The effects of boron trioxide on the structure and degradation behaviour of borosilicate bioactive glass

Degradation behaviour of bioactive glass (bioglass) is one of the most important factors affecting bone repair, because an excellent and controllable degradation rate can match the rate of new bone formation. In this research, the derived borosilicate bioglasses based on the 6Na2O-8K2O-8MgO-22CaO-18B2O3-54SiO2-2P2O5 component were synthesized. The effects of B2O3 on the structure, degradation behaviour and cytocompatibility of borosilicate bioglasses were systematically studied. The results showed that with B2O3 addition, the network-forming units became diversified and part of BO4 units transformed into BO3 units. These factors weakened the chemical durability of borosilicate bioglass, thus accelerating the bioglass shedding and altering the ions release, especially B. This study provides a theoretical basis for designing borosilicate bioglass with adjustable degradation rate and ion release behaviour to meet the diverse needs of clinical bone repair.