Synthesis and characterization of three-dimensional ordered mesoporous–macroporous bioactive glass

Three-dimensional ordered mesoporous–macroporous bioactive glass (MMBG) was synthesized by a combination of surfactant and polystyrene bead templates, the sol–gel method, and the evaporation-induced self-assembly process. The incorporation of regular spherical macropores only slightly perturbed the mesoporous network. The bioactivity of the MMBG was assessed by its immersion in simulated body fluid for different lengths of time and the subsequent determination of hydroxycarbonate apatite formation. The synthesized MMBG displayed good in vitro bioactivity and may have potential applications in bone tissue engineering.