Microwave-assisted fabrication of nanostructured borate bioactive glass and its bioactivity

Sol-gel bioactive glass with nanocrystalline structures has demonstrated enhanced bioactivity and acceptance by the surrounding bone tissue. In particular, borate bioactive glasses exhibit higher reactivity and apatite formation under the simulated in vitro and in vivo conditions. This study presents a microwave-assisted synthesis of borate bioactive glass (58S) and an understanding of its structural and in vitro bioactivity. By this synthesis method, the nanocrystalline structures formed within the amorphous matrix will regulate the degradation rate of the glass network during apatite formation. The calcinated borate bioactive glass features a nanorod crystalline hydroxyapatite structure embedded in the amorphous borate glass network. The formation of apatite on the surface of borate bioactive glass within 6 hours of immersion in simulated body fluid confirms the material's enhanced bioactivity and reactivity. Anti-oxidant studies, cell viability, and alkaline phosphate activity further corroborate the bioactivity of borate bioactive glass. In summary, this study highlights the significant potential of microwave-synthesized borate bioactive glass for a wide range of bone tissue engineering applications.