In vitro degradability, bioactivity and cell responses to mesoporous magnesium silicate for the induction of bone regeneration

Mesoporous magnesium silicate (m-MS) was synthesized, and the in vitro degradability, bioactivity and primary cell responses to m-MS were investigated. The results suggested that the m-MS with mesoporous channels of approximately 5 nm possessed the high specific surface area of 451.0 m2/g and a large specific pore volume of 0.41 cm3/g compared with magnesium silicate (MS) without mesopores of 75 m2/g and 0.21 cm3/g, respectively. The m-MS was able to absorb a large number of water, with water absorption of 74% compared with 26% for MS. The m-MS was also degradable in a Tris–HCl solution, with a weight loss ratio of 40 wt% after a 70-day immersion period. The m-MS exhibited good in vitro bioactivity, inducing apatite formation on its surfaces after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) at a faster rate than observed for MS. The m-MS surface clearly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, and their normal cell morphology indicated excellent cytocompatibility. This study suggested that mesoporous magnesium silicate with a high specific surface area and pore volume had suitable degradability and good bioactivity and biocompatibility, making it an excellent candidate biomaterial for the induction of bone regeneration.