Processing and properties of sol-gel bioactive glasses

Melt derived 45S5 Bioglass(R) has been studied for more than 25 years. Bioglass(R) has excellent biocompatibility, and its surface reactivity has contributed to its clinical success over the past 10 years. Recently, porous bioactive glasses have been derived through sol-gel processing in an attempt to increase the specific surface area, and, thus, the surface reactivity and degradability of the material. This allows the material to be replaced ultimately by natural tissue while it stimulates bone regeneration. In this work, the processing and properties of these sol-gel bioactive glasses are discussed, and a nem drying method and treatment is described to make homogeneous particulate and monoliths on a production scale. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.