Structural characterization of bioactive glasses by solid state NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy offers an element-selective, inherently quantitative and experimentally very flexible approach for the structural elucidation of non-crystalline materials. The present review introduces the basic concepts of this technique, highlighting the use of advanced NMR methodology for characterizing short- and intermediate range order in bioactive glass systems. The current state of the literature in this field is summarized in a comprehensive manner. NMR can give clear-cut and quantitative answers about the extent of network polymerization, the spatial distribution of the network former and network modifier species, and the structural roles of Group III elements introduced into these networks. These results facilitate our understanding of the influence of bioglass compositions upon the dissolution kinetics and bioactivities of these glasses. A particular mission of this review is to highlight the utility of non-routine, more advanced experimentation, in the hope of their increased usage and circulation in future applications.