Surface Reactivity and Biocompatibility of Bulk Glass and Glass Coatings

Abstract

Following a comparison of conventional and biofunctional glasses, the bioactivity of glass was examined associated with a hydrolytic degradation process and to the development of a hydroxyapatite calcium phosphate film at the glass/bone tissue interface. The main compositions of bioactive glasses are reported. The author’s experiments in the field of reactivity and biocompatibility of these glasses are described as a part of a cooperative work carried out by the Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro and GSB (Gruppo di Studio Biovetri). A “BIOVETRO” has been developed exhibiting good osteoconductive properties, and its possible applications as coatings with the same features deposited by plasma spray onto metal substrates have been evaluated.