“…The Stöber methodology enables manipulation of particle shape and morphology using catalysts. The precursors or ions usually incorporated during the hydrolysis and condensation reactions differentiate between silica-only nanoparticles and sol–gel BGs, with NH 4 OH playing a key role as a solvent. ,, However, adding organic compounds and metal ions affects hydrolysis–condensation reactions, resulting in undesirable morphological changes. , Careful control of experimental conditions is needed (e.g., TEOS/water ratio, reaction pH, precursor types, and concentration) to avoid agglomeration and ensure shape, size, regularity and homogeneity is retained as this directly impacts morphology and bioactivity. ,,, Individual, homogeneous, mesoporous Si-based particles of controllable size form under basic conditions. , Under acidic conditions, Si-based particles aggregate and form a 3D-gelled structure as condensation reactions proceed. , Surfactants or polymers are commonly used as templating agents, usually during the hydrolysis and condensation steps, to positively manipulate the morphological characteristics of sol–gel-derived BG morphology. ,,− For example, the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) enhances mesoporosity, surface area, pore volume, and particle shape of BG formulations during micelle-BG formation (discussed further in section ). ,,,,− However, CTAB and metal ions are cationic and interact with each other, decreasing mesoporosity and/or pore volume. ,, These challenges motivated investigation of additive manufacturing style synthesis techniques, although they are not commonly utilized.…”