Bioglass scaffold after 7 days in culture, the entire bioglasses surface is covered by cells. Image: CSICBioactive glass is one of the most promising materials as a bone substitute and temporary scaffolds for tissue engineering. Compared to ceramic materials, which are made of calcium phosphate, the bioglasses can be also enriched with ions that enhance osteoinduction and therefore the growth of bone cells.
Scientists at the CSIC, the Universidad de Málaga and the CIBER laboratory have obtained a highly porous bioglass. On its surface nitride groups have been added, in order to improve the cell regeneration. They biodegrade quickly, are highly bioactive and adapt better to bone cells than non nitrured materials. The scientific team is searching now companies interested in continuing the research in order to develop and commercialize this material.
Improved medium for cell growth
Felipe Orgaz, CSIC researcher at the Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, explains that there are three essential elements in the case of implants: “mechanical consistence, biodegradation and osteoinductive capacity. The implant has to dissolve and help the bone regeneration at the same time that maintains its mechanical consistency. Reducing the biodegradation rate improves the dissolution of the material and bone's growth”. In this sense, he says, the obtained bioglass is mechanically stable and biodegrades much quicker. But the most innovative aspect is that on the surface of the material the chemical –NH and –NH2 groups have been added.
These chemical radicals, which are essential components of proteins and peptides, “create an improved biological medium which enhances the cell’s growth”. From a practical point of view, this supposes an improved and faster cellular regeneration, because cells attach to bioglass, grow and differentiate better.
In vitro experiments have shown that bone cells cultivated with the bioglasses have an improved growth and differentiation. The scientists think that this material could overcome the problems of current bone substitutes, as temporary substitutes, which dissolve afterwards, but also in permanent prosthesis. For the latter ones, the prosthesis could be coated with this nitrured bioglass, what would improve the prosthesis integration and, therefore, its lifespan.
These bioglasses could be used cranial and maxillofacial surgery, for the treatment of pathologies such as the osteonecrosis of the jaw, which has a low success rate. Also, in reconstructive surgery of congenital malformations in children, as in children metal stents cannot be used and the current bones substitutes are not efficient.
Contact:
Marisa Carrascoso Arranz
Deputy Vice-Presidency for Knowledge Transfer (CSIC)
Tel.: + 34 –91 568 15 33