Bioactive Glasses

Abstract

Bioactive silicate glasses release ions when in contact with physiological solutions, leading to the formation of a biomimetic apatite surface layer. This apatite layer allows for protein adhesion, cell attachment and proliferation, and, subsequently, formation of a strong interfacial bond between bioactive glass and bone. In addition, bioactive glasses degrade in vivo and are replaced by new bone, and they thus help to regenerate bone tissue. These reactions are possible owing to the highly disrupted silicate structure of bioactive glasses, containing large concentrations of modifier ions and nonbridging oxygen atoms. Bioactive glasses have been used clinically since the mid‐1980s, and they are used mainly to treat bone defects. However, their mineralizing properties have also resulted in them being used in oral care products for the treatment of sensitive teeth and the remineralization of enamel.