Toward a design and customize of borate bioactive glasses - from fundamental composition-structure-properties correlations to advanced 3D structures

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Aldo Boccaccini
• Subject Area: Glass, Ceramics and Derived Composites ; Biomaterials
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 563666334

Borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) are a promising group of ceramic biomaterials with diverse biomedical applications. Their unique properties outperform silicate bioactive glasses (SBGs), including rapid yet controllable degradation, fast transformation into biologically relevant mineral phases like carbonated hydroxyapatite (HCA), superior bone-bonding, high tissue-regenerative potential, and antibacterial activity. However, BBGs face limited clinical use due to incomplete understanding of their properties and functionalities. This project aims to design and customize BBG-based biomaterials by exploring composition-property correlations and developing advanced 3D morphologies for bone regeneration using sol-gel methods combined with electrospinning and 3D printing. Key research areas include studying how chemical composition (e.g., MO/B2O3 ratios, network-forming oxides like P2O5, and therapeutic ions such as Mg, Sr, Zn, and Cu) influences structural properties like BO3/BO4 units, network connectivity, and pore characteristics. The project examines dissolution properties, including ion release and mineral phase transformation kinetics, on osteogenic, osteoimmunomodulatory, and angiogenic responses. It also investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying these biological effects and evaluates fibrous and porous BBG morphologies made through sol-gel, electrospinning, and 3D printing. These are compared to conventional particulate forms to assess their dissolution, transformation, and cell interaction. Research activities include synthesizing BBGs using modified sol-gel techniques, characterizing structural, morpho-textural, and thermal properties, and assessing ion release and mineralization in simulated fluids. In vitro studies with human bone marrow stromal cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells will evaluate biological responses. Advanced BBG structures, like electrospun fibers and 3D-printed forms, will be characterized for their properties and cell response profiles. Using an interdisciplinary approach blending materials science and molecular biology, this project seeks to elucidate how BBGs regulate immuno-osteo-angiogenic signaling, promoting bone regeneration. Findings will guide the design of tailored BBG compositions and morphologies for specific applications. Advances in electrospinning and 3D printing techniques will enable the development of fully ceramic BBG biomaterials, paving the way for personalized medical solutions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Poland
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Katarzyna Cholewa-Kowalska; Michal Dziadek, Ph.D.; Professorin Anna Osyczka