Bioglass obtained via one-pot synthesis as osseointegrative drug delivery system

Osseointegration is a fundamental process during which implantable biomaterial integrates with host bone tissue. The surgical procedure of biomaterial implantation is highly associated with the risk of bacterial infection. Thus, the research continues for biodegradable bone void fillers which are able to stimulate the bone tissue regeneration and locally deliver the antibacterial agent. Herein, we obtained bifunctional bioglass (BG) using novel, preoptimized, rapid one-pot synthesis. Following the ISO Standards, the influence of the obtained BG on osteoblast-mediated phenomena, such as osteoconduction and osteoinduction was assessed and compared to two commercial materials: bioactive glass powder 45S and bioactive glass powder 85S. Direct-contact tests revealed osteoblast adhesion to BG particles; whereas, tests on extracts confirmed high viability of cells incubated with BG extract. Analyses of gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium phosphates deposition confirmed the stimulation of early and late stages of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Additionally, an extended evaluation of intracellular calcium fluctuations revealed a possible correlation between osteoblast calcium uptake and extracellular matrix mineralization. Moreover, proposed bioglass exhibited satisfactory doxycycline adsorption capacity and release profile. The obtained results confirmed the bifunctionality of the proposed BG and indicated its potential as osseointegrative bone drug delivery system.