Research from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, uncovered an approach to render nano-scale borate glass biocompatible for collagen-promoting benefits in skin care.
According to the article abstract, borate bioactive glass (BBG) stimulates angiogenesis and promotes cell growth. Its glass network matrix provides good dopability and degradability; however, it is challenging to control its degradation rate and maintain the critical concentration of bioactive ions for cell promotion and differentiation in soft tissue repair applications.
See archived: Borate Glass Nanofibers for Wound Healing
As a Eureka Alert explained, the researchers employed, for the first time, a special mobile phase to pre-treat micron-sized borate bioglass via an in vitro melting method. This obtained nano-scale (~50 nm) borate bioglass (Nano-HCA@BG) covered with an amorphous hydroxyapatite (HCA) layer.
Said treatment effectively inhibited the rapid release of boron and calcium in the glass and thereby reduced its biological toxicity to cells. In addition, HCA's good biocompatibility accelerated the induction of collagen synthesis in animal tissues.
See related: 3D printed Natural Bioinks Promote Wound Healing
