Development of injectable biocomposites from hyaluronic acid and bioactive glass nano-particles obtained from different sol–gel routes

Bioactive glass nano-powders with the same chemical composition and different particle characteristics were synthesized by acid-catalyzed (the glass is called BG1) and acid–base catalyzed (BG2) sol–gel processes. Morphological characteristics of powders were determined by TEM and BET methods. The powders were separately mixed with 3% hyaluronic acid solution to form a paste. In vitro reactivity of pastes was determined by soaking them in simulated body fluid. Rheological behaviors of paste in both rotation and oscillation modes were also measured. The results showed that BG1 particles was microporous with mean pore diameter of 1.6nm and particle size of ~300nm while BG2 was mesoporous with average pore diameter of 8 and 17nm and particle size of 20–30nm. The paste made of BG2 revealed better washout resistance and in vitro apatite formation ability than BG1. According to the rheological evaluations, both pastes exhibited shear thinning but non-thixotropic behavior, meanwhile paste of BG2 had higher viscosity than BG1. The oscillatory tests revealed that the pastes were viscoelastic materials with more viscous nature. Both pastes could be completely injected through standard syringe using low compressive load of 5–50N. Overall, The biocomposites can potentially be used as bioactive paste for the treatment of hard and even soft tissues. •Mesoporous and microporous bioactive glasses were produced by sol–gel process.•Acidic catalyzed sol–gel increased particle size of glass powder.•Injectable biocomposite was developed by mixing hyaluronic acid and bioglasses.•Pastes made of acid–base catalyzed gel exhibit a better in vitro apatite formation.•The biocomposites revealed viscoelastic but non-thixotropic behavior.