In vitro dissolution behavior of gel-derived bioactive glasses in the SiO₂-CaO-P₂O₅-MgO system

Bioactive glass-ceramics of the SiO₂-CaO-P₂O ₅-MgO system were fabricated by sol-gel-self propagating method. Two Gel-derived materials discs, 5S and 3S, were prepared by compression of powders. The materials obtained were examined in vitro with regard to the dissolution behavior and the formation ability of calcium phosphate layer on the surfaces of samples in simulated body fluid (SBF). Concentration of ions and pH value in SBF were determined by ICP-AES and micro acidity meter after 3S and 5S were immerged in SBF for intervals from 6h to 15 days and the surface characteristic of 3S and 5S soaked were determined by SEM. Experiment results showed that the formation ability of calcium phosphate on the surface of gel-derived materials depended on the speed of dissolution of samples, which related to original chemical composition and size of crystal on the surface of materials. With decreasing of Si content and increasing of Ca content, smaller crystal could be formed on the surface of 3S, which tended to dissolve more quickly in SBF. Solubility product of calcium phosphate can be reached more easily in the solution with high concentration of Ca and P and bone-like carbonate apatite formed easily on the surface of 3S.