Investigation of in vitro bioactivity, and osteoblast and angiogenic activity of spray-dried boron-doped 58S bioactive glass microspheres

Bioactive glass is a potential biomaterial for bone reconstruction owing to its superior bioactivity and non-toxicity. Yet, the absence of a circulatory system to carry waste and nutrients is a key issue with biomaterials implanted in the body. Thus the development of functional and vascularized new tissue requires the development of angiogenesis, which involves the formation of new blood vessels. Based on this perspective, we aimed to fabricate boron-doped 58S bioactive glass microspheres using the spray drying method, which could offer great flowability, controllable morphology, and narrow size distribution. Characterization of particle morphology and elemental composition were examined using scanning electron microscopy along with energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. To evaluate the effect of the boron dopant on in vitro bioactivity, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed, while MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells and BAOEC endothelial cells were used to assess the in vitro osteoblast and angiogenic activities, respectively. Finally, the results showed that two distinct morphologies, smooth and concave spheres, were found, with discussion of the corresponding formation mechanism. In addition, positive effects of the boron dopant were demonstrated on the in vitro bioactivity, and osteoblast and angiogenic activity when compared to the un-doped BG specimen.