Sol-gel derived bioactive glass polymer composite

Abstract

A bioactive sol-gel solution includes a biocompatible polymer, a gelable inorganic base material, and at least one calcium and phosphorous molecular species. The base material can be an alkoxide, such as TEOS. The polymer acts as a viscosity modifier to the sol or gel, increases the viscosity range over which fibers can be sprayed or spun, and broadens the time period over which fibers can be sprayed or spun. A bioactive glass composite can be formed from the bioactive sol-gel solution, including a fibrous form. Fibers can serve as a scaffolds for cell growth and in the repair of hard or soft tissue defects.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A bioactive sol-gel solution, comprising:
 a biocompatible polymer,   a gelable inorganic base material, and   at least one calcium and phosphorous molecular species.   
     
     
         2 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein said base material comprises at least one alkoxysilane. 
     
     
         3 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein said base material comprises at least one non-alkoxysilane alkoxide selected from the group consisting of aluminates, titanates and borates. 
     
     
         4 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein said polymer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polycarboxylmethylcellulose (PCMC), polyethylenglycol (PEG), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polymethylacrylic acid (PMAA) polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA), and gelatin. 
     
     
         5 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein a pH of said solution is from 1 to 7. 
     
     
         6 . The solution of  claim 5 , wherein said pH is from 1.2 to 2. 
     
     
         7 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein a viscosity of said solution at 25 C is from 1.5 Pa sec. to 6.0 Pa sec. 
     
     
         8 . The solution of  claim 1 , wherein said solution is stable for at least 30 days at 25 C. 
     
     
         9 . The solution of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one biologically active agent, wherein said solution forms an encapsulation layer around said biological agent. 
     
     
         10 . The solution of  claim 9 , wherein said biological agent is a drug or pharmaceutical agent.