Search Results (201)

The human body’s ability to recover from bone injuries is remarkable; however, in specific conditions, interventions are required to restore function and prevent complications. To accelerate osteogenesis, several strategies have been explored, including grafts, biomaterials, and adjuvant therapies. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the preclinical evidence regarding the combination of particulate biomaterials and fibrin derivatives for bone regeneration. Publications using hydroxyapatite, bovine bone, β-tricalcium phosphate, and bioglass in association with fibrin glue, heterologous fibrin sealants, or platelet-rich fibrin were examined to identify recurrent experimental patterns and biological outcomes. According to the studies, hydroxyapatite and bovine bone were the most frequently investigated scaffolds, whereas fibrin glue and heterologous fibrin sealants showed consistent adhesion and favorable host response profiles in animal models. β-tricalcium phosphate demonstrated faster remodeling but lower volumetric stability, and bioglass showed high bioactivity in isolated reports. Despite heterogeneity in particle size, fibrin formulations, defect models, and follow-up periods, most studies reported enhanced bone deposition, vascularization, and integration when particulate biomaterials were combined with fibrin-based matrices. Overall, the evidence suggests that these combinations promote more organized and biologically favorable bone healing under experimental conditions. Future translational and clinical research is required to standardize protocols and determine the therapeutic applicability of these strategies in human bone repair. Full article

The development of effective bone substitutes remains a central goal in regenerative medicine. In this study, lithium-modified bioglass-ceramics based on the 47.5S5 silicate oxide system were synthesized using the sol–gel method, followed by calcination and axial pressing to form cylindrical samples. These materials were sintered at 700 and 800 °C and subsequently examined to evaluate their structural, mechanical, and biological performance. Structural and microstructural analyses confirmed the presence of crystalline phases such as combeite (Na₆Ca₃Si₆O₁₈), NaLiSiO₄, Li₂SiO₃, and calcium silicates, indicating the successful incorporation of lithium within the glass-ceramic network. The bioceramics exhibited improved densification, deformability, and compressive strength with increasing sintering temperature. In vitro degradation in simulated body fluid revealed a consistent increase in mass loss with higher lithium content, suggesting enhanced resorbability linked to lithium oxide. Antibacterial testing indicated moderate antimicrobial activity, with slightly better results observed at higher sintering temperatures. Cell viability assays further supported the materials cytocompatibility. Taken together, these findings suggest that lithium substitution contributes positively to both mechanical robustness and biological behaviour, positioning these ceramics as promising bioresorbable bone substitutes with controlled degradation, suitable for bone tissue engineering where durability, bioactivity, and antimicrobial function are required. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a serious public health problem, mainly due to the difficulty in healing chronic wounds, which present an inflammatory response for long periods of time and are more vulnerable to infections. Hydrogels are a promising therapeutic solution due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to allow controlled release of therapeutic agents. The addition of bioactive glasses doped with therapeutic ions to hydrogels can also provide specific biological responses to the system and thus improve tissue regeneration. In this study, a hydrogel based on carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene glycol with different degrees of crosslinking and enriched with 10% by weight of CeO₂-doped Bioglass 45S5 was developed. Structural, morphological, mechanical, and biological characterizations were performed on bioactive glass, hydrogels, and hydrogels enriched with bioactive glass. Structural analyses confirmed the preservation of the typical amorphous structure of Bioglass 45S5, even after the incorporation of 5% molar CeO₂, as well as the effectiveness of the polymer matrix crosslinking process. Structural analyses demonstrated the preservation of the typical amorphous structure of Bioglass 45S5, even after the incorporation of 5 mol% CeO₂, as well as the effectiveness of the polymer matrix cross-linking process. The hydrogels exhibited distinct behaviours in terms of water absorption and degradation, showing that the sample with the lowest concentration of crosslinkers and bioactive glass allowed for a higher expansion rate and a higher degradation rate. The hydrogel with 10 wt% BG did not compromise cell viability and showed structural integrity after being subjected to cyclic flexible deformations, indicating its safety and suitability for use in tissue engineering. Full article

New cosmeceuticals formulas (direct emulsion, inverse emulsion and hydrogel), that synergistically combine bioglass with retinol, were prepared and characterized in order to attenuate the irritant potential of retinoids and prolong their therapeutic efficacy. The study evaluates the physicochemical, microbiological and stability characteristics of these formulations. Thus, TGA and DSC analyses revealed stronger interactions between water molecules and those of other organic compounds, with much more being observed in the case of emulsions than in the case of hydrogel, materialized by the delay in water evaporation. The stability of the three types of formulations has been evaluated in two ways: by determining the backscattering variation with the height of the container and analyzing the sample for 6 h and by counting the fraction of small droplets. Both methods demonstrated high stability in the three types of formulations. Full article

Prophylactic measures and treatment strategies of implant-related bone and joint infections frequently involve the local delivery of high doses of antimicrobial drugs into the affected bone tissue or articular space in addition to the use of systemic antibiotics. Antibiotic-loaded biomaterials, such as Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) cement, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, bioglass, and others, have proven to be clinically effective. However, they suffer from important limitations regarding elution and freedom of choice of admixable antimicrobial drugs. In order to overcome these shortcomings, the techniques of direct intraosseous or intra-articular injection/infusion of antibiotics via needles/cannulas or catheters are gaining popularity. Their attractiveness is based on the potential to achieve extremely high drug concentrations in situ, which can be maintained for as long as the catheters are left in place without increased risks of systemic toxicity. Although these methods are still in an experimental stage, reports on their clinical outcomes look promising. This articles summarizes the knowledge of when, how, and in which clinical settings the different modes and philosophies of local antibiotic delivery work best, with the aim to provide surgeons and infectious disease physicians guidance in clinical practice. This will help to optimize the use for the sake of the patients. Full article

Tailored mesoporous silicate nanomaterials have attracted significant interest due to their exceptional surface properties, including high interfacial toughness, tunable thickness, customizable topology, optical transparency, and adjustable hydrophobicity. These characteristics enable them to exhibit a wide range of functional behaviors, such as antibacterial, anti-fouling, anti-fogging, lubricating, and abrasion-resistant properties, to name just a few. With recent advances in surface-modified nanosystems for bioengineering and biomedical applications, silica-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates owing to their ease of surface functionalization, bioactivity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioavailability. Consequently, they have been widely explored in various therapeutic contexts. This review provides a concise and concentrated summary of recent advances and applications of tailored mesoporous silicate nanomaterials in regenerative medicine and theranostics, with the primary focus being on how endogenous or exogenous triggers can be leveraged to achieve selective and precise delivery of various biomolecules and active therapeutics across diverse cellular environments, by harnessing the intrinsic properties of mesoporous silicate nanoparticles. This focus also guided the selection of specific examples provided to highlight their wide range of applications, with the report concluding with some perspectives and remaining challenges. Full article

Chronic wounds pose a great challenge due to their slow healing and susceptibility to infections, hence the need for innovative alternatives to conventional antibiotics, as increasing bacterial resistance limits the efficacy of current treatments. This paper addresses the development of novel electrospun membranes based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate, incorporating therapeutic ZnO and bioglass (54SiO₂:40CaO:6P₂O₅) nanoparticles. While nanocomposites presented smaller fiber diameters than pure polymers, ternary nanocomposites displayed higher values, e.g., in porous areas, values were in the ca. 80–240 nm range and 0.06–0.60 μm², respectively. The Young’s modulus of the PVA/SA membrane, initially 15.9 ± 2.0 MPa, decreased by 65% with 10 wt.% ZnO NPs, whereas 10 wt.% BG NPs increased it by 100%. The membranes demonstrated efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from a human wound secretion, as well as two ATCC strains: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. A cell viability assay conducted with HaCaT cells demonstrated nearly complete survival following 72 h of membrane exposure. Their combined Gram-positive antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility support their potential application as biofunctional dressings for the management of chronic and hospital-acquired topical infections, while also contributing to the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance. Full article

This study explores the potential of biodegradable Bioglass 45S5 formulations as a dual-function approach for preventing and treating Staphylococcus aureus infections in orthopaedic surgery while addressing the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research focuses on the development and characterisation of antibiotic-loaded BG45S5 formulations, assessing parameters such as drug loading efficiency, release kinetics, antimicrobial efficacy, and dissolution behaviour. Key findings indicate that the F2l-BG45S5-T-T-1.5 and F2l-BG45S5-T-V-1.5 formulations demonstrated controlled antibiotic release for up to seven days, with size distributions of D(10): 7.11 ± 0.806 µm, 4.96 ± 0.007 µm; D(50): 25.34 ± 1.730 µm, 25.20.7 ± 0.425 µm; and D(90): 53.7 ± 7.95 µm, 56.10 ± 0.579 µm, respectively. These formulations facilitated hydroxyapatite formation on their surfaces, indicative of osteogenic potential. The antimicrobial assessments revealed zones of inhibition against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, ATCC-6538) measuring 20.3 ± 1.44 mm and 24.6 ± 1.32 mm, while for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC-43300), the inhibition zones were 21.6 ± 1.89 mm and 22 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Time-kill assay results showed complete bacterial eradication within eight hours. Additionally, biocompatibility testing via MTT assay confirmed cell viability of >75%. In conclusion, these findings highlight the promise of antibiotic-loaded BG45S5 as a multifunctional biomaterial capable of both combating bone infections and supporting bone regeneration. These promising results suggest that in vivo studies should be undertaken to expedite these materials into clinical applications. Full article

Bioactive glass materials have been used for decades in orthopedic surgery, traumatology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery to repair bone defects. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the survival and proliferation of MG63 human osteosarcoma-derived cells on S53P4 bioactive glass (BonAlive^® granules). Microscopic visualization was performed to directly observe the interactions between the cells and the material. Osteoblast-like cells were examined on non-adherent test plates, on tissue culture (TC)-treated plates and on the surface of the bioglass to assess the differences. Cell survival and proliferation were monitored using a CCK-8 optical density assay. Comparing the mean OD of MG63 cells in MEM on TC-treated plates with cells on BG, we detected a significant difference (p < 0.05), over each time of observation. The sustained cell proliferation confirmed the non-cytotoxic property of the bioglass, as the cell number increased continuously at 48, 72, 96, and 168 h and even did not plateau after 168 h. Since the properties of bioglasses can vary significantly depending on their composition and environment, a thorough characterization of their biocompatibility is crucial to ensure their effective and appropriate application—for example, during hip and knee prosthesis insertion. Full article

Bioactive glasses are known for their surface reactivity and ability to bond with bone tissue through the formation of hydroxyapatite. This study investigates the effects of substituting ultrapure water with natural geothermal waters from the Azores in the sol–gel synthesis of 45S5 and MgO-modified bioglasses. Using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we examined how the mineral composition of the waters influenced the chemical environment and network connectivity of the glass surface. The presence of trace ions, such as Mg²⁺, Sr²⁺, Zn²⁺, and B³⁺, altered the silicate structure, as evidenced by binding energy shifts and peak deconvolution in O 1s, Si 2p, P 2p, Ca 2p, and Na 1s spectra. Thermal treatment further promoted polymerization and reduced hydroxylation. Our findings suggest that mineral-rich waters act as functional agents, modulating the reactivity and structure of bioactive glass surfaces in eco-sustainable synthesis routes. Full article

This research activity proposes to produce composite hydrogel–bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D-printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability (SiO₂–P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O), co-doped with europium and silver was synthesized and doped to improve its biological properties. This doped bioglass was then combined with a biocompatible hydrogel, chosen for its adequate cellular response and printability. The composite material was printed to form a scaffold, providing a structure that not only supports the damaged bone but also encourages osteogenesis. A variety of methods were employed to assess the rheological, compositional, and morphological characteristics of the samples: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for bioactivity monitoring and immunocytochemistry for cell viability were used to evaluate the biological response of the scaffolds. Full article

Bioactive glasses in the SiO₂-CaO-P₂O₅ system represent emerging materials for hard-tissue-regeneration applications. This article focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biological interaction of glasses doped with Mg²⁺ and/or Zn²⁺, with an emphasis on their effects on biomineralization, antibacterial behavior, and interactions with preosteoblasts from the MC3T3-E1 cell line. The bioglasses were synthesized using the sol-gel method, and the vitreous nature remained predominant even after thermal treatment at 600 °C for 2 h. From an in vitro perspective, the synthesized bioglasses demonstrated strong cell adhesion and proliferation (notably in the case of Mg²⁺ doping), low cytotoxicity, and antibacterial properties (especially in Zn²⁺-doped samples). Additionally, the simultaneous doping with Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ of the bioactive glass matrix is a prospective strategy for developing biomaterials with a “dual” biological characteristics–both osteoinductive and antibacterial. Full article

The development of bioactive coatings for metallic implants is essential to enhance osseointegration and improve implant longevity. In this study, composite thin films based on bioactive glass and melittin were synthesized using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique and deposited onto titanium substrates. The coatings were characterized using physicochemical analysis methods, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Simulated body fluid immersion tests were also conducted to assess bioactivity over time. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed dense, irregular surface textures with nanoscale features and an average roughness of ~120 nm, favorable for cell adhesion. Contact angle measurements showed a significant shift from hydrophobic (~95° for bare titanium) to moderately hydrophilic (~62° for the bioglass and melittin coating) surfaces, indicating improved biocompatibility. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid, with the coating exhibiting a ~45% decrease in impedance magnitude after 12 h of immersion, compared to only 4% for bare titanium. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses confirmed the progressive formation of a carbonated apatite layer after 7 days of simulated body fluid exposure, suggesting high bioactivity and osteoconductive potential. The combined effects of bioactive glass and melittin in the thin film structure offer promising applications in orthopedic and dental implants, enhancing both biological performance and structural integrity. Full article

Tissue engineering represents a revolutionary approach to regenerating damaged bones and tissues. The most promising materials for this purpose are calcium phosphate-based bioactive ceramics (CaPs) and bioglasses, due to their excellent biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and bioactivity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative analysis of different bioactive calcium phosphate derivatives and bioglasses, highlighting their roles and potential in both bone and soft tissue engineering as well as in drug delivery systems. We explore their applications as composites with natural and synthetic biopolymers, which can enhance their mechanical and bioactive properties. This review critically examines the advantages and limitations of each material, their preparation methods, biological efficacy, biodegradability, and practical applications. By summarizing recent research from scientific literature, this paper offers a detailed analysis of the current state of the art. The novelty of this work lies in its systematic comparison of bioactive ceramics and bioglasses, providing insights into their suitability for specific tissue engineering applications. The expected primary outcomes include a deeper understanding of how each material interacts with biological systems, their suitability for specific applications, and the implications for future research directions. Full article

Background: The aim of this review was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of functionalized bioceramics for dental applications. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2020 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions related to the role of antibacterial-functionalized bioceramics in combating pathogens in dentistry without triggering immune reactions and inflammation, as well as on their efficacy against various pathogens and whether understanding the antibacterial mechanism can promote the development of glass-ceramic and bioceramic with long-term antibacterial activity. The keywords used to answer the research questions were: bioglass, bioceramic, biocompatible, antibacterial, osseointegration, implant, and bioactive materials. Results: Bacterial infections play a key role in the longevity of medical devices. A crucial problem is drug-resistant bacteria. Antibacterial ceramics have received great attention recently because of their long-term antibacterial activity, good mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and bioactivity. This review provides a detailed examination of the complex interactions between bacteria, immune cells, and bioceramics from a clinical perspective. The focus of the researchers is on developing new-generation bioceramics with multifunctionality, in particular with antibacterial properties that are independent of conventional antibiotics. The highlight of this review is the exploration of bioceramics with dual functions such as antibacterial and bioactive properties, promoting bone regeneration and antibacterial activity, which have the potential to revolutionize implant technology. Another research focus is modifying the implant surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic in order to increase the antibacterial activity of bioceramics. Conclusions: The aim of this review is to help researchers understand the current state-of-the-art antibacterial activities of bioceramics, which could promote the development of antibacterial ceramics and their clinical application. Full article