NIOM contributes to Nordic research on bioactive glass

In a recently published research article, Saara Sirkiä, who was a guest researcher at NIOM for six months in 2025, together with colleagues from the University of Turku, investigated how silane treatment affects bioactive glass physicochemical and biological properties. NIOM staff contributed directly to the study by providing laboratory expertise.

The background for the project is the use of bioactive glass as a filler material in implantable composites for bone surgery. To ensure good mechanical performance, the glass particles are often treated with silane coupling agents to improve bonding to polymer matrices.

However, little is known about how this surface treatment affects the bioactivity of the glass or how cells respond to it. The purpose of the study was therefore to investigate whether silanization of bioactive glass S53P4 influences its dissolution behaviour, bioactivity, and cell viability.

In the study, bioactive glass particles were treated with different concentrations of the γ-MPS silane and analysed using several laboratory techniques at University of Turku.

The article continues after the photo.

Additionally, at NIOM, engineer André Konarboland contributed expertise by coating the samples with gold in preparation to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Konarboland also provided guidance on to how to use the SEM/EDX instrument, and the SEM images were then taken and analyzed by Saara at NIOM. These analyses made it possible to study micro size bioactive glass microtopography without and with silane treatment.

Key results

• The results showed that silanization did not negatively affect the key properties of the bioactive glass.
• All samples demonstrated in vitro biomineralization, which is an indicator of bioactivity.
• The release of silicon was similar for treated and untreated bioactive glass.
• Importantly, biological tests showed good viability of pre-osteoblastic cells, meaning that the silane treatment did not cause harmful effects under the tested conditions.

NIOM is an attractive Nordic research partner

NIOM’s CEO, Professor Per Vult von Steyern, highlights the study as a strong example of Nordic collaboration:
“This research project illustrates how NIOM contributes laboratory expertise and advanced infrastructure to Nordic research projects. Such collaboration strengthens biomaterials research across the Nordic region and demonstrates NIOM’s role as an accessible research partner for universities and research institutions.”
Saara Sirkiä will at a later stage publish yet another research article based on the work she conducted at NIOM.

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