Bioactive response of Ag-doped tape cast Bioglass 45S5 following heat treatment.

The suitability of Bioglass 45S5 to the tape casting process and the ability of the glass to retain in vitro bioactivity following heat treatment to increase strength has been established. In this research, tape cast Bioglass was doped with silver prior to heat treatment in an effort to impart antimicrobial properties. The effect of initial dopant concentration and processing temperature was investigated. FTIR confirmed the presence of well established hydroxyapatite (HA) surface layers on Ag-doped tape cast Bioglass following heat treatment and simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion. Solution analysis revealed the release of silver ion in concentrations similar to those reported in the literature to have antimicrobial effects. Additionally, mercury porosimetry was used to determine that silver enhanced the densification process relative to that of undoped tape cast Bioglass. Ag-doped tape cast and sintered Bioglass (TCSBG) appears promising for use in situations requiring rapid surface HA formation and antimicrobial properties. Copyright 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers