Synthesis, characterization and biological action of nano-bioglass ceramic particles for bone formation

Current research work was aimed at evaluating the role of nano bioglass ceramic (nBGC) particles for bone formation. The nBGC particles were synthesized by sol-gel method and they were characterized by TEM, EDS, FT-IR and XRD studies. These particles were found to be non toxic to rat osteoprogenitor cells and were able to stimulate proliferation of the cells. Intracellular ERK signaling pathways as well as cell cycle gene expression (cyclin C) in rat osteoprogenitor cells were stimulated by nBGC particles. Osteoprogenitor or preosteoblastic cells were differentiated and mineralized by nBGC particles and this effect required the presence of osteogenic stimulants. Runx2, a bone specific transcription factor controlling expression of osteoblast differentiation genes was also stimulated by nBGC particles. Hence, our results suggest that nBGC particles promote bone formation by cell proliferation and differentiation, and the effect of nBGC particles on osteoblast differentiation is possibly mediated by Runx2 within the osteogenic environment.