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Sol-gel-derived SiO2 and CaO-P2O5-SiO2 have been shown to be bioactive and bone bonding. In this study bioactive sol-gel-derived SiO2 and CaO-P2O5-SiO2 systems were tested for in in vitro bioactivity. The calcined ceramic monoliths were immersed in a simulated body fluid and analyzed to follow the hydroxyapatite formation on the ceramic surface. Apatite-forming ability was investigated in terms of structural changes by changing the composition and the preparation method. The role of Ca and P dopants in the substrate structure is complicated, and careful characterization is needed. The composition and structure together determine the in vitro bioactivity. The pore structure was analyzed using N2-adsorption/desorption isotherms. The results indicate that a great mesopore volume and a wide mesopore size distribution favor hydroxycarbonate apatite nucleation and a great surface area is not needed. The performed preparation process for silica in a basic environment provides a convenient way to prepare a mesoporous material.

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Titanium and its alloys are used widely in the manufacture of orthopedic and dental implants. Sol-gelprepared titania is able to stimulate bone-like apatite formation in in vitro and in vivo cultures. These materials can be used, for example, as coatings on dental and orthopedic implants. However, the processes that lead to apatite formation are not fully understood. In this study different kinds of titania coatings on commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) were tested for apatite-forming ability. The rate of apatite formation is considered to be descriptive of a material's bioactive (bone-bonding) potential. Apatite-forming tests were done in simulated body fluid (SBF). Apatite-forming ability was highest with the addition of valeric acid to sol (600°C) or with sintering sol-gel coatings at 450°-550°C. At that temperature range calcium phosphate forms on the coatings in 1 week. Calcium phosphate forming is observed in 1 day on standard coatings sintered at 500°C.

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