Microstructural Properties and in vitro Dissolution of Microporous Bioactive 13-93B3 Glass Powders Synthesized via Solution Combustion Synthesis

This study investigates the bioactivity and microstructural properties of borate-based bioactive 13-93B3 glass produced by the solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method using urea and sucrose fuels at different reaction temperatures. The results show these glasses exhibit unique properties compared to conventionally-synthesized borate-based bioactive glasses. The glass particles produced have porous surfaces, with particle sizes below 100 nm. BET measurements reveal that the mesoporous structure of these glasses is characterized by high-specific surface areas, promoting a high ion release and hydroxyapatite layer formation in simulated body fluid (SBF). The crystallization of the amorphous calcium phosphate was investigated by 1H, 31P MAS, and 2D 31P{1H} heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectroscopy, showing that it progresses linearly up to three days. The produced glasses were tested for their effects on the viability of 3T3 cells and were found to have no toxic effects. Therefore, the produced glasses are promising candidates for tissue engineering applications.