Preparation and in vitro osteogenic, angiogenic and antibacterial properties of cuprorivaite (CaCuSi4O10, Cup) bioceramics

Abstract

For better tissue regeneration, the combination of beneficial inorganic ions may provide a more effective and safer strategy to couple with multi-functions (such as osteogenesis, angiogenesis and antibacterial activity) as compared with growth factors. Previous studies have demonstrated that Si ions released from silicate bioceramics could promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Divalent copper ions (Cu²⁺) were widely reported to enhance angiogenesis and possess antibacterial activity. Therefore, we hypothesize that the combination of Cu and Si ions may reveal better osteogenic, angiogenic and antibacterial activity. In this study, we synthesized a Cu-containing silicate bioceramic, cuprorivaite (CaCuSi₄O₁₀, Cup) and investigated its in vitro osteogenic, angiogenic and antibacterial capacities. We, for the first time, successfully synthesized Cup powders with high-purity by sol–gel method. In vitro biological evaluation indicated that ionic dissolution products of Cup ceramics in the concentration range of 0.195–0.78 mg mL⁻¹ were able to significantly promote angiogenesis. More importantly, Si and Cu ions had a synergistic effect on angiogenesis at lower concentrations compared with those reported in the literature. Moreover, Cup ceramics had good antibacterial activity. However, ionic dissolution products of Cup ceramics at 0.195–0.78 mg mL⁻¹ notably suppressed ALP activity of osteoblast-like cells. Therefore, Cup bioceramics may have a potential application in wound healing, but may not be suitable for bone regeneration.