Bi₂O₃-Doped Bioglass 45S5 for Medical Use

Bioglass 45S5 was doped with bismuth oxide in concentrations up to 40 wt %. The amorphism of the synthesized glasses was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The influence of Bi₂O₃ on the properties of the bioactive glass was studied. In a series of samples containing 0 to 40 wt % bismuth oxide, the glass characteristics change as follows: pH in the model medium decreases from 7.84 to 7.46 upon glass leaching; radiopacity increases from 1150 HU to values above 11 000 HU; percent chemical degradation drops from 1.299% to 0.424%; bioactivity decreases in the range 0–10 wt % Bi₂O₃ and is absent in the range 20–40 wt % Bi₂O₃. The bioactive glasses containing up to 10 wt % Bi₂O₃ can find application in reconstructive surgery. They have radiopaque and bioactive properties. The bioactive glasses containing 20–40 wt % Bi₂O₃ have high radiopacity and chemical durability, and only weakly affect pH when dissolved. They may be candidate radiomodifier materials for the radiation therapy of malignant neoplasms.