Update on the use of 45S5 bioactive glass in the treatment of bone defects in regenerative medicine

Figure 1 An example of the articles reviewed in this editorial. 45S5 bioactive glass (45S5 BG) stands out in regenerative medicine. 45S5 BG is biocompatible and has osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties by forming carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA). These characteristics result from the creation of a highly bioavailable porous structure and the ability to incorporate various additives to produce a variety of glass-ceramics. A: Bone defect; B: Bone defect filling with 45S5 BG granules; C: Evaluation of histological sections of bone following experiments; D: Demonstration of the bioactive properties of 45S5 BG due to its ability to form a mineral surface layer of CHA similar to bone tissue. 45S5 BG particles are absorbed, and the released ions interact with local ions [Si(OH)₄, OH^-, CO₃^2-, PO₄, Ca²⁺] to form hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA), providing an ideal surface for the formation of new bone; E: Example of the composition of a 45S5 BG chain (in weight%): 45% SiO₂, 24.5% CaO, 24.5% Na₂O and 6% P₂O₅. The green arrows indicate the characteristics of 45S5 BG observed in the reviewed studies: osteogenic potential, osteoconductivity, and cell compatibility; F: Stimulation and cell adhesion of the 45S5 BG granules to the new bone surface; G: Absorption of the granules and formation of new tissue with bone repair.