45S5 Bioglass-Derived Glass-Ceramic Scaffolds Containing Niobium Obtained by Gelcasting Method

Scaffolds of bioglass derived from BG45S5 (45 wt% SiO₂, 24.5 wt% CaO, 24.5 wt% Na₂O and 6 wt% P₂O₅) containing 10 wt% niobium were prepared by gelcasting method. The scaffolds presented a 3D porous structure with interconnected and spherical pores (pore size range 100 μm to 500 μm) and high porosity (89%), similar to trabecular architecture of spongy bone. The compressive strength was 0.18 ± 0.03 MPa which is acceptable for bone repair applications. The in vitro biological studies showed cytocompatibility for human osteoblastic cells as well tendency for higher alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, the findings here suggest the great potential of the scaffolds for using in bone tissue engineering.

Keywords:
Bioglass, Niobium oxide, Scaffold; Gelcasting method, Porous materials, Bone tissue engineering