Ceramics-Silikáty 56, (3) 229 - 237 (2012)

In this paper, the results of in vitro bioactivity of glass-ceramics in the Li₂O–SiO₂–CaO–P₂O₅–CaF₂ (shorthand LS2-FA) system immersed in two media (simulated body fluid (SBF) and Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)) are compared. Microprobe (EPMA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to detect the presence of a new phase on the surface and to characterize its layer. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) was used to monitor ion concentration changes in SBF with immersion time. The results show, that during the assay in vitro behaviour tests, the surface of the sample was partially dissolved and released of Si⁴⁺, Ca²⁺ and Li⁺ ions were released into the SBF medium. The results of surface characterization after in vitro tests revealed difference in the bioactivity of glass-ceramics with various time of immersion in SBF and DMEM. For the formation of an apatite-layer in an earlier testing period (1, 3 and 7 days), a pronounced difference was not observed between SBF and DMEM immersion. In the longer testing period in SBF (28 days), the apatite-layer was developed by periodic deposition of spherical bullets that covers the whole surface. The use of the acellular culture medium DMEM resulted in a delay at the start of precipitation.