Developing unique geometries of phosphate-based glasses and their prospective biomedical applications

Abstract

Phosphate-based glasses are promising materials for a range of applications including biomedical, veterinary and optical. These glasses are distinguished by the presence of at least one terminal oxygen atom, which gives phosphate-based glasses unique properties of which the most interesting is their easily controllable degradation profiles. This article describes the main structural features and applications of phosphate-based glass materials focusing primarily on biomedical applications. The processes utilised for developing varying geometries such as fibres, solid and porous microspheres and coatings are also explored.