The incorporation of bioactive glass into bone tissue-engineered scaffolds can be widely beneficial based on emerging evidence in the literature about the angiogenic potential of this material, particularly 45S5 Bioglass((R)). This article reviews the literature discussing in vitro studies which have demonstrated that increases in angiogenic indicators have been achieved through both direct and indirect contact of relevant cells with 45S5 Bioglass((R)) particles or with their dissolution products. A few available in vivo studies confirming the ability of bioactive glass, incorporated into scaffolds, to stimulate neovascularization are also discussed. Suggestions for further research are given, highlighting the need for specific investigations designed to assess the effect of particular ion dissolution products from bioactive glasses and their relative concentration on angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the neoformed bone tissue around boron-modified bioactive glass particles implanted in rat tibia bone marrow by histologic, histomorphometric and microchemical evaluation. Melt-derived glasses were prepared from a base 45S5 bioactive glass of nominal composition (45% SiO(2), 24.5% CaO, 24.5% Na(2)O and 6% P(2)O(5) in wt%). The glass composition was modified by adding 2% wt of boron oxide (45S5.2B). Histological and histomorphometric analyses using undecalcified sections showed that at 15 days post-implantation the area of neoformed bone tissue around the 45S5.2B particles was significantly higher than control 45S5 glass. No statistically significant differences were observed at 30 days post-implantation. The thickness of osseointegrated tissue on 45S5.2B BG particles was significantly greater than on the control at all experimental time-points evaluated. A statistically significant increase in the Ca:P ratio was observed in the neoformed bone around 45S5.2B particles 15 days post-implantation. The results of the present study provide evidence that particles of boron-modified 45S5 BG (45S5.2B) enhance bone formation more than 45S5 glass when implanted into the intramedullary canal of rat tibiae.

There is accumulating evidence that strontium (Sr)-containing bioceramics have positive effects on bone tissue repair. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the osteoconductivity of Sr-doped bioactive glass (BG) particles implanted in rat tibia bone marrow, and characterize the neoformed bone tissue by SEM-energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Melt-derived BGs were prepared from a base 45S5 BG. Sr-doped glass (45S5.6Sr) was prepared using 6 wt % SrO as a substitute for the CaO. Histological analysis using undecalcified sections showed that new lamellar bone had formed along the surface of both 45S5 and 45S5.6Sr BG particles within 4 weeks. To evaluate osteoconductivity, affinity indices were calculated. At 30 days after implantation, 45S5 and 45S5.6Sr BGs had almost identical affinity indices (88% +/- 7% and 87% +/- 9%; p > 0.05). Strontium was not detected in the neoformed bone tissue surrounding 45S5.6Sr BG particles. These results indicate that 45S5.6Sr BG particles are osteoconductive when implanted inside the intramedullary canal of rat tibiae, and no alterations in bone mineralization, in terms of Ca/P ratio, were observed in the neoformed bone tissue around 45S5.6Sr BG particles.

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