Micro-PIXE characterization of interactions between a sol–gel derived bioactive glass and biological fluids

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms Beam interactions with materials and atoms, 2006-04, Vol.245 (2), p.511-518
• Main Authors: Lao, J., Nedelec, J.M., Moretto, Ph, Jallot, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioactive glass; Biomaterials; Chemical Sciences; Material chemistry; PIXE–RBS methods; Sol–gel
• ISSN: 0168-583X; 1872-9584; 1872-9584; 0168-583X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2005.12.049

Bioactive glasses possess the ability to bond to living tissues through the formation of a calcium phosphate-rich layer at their interface with living tissues. This paper reports the different steps of this bioactivity process via a complete micro-PIXE characterization of a sol–gel derived SiO 2–CaO bioactive glass in contact with biological fluids for different delays. Multi-elemental cartography at the glass/biological fluids interface together with major and trace elements quantification permit a better understanding of the five reaction stages involved in the bioactivity mechanisms. The presence of phosphorus was detected at the periphery of the material within 6 h of interaction with biological fluids. A calcium phosphate-rich layer containing magnesium is formed after a few days of interaction and presence of bone-like apatite is deduced from the calculation of the Ca/P ratio at the material interface. That is of deep interest for clinical applications, because this biologically active behavior results in the formation of a strong interfacial bond between the glass and host tissues, and will stimulate bone–cell proliferation.