structure, processing, and biological effects of bioactive glass. We explore critical questions regarding these elements from both a glass science and biological perspective. Should elements with little biological impact be included? Are alkali free bioactive glasses more promising for greater biological responses? Does this mixed alkali effect show increased degradation rates and should it be employed for optimized dissolution? Each of these questions along with others are evaluated comprehensively and discussed in the final section where guidance for compositional design is provided.
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