Bioactive Glasses: Prospects in Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Bioactive glasses, the most fascinating materials, have gained significant attention in bone tissue engineering since their discovery. These materials have the ability to bind to the bone and become an integral part of it, thereby allowing its regeneration. However, different methods have been utilized for the synthesis of bioactive glasses with specific compositions. The current chapter summarizes the various methods adopted for the synthesis of glasses along with their use and their applicability in bone tissue engineering. Further, the mechanism of bone formation has been presented highlighting the specific stages thereof. The commercially available bioactive glasses have been summarized along with their specific composition. Furthermore, the concept of hybrid materials has been focused with several case studies highlighting the potential of bioactive glasses in bone regeneration supported by in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility tests. The chapter thus provides a brief summary of the prospects of bioactive glasses as potential ceramic materials for targeted bone tissue engineering applications.