Papers by Keyword: Osteoproduction

Abstract: Historically the function of biomaterials has been to replace diseased, damaged and aged tissues. First generation biomaterials, including bio ceramics, were selected to be as inert as possible in order to minimize the thickness of interfacial scar tissue. Bioactive glasses provided an alternative from the 1970’s onward; second generation bioactive bonding of implants with tissues and no interfacial scar tissue. This chapter reviews the discovery that controlled release of biologically active Ca and Si ions from bioactive glasses leads to the up-regulation and activation of seven families of genes in osteoprogenitor cells that give rise to rapid bone regeneration. This finding offers the possibility of creating a new generation of gene activating bioceramics designed specially for tissue engineering and in situ regeneration of tissues.

Abstract: Autogenous bone grafts are considered to be the gold standard in maxillo-facial surgery. However, drawbacks of donor site morbidity and unpredictable rates of resorbtion often limit their use. In vivo tests have shown that 45S5 bioactive glass particles placed in critical size bone defects lead to regeneration of new bone that has the structural characteristics and architecture of mature trabecular bone. In vitro tests using primary osteoblast cultures have shown that the bioactive glass particles release ionic dissolution products that provide genetic stimuli that control osteoblast cell cycles and lead to rapid growth of mineralized bone nodules. These in vitro and in vivo results led to approval of use of bioactive glass particles and monolithic bioactive glass implants for use in maxillo-facial reconstructions after removal of bone cysts and trauma, as described by several case histories.