Optimization of the sol–gel synthesis parameters on Zn–Cu–Co-doped silicate-based bioactive glass for tissue repair

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology Vol. 111; no. 1; pp. 187 - 201
• Main Authors: Perry, Danielle. L., Wren, Anthony. W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.07.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bacteria; Biocompatibility; Bioglass; Biological activity; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cobalt; Composites; Copper; Crystallinity; Degree of crystallinity; Drying; E coli; Glass; Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Science; Microporosity; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper; Parameters; Particle size; Roasting; Sol-gel processes; Surface area; Synthesis; Temperature; Time measurement; Toxicity; Transition temperature; Zinc; Bioactive Glass; Tissue Repair; Synthesis; Sol–gel; Dissolution
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-024-06440-7

Sol–gel synthesis parameters can significantly influence bioactive glass’s structure, dissolution rates, and biocompatibility. For this study, various drying times and calcining temperatures were explored for a Zinc (Zn 2+ ), Copper (Cu 2+ ), and Cobalt (Co 2+ ) doped silicate-based sol–gel bioactive glass composition. Surface area measurements showed an increase in the particle’s surface area with decreased calcining temperature, whereas the particle size decreased with longer drying time and higher calcining temperature. The micropore area and volume showed an inverse relationship to the reduced particle size, with the microporosity increasing as the drying time was extended with the calcining temperature below the glasses’ transition temperature (560–586 °C). A Kilchoanite (Ca 3 (Si 2 O 7 )) crystalline phase was present in each sample, and with increased calcining temperature above the T g of the glasses, the degree of crystallinity increased. A drying time of 72 hrs with a calcining temperature of 450 °C showed an enhanced surface area (120 m 2 /g) with smaller average particle size (0.43 µm), increased microporosity, ion release rates within toxicity and pH limits, and growth inhibition for both gram-positive ( S. aureus ) and gram-negative ( E. coli ) bacteria. Graphical Abstract A schematic of the sol–gel synthesis steps used to create the doped-bioactive glass powders. Created with BioRender.com. Highlights A drying time of 72 hrs leads to smaller particle size and increased microporosity below the T g . A calcining temperature of 450 °C increases surface area and decreases crystallinity. Zinc, copper, and cobalt ion releases were within the limits of cytotoxicity and pH. A drying time of 72 hrs and calcining temperature of 450 °C presented bacterial growth inhibition.