Tailoring Ce distribution via precursor engineering in spray pyrolyzed Ce-doped bioactive glass: Insights into bioactivity, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial characteristics in vitro

Bioactive glass (BG) has gained attention for its biocompatible, non-toxic nature in addressing bone defects. One of the limitations is the absence of antibacterial characteristics, which could be addressed through the incorporation of Ce, as it is known to exhibit antibacterial properties. In this study, BG specimens doped with 10 mol% of Ce with three Ce precursors were synthesized via the spray pyrolysis to control the distribution of Ce. Employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the specimens were analyzed on their phase characteristics, particle morphology, inner structure, and elemental distribution. The results demonstrated that both undoped and Ce-doped possess a smooth spherical morphology. Meanwhile, the cross-sectional samples revealed CeN-treated and CeAN-treated specimens led to homogeneous Ce distributions, whereas CeA-treated BG resulted in pronounced Ce segregation on the surface. These differences are attributed to precursor-specific dissolution and migration behavior during synthesis. These distinct Ce distributions influenced their bioactivity, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial characteristics, with CeA-treated specimens demonstrating the highest antibacterial efficiency (94.5 ± 1.32%) against Escherichia coli, and the highest cell viability (105.31 ± 2.78) as compared to the CeN and CeAN-treated specimens.