Bones: Bioactive Glass Nanofibers Produced

A team of researchers has developed "laser spinning", a novel method of producing glass nanofibres with materials. They have been able to manufacture bioglass nanofibres, the bioactive glass used in regenerating bone.22/12/2009

Used for bone tissue regeneration:
the nanofibers produced of glass
fiber laser; © Quintero et al.

"Laser spinning makes it possible to produce glass nanofibres of compositions that would be impossible to obtain using other methods", says Félix Quintero, co-author of the study.

The new technique involves using a high-energy laser that melts a small amount of precursor material. This creates a super-fine filament that is lengthened and cooled by a powerful gas current.

The scientist highlights the simplicity of the system, that "can be used in environmental conditions", as well as its high rate of production and its ability to easily control the composition of the material.

The international team has managed to produce bioglass composition nanofibres, a bioactive glass that is used to regenerate bony tissue. The laser spinning makes the material flexible, continuous and gives it a nanometric structure, which helps in the proliferation and spread of bone cells.

The researchers are now working to produce other functional compositions perfected by biomedical techniques to regenerate bone, and which may have applications in other fields. The technique could be used to manufacture fire-retardant fabrics, CO2 capture systems, or to produce composite materials that require reinforcement with nanofibres.

COMPAMED.de; Source: FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology