Comparison of in vitro and in vivo Bioactivity of SrO-CaO-ZnO-SiO2 Glass Grafts

A range of calcium-strontium-zinc-silicate glass grafts are developed. Following characterization, their ability to form an apatite layer in simulated body fluid (SBF) is evaluated. Concurrently, their in vivo biocompatibility is determined. These glasses are incapable of forming an apatite layer in SBF. However, in vivo, each glass is well tolerated with new bone formation apparent in close apposition to implanted particles and no evidence of an inflammatory response. Such results are contrary to much of the literature and indicate that forecasting a materials ability to bond to bone based on SBF experiments may provide a false negative result.