Structural and bioactive properties of Fe Mn oxides substituted sodium silicate glasses

Abstract

Glasses and glass-ceramics containing transition metal (TM) oxides find applications in various fields such as memory devices, smart windows, electronics, biomaterials etc. Specially designed magnetic bioactive glasses/glass-ceramics have great potential in biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), drug delivery systems and also magnetic induction hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Bioactive glasses/glass-ceramics have ability to form a hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer on their surface during reaction in physiological environments, which helps to form a chemical bond with the bone. Additionally, the embedded magnetic particles may generate heat under the alternating magnetic field, which may be used for the treatment of malignant cancer cells. In the present work, calcium sodium silicate glasses/glass-ceramics containing MnO2 and Fe2O3 are prepared by the melt and quench technique. The effect of systematic replacement of MnO2 by Fe2O3 on the glass formation, physical parameters and structural properties are studied. Their usefulness for hyperthermia is estimated by investigating their magnetic properties. Bioactivity of the glasses/glass-ceramics was also observed in-vitro using simulated body fluids (SBF). The thesis work is represented in five chapters as follows: Chapter 1 introduces glasses and glass-ceramics as biomaterials after brief discussion on history and evolution of the biomaterials. The interaction of the implants with the body parts is discussed. Different applications of bioactive glasses/glass-ceramics inside the human body are described to emphasize their importance and versatility as biomaterials. The potential and novelty of using glasses and glass-ceramics as thermoseeds for hyperthermia treatment of cancer is also highlighted in this chapter. The chapter ends with description of the procedure followed to study the in-vitro bioactivity of glasses and the mechanism of formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer on their surfaces after soaking in simulated body fluids.