FTIR Spectral Characterization, Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Properties of La-Doped Phosphate-Based Bioactive Glasses

(Na2O)(0.20)(CaO)(0.14)(P2O5)(0.66-x)(La2O3)(x), where x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.7 and 1 wt.%, was prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method. Physical and mechanical properties such as density, Vickers microhardness, compressive strength and fracture toughness were measured for all prepared glass samples. In order to evaluate in-vitro bioactivity of the prepared glasses, sample powders (particle size range 106-180 mu m) were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C for 7, 14 and 21 days. Then, soaked samples were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of these glasses was tested against E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, B. subtilis and C. albicans by the disc-diffusion method. The obtained results indicated that significant increases in density, mechanical properties and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria were obtained as the La content increases. XRD and FTIR spectra revealed that the bioactivity of the prepared glasses was not affected by increasing of the La content. These results suggested that these glasses can be extensively used in various biomedical applications.