Osteogenic potential of a novel magnesium-containing calcium silicate-based bioactive glass-ceramic scaffold in critical bone defect

This study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of a novel magnesium (Mg)-containing calcium silicate (CS)-based glass-ceramic scaffold. For this purpose, twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: Glass-ceramic scaffold developed and sintered at 900 °C/1 h (GCS9) and 1250 °C/8 h (GCS1). The scaffolds were implanted in 8 mm critical bone defects and evaluated at biological points of 15 and 45 days. Histomorphological analysis revealed that the scaffolds completely filled the bone defect, demonstrated biocompatibility, and promoted bone neoformation beyond the defect margins in direct contact with the biomaterial surface. Bone formation was observed throughout the entire defect and within the fragmented scaffolds in its central regions. Both groups exhibited mild chronic granulomatous inflammation in the interstitial tissue formed between the biomaterial fragments. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a greater bone neoformation area in the GCS1 group (44%) at 45 days, with a statistically significant difference between the biological points in this group (ANOVA p = 0.048). Therefore, this study demonstrated that Mg-containing CS-based glass-ceramic scaffolds, particularly GCS1, were notably bioactive and osteoconductive, exhibiting significant osteogenic potential for critical bone defect repair and showing promise for future clinical applications.