Toxicology and biocompatibility of bioglasses

TLDR

Studies in multiple centers have shown that various bioglass formulations are non‑toxic in vivo and in vitro. The authors evaluated solid bioglass implants in rat and rabbit soft tissues for up to eight weeks and introduced two novel techniques for toxicological testing of particulate biomaterials. The macrophage and pulmonary embolus assays demonstrate that bioglass powders are biocompatible, that their surface activity does not harm non‑osseous tissues, and that any wear‑generated particulates would be harmlessly cleared.

Abstract

Abstract Evidence for the lack of toxicity of various bioglass formulations has been deduced from studies carried out, both in vivo and in vitro , in several different centers. Recent studies of the authors, described here, include testing of solid bioglass implants in the soft tissues of rats and rabbits for time periods of up to eight weeks. Two new techniques are described for the toxicological testing of particulate biomaterials. These tests, which involve rat peritoneal macrophages in culture and a mouse pulmonary biomaterial embolus model, indicate the biocompatibility of bioglass powders. Thus, the surface activity so critical in bone adhesion is without toxic effect in nonosseous tissues in contact with solid bioglass implants. Should wear occur and produce particulate bioglass, the material should be eliminated without consequence.