Fabrication and characterization of novel ZnO-loaded mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres with enhanced physiochemical properties and biocompatibility for bone tissue engineering

Novel ZnO-modified mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres (MBNs) were developed by a modified sol-gel method and their physiochemical behavior and cytocompatibility were systematically evaluated. Compared to previous researches, an offered synthesis method resulted in much less compositional deviation between the nominal and real compositions, while retaining spherical shape and dispersion of the nanoparticles. The MBNs exhibited a higher specific surface area (280-343 m2/g) and a larger pore volume than various ZnO-loaded bioactive glasses prepared before. In contrast to most mesoporous bioceramics doped with ZnO, the current nanoparticles revealed an excellent bioactivity within 14 days immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). Furthermore, an optimum ZnO content for enhanced viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells cultured with ionic extracts of the nanoparticles is 0.5%. Thanks to a high particle dispersion, good textural properties, bioactivity, and high cytocompatibility, the prepared nanoparticles can be recommended as promising filler materials dental/bone tissue engineering.