Synthesis and characterization of barium-doped bioactive glass with potential anti-inflammatory activity

Bioactive glasses are mostly utilized as bone and dental implants. However, these biomaterials cause immunogenic response even in absence of immune stimulating signals. Therefore, there is a need to develop a biomaterial that would be immunologically inert and possesses beneficial biological effects depending upon the pathological condition. In this study, barium doped bioactive glass (BaBG) and 45S5 were synthesized in the nanometer range using the sol-gel process and the BET-specific surface area was assessed. The in-vitro bioactivity of BaBG and 45S5 was examined in the simulated body fluid (SBF). Hydroxyapatite crystals formed on the surface were evaluated using FTIR, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX), and pH changes of SBF. The doping of barium in bioactive glasses showed biocompatibility as the hemolytic index was within the permissible limit for biomedical agents. BaBG and 45S5 increased the percentage of cell proliferation without producing any cytotoxic effects on C6 and K562 cells. Moreover, BaBG showed coordinated horizontal cell movement in scratch assay which is a gold standard for the regeneration of injured tissues. Intriguingly, for the first time we reported that the incorporation of barium significantly reduced the LPS-induced elevation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-alpha) in C6 cells. Simultaneously, BaBG also elevated IL-10 and hence showed anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, based on the biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, and regenerative tendency, BaBG can be used for therapeutic purposes where inflammation restricts the use of biomaterials.