Antibacterial effect of bioactive glass nanoparticles prepared via sol gel method

Background: Infection constitutes the most important complication caused by biomaterials. Bioactive glasses have properties such as osteoconductivity and good restorability, some of which have revealed antibacterial effects. Therefore, these biomaterials are appropriate candidates for orthopedic and dental applications. The present study was conducted to analyze the antibacterial effect of bioactive glass nanoparticles.

Methods: In this experimental study, 37S and 58S glass compositions were synthesized via sol-gel technique. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescent (XRF) were used for the prepared powders. The antibacterial activity of these compounds was studied using Escherichia coli as gram negative and Staphylococcus aureus as gram positive bacteria. The antibacterial effect of samples was evaluated at concentration of 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml.

Results: The particle size of the samples was mainly less than 100 nm. The 37S glass showed the highest antibacterial activity and the minimum bactericidal (MBC) at 25 mg/ml concentration against both bacteria. At broth concentrations below 100 mg/ml, 58S showed no antibacterial activity; however, it completely eliminated Escherichia bacteria and reduced the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Conclusion: These bioactive glass nanopowders can be regarded as good candidates in orthopedic application for the treatment of bone and dental defects but need supplementary and more evaluation considering their antibacterial effect on two important bacteria.