Antibacterial forsterite (Mg2SiO4) scaffold: A promising bioceramic for load bearing applications

In the current work, forsterite samples with different surface area were investigated for its antibacterial activity. Dissolution studies show that the lower degradation of forsterite compared to other silicate bioceramics, which is a desirable property for repairing bone defects. Forsterite scaffold shows superior compressive strength than the cortical bone after immersion in simulated body fluid. Bactericidal tests indicate that the forsterite had inhibition effect on the growth of clinical bacterial isolates. Forsterite may be a suitable candidate material for load bearing applications with enhanced mechanical properties and lower degradation rate. [Display omitted] •Forsterite with higher surface area shows better degradation, mechanical stability and antibacterial activity.•The compressive strength of forsterite is similar to that of cortical bone.•The dissolution of Mg2+ ion and change in pH are responsible for antibacterial activity of forsterite.