Effects of strontium-containing fluorophosphate glasses for enhancing bioactivity and enamel remineralization

The effect of strontium on the structure, apatite-forming ability, bioactivity, and enamel remineralization capability of 48P(2)O(5)-29CaO-3CaF(2)-(20-x)Na2O-xSrO fluomphosphate glasses (FPGs) was investigated. The apatite-forming ability of the SrFP samples was assessed by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 21 days. X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray photon spectrometer, and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer were used to analyze the structural variation and apatite-forming capability of all the SrFP samples before and after being soaked in SBF solution. Cytotoxicity studies of the prepared samples were conducted by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay using human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell lines. It was found that 6 mol% Sr-doped FPGs has the better apatite-forming ability, increased cell viability, and enhanced bioactivity out of all the prepared glass samples. The remineralization efficacy of 6 mol% Sr-doped FPGs was evident from greater mineral deposits and increased microhardness values on teeth surface while compared to those of commercially available silica-based glass gel. The results obtained from the investigation showed that the glass sample containing 6 mol% of SrO content could be beneficial in therapeutic applications of teeth and bone tissue regeneration.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of strontium on the properties of fluorphosphate glasses, finding that 6 mol% Sr-doped FPGs showed enhanced apatite-forming ability, increased cell viability, and improved bioactivity. The remineralization efficacy of 6 mol% Sr-doped FPGs was also demonstrated, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in teeth and bone tissue regeneration.