Preparation of bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles by combination of sol–gel and coprecipitation method

SiO2–CaO–P2O5 ternary bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles were prepared via the combination of sol–gel and coprecipitation processes. Precursors of silicon and calcium were hydrolyzed in acidic solution and gelated in alkaline condition together with ammonium dibasic phosphate. Gel particles were separated by centrifugation, followed by freeze drying, and calcination procedure to obtain the bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles. The investigation of the influence of synthesis temperature on the nanopartilce’s properties showed that the reaction temperature played an important role in the crystallinity of nanoparticle. The glass ceramic particles synthesized at 55 °C included about 15% crystalline phase, while at 25 °C and 40 °C the entire amorphous nanopowder could be obtained. In vitro testing showed that the bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles can induce the formation of hydroxylaptite from simulated body fluid rapidly. As a result, this bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticle with excellent bioactivity would be a promising filler material for bone tissues engineering.