Bioactive glass beads as a route to passive drug delivery

Bioactive glass microbeads are emerging as an attractive method for sustained drug release over extended periods, ranging from several hours to weeks, and across diverse applications such as toothpaste and bone repair. Their effectiveness stems from their capacity to be engineered into uniquely adaptable structures such as fibers, beads, and mesh scaffolding. In this investigation, bioactive glass microbeads (SiO₂–B₂O₃) with a distinctive hollow core and porous shell structure were employed. The morphology of the beads was characterized in detail using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and surface interferometry. The drug loading and passive diffusion of the beads was monitored through UV–Vis spectroscopy. This study reveals favorable morphology, robust structure, and efficient passive diffusion of these microbeads. These attributes indicated a new route to transdermal medication release.