ORALS

Bioactive glasses were the first synthetic materials to bond to bone, and for several decades they have been used clinically to regenerate bone [1]. They can degrade in physiological solutions at a rate matching that of bone formation, and through a combination of apatite crystallization on their surface layer and ion release they stimulate cell proliferation [2]. Bioactive glasses thus actively promote healing of tissue, such as bones or skin lesions [3]. They can also kill bacteria where antibiotics have failed [4]. These properties make bioactive glasses unique materials which have changed how we think about biomaterials. This talk discusses how glass structure controls bioactive glass properties and how these materials are currently used in the clinic.

References:
[1] JR Jones, DS Brauer, L Hupa, DC Greenspan, Bioglass and bioactive glasses and their impact on healthcare. Int J Appl Glass Sci 7 (2016) 423-434. [2] DS Brauer, Bioactive glasses—structure and properties. Angew Chemie Int Ed 54 (2015) 4160-4181. [3] JR Jones, Review of bioactive glass: From Hench to hybrids. Acta Biomater 9 (2014) 4457-4486. [4] NC Lindfors et al., Bioactive glass S53P4 as bone graft substitute in treatment of osteomyelitis. Bone 47 (2010) 212-218.