Exploring the Impact of Copper Oxide Substitution on Structure, Morphology, Bioactivity, and Electrical Properties of 45S5 Bioglass®

Abstract

In recent decades, the requirements for implantable medical devices have increased, but the risks of implant rejection still exist. These issues are primarily associated with poor osseointegration, leading to biofilm formation on the implant surface. This study focuses on addressing these issues by developing a biomaterial for implant coatings. 45S5 bioglass® has been widely used in tissue engineering due to its ability to form a hydroxyapatite layer, ensuring a strong bond between the hard tissue and the bioglass. In this context, 45S5 bioglasses®, modified by the incorporation of different amounts of copper oxide, from 0 to 8 mol%, were synthesized by the melt–quenching technique. The incorporation of Cu ions did not show a significant change in the glass structure. Since the bioglass exhibited the capacity for being polarized, thereby promoting the osseointegration effectiveness, the electrical properties of the prepared samples were studied using the impedance spectroscopy method, in the frequency range of 102–106 Hz and temperature range of 200–400 K. The effects of CuO on charge transport mobility were investigated. Additionally, the bioactivity of the modified bioglasses was evaluated through immersion tests in simulated body fluid. The results revealed the initiation of a Ca–P-rich layer formation on the surface within 24 h, indicating the potential of the bioglasses to enhance the bone regeneration process.

The Effect of Iron Oxide Insertion on the In Vitro Bioactivity, and Antibacterial Properties of the 45S5 Bioactive Glass

“…The spectral deconvolutions for the bioglass modified with 1, and 8% mol of Fe 3 O 4 are illustrated in Figure 2 a and Figure 2 b, respectively. The results show the presence of six vibrational modes located at around 845–860 cm −1 , 905–908 cm −1 , 940–906 cm −1 , 970–985 cm −1 , 1009–1014 cm −1 , and 144–1053 cm −1 , associated with Q 0 Si units, Q 1 Si units, Q 2 Si units, Q 0 P units, Q 1 P units and Q 3 Si units, respectively [ 44 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”

“…Figure 3 b shows that the activation energy E a increases with the increase in Fe 3 O 4 concentration in the bioglass network. This suggests that the glass structure becomes more rigid, creating higher barriers for ion movement and thereby increasing the activation energy [ 51 ].…”