Novel Strontium Borate Modified Hench`s Bioglass Synthesis and Characterization for Bone Replacement

Strontium (Sr) has recently gained increasing attention for its positive effects on bone tissue repair. A novel bioactive glass composition based on the replacement of silica (SiO2) by borate B2O3 doped with a Sr trace element has been mentioned in this study. Glass samples with a nominal composition of 45 silica oxide (SiO2), 24.5 calcium oxide (CaO), 24.5 sodium oxide (Na2O), and 6 phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) in weight percentage (wt%) were prepared by the melt-quench technique with complete replacement of silica with borate (by the same ratio) and the substitution of Strontium oxide (SrO) within the glass to investigate any property changes. The effect of strontium on the bioactive glasses’ structural and biological behavior was investigated. Glass powders were immersed in Simulated Fluid Body (SBF) solution over varied periods, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks, to investigate the bioactivity of prepared samples. Spectral measurements of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption were performed before and after immersion to study the variation of glass structure due to changing the dopant concentration and immersion time. The X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed the before-immersion samples amorphous without any significant crystalline phases and revealed the HA presence within the glassy matrix after immersion. The presence of main structural units resulting from the borate matrix was confirmed by FTIR analysis, with the formation of characteristic FT infrared bands due to calcium phosphate (HA) formation after immersion, which is supposed to be a potential indication of bone-bonding ability.