Molecular Dynamics Modelling of the Structure of Bioactive (CaO)_0.3 (SiO₂)_0.7 Sol-Gel

Molecular Simulation of the Ions Ultraconfined in the Nanometer-Channel of Calcium Silicate Hydrate: Hydration Mechanism, Dynamic Properties, and Influence on the Cohesive Strength

Reactive force field molecular dynamics was utilized to investigate the structure, dynamics, and mechanical nature of different cations solvated in the nanometer-channel of highly disordered calcium silicate hydrate. The local structures of different cations bonded with hydroxyl groups are characterized by the long spatial correlation, bond angel distribution preference, and featured coordinated number, resembling those of the tetra-/penta-/octahedron for cation-oxygen structure in the defective region of the silicate glass. Al atoms in the interlayer region play a role in bridging the defective silicate chains and enhance the connectivity of the silicate skeleton. Dynamically, the mobility of ultraconfined water molecules and cations is significantly influenced by the ionic chemistry: the residence time for water molecules in the hydration shell of Al and Mg ions is longer than that in the environment of Na and Ca ions. Furthermore, uniaxial tension simulation provides insight that while both the stiffness and cohesive strength of the C-S-H gels are significantly improved due to the silicate-aluminate branch structure formation, sodium ions with unstable Na-O connection weaken the loading resistance of the C-S-H gels. During the tensile process, the hydrolytic reaction is also affected by the cationic type: water molecules coordinated with Al and Mg cations at high stress state are likely to decompose, but those aggregated with sodium ions are hard to be stretched broken due to the low failure stress.

Characterizing the hierarchical structures of bioactive sol-gel silicate glass and hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration

Bone is the second most widely transplanted tissue after blood. Synthetic alternatives are needed that can reduce the need for transplants and regenerate bone by acting as active temporary templates for bone growth. Bioactive glasses are one of the most promising bone replacement/regeneration materials because they bond to existing bone, are degradable and stimulate new bone growth by the action of their dissolution products on cells. Sol-gel-derived bioactive glasses can be foamed to produce interconnected macropores suitable for tissue ingrowth, particularly cell migration and vascularization and cell penetration. The scaffolds fulfil many of the criteria of an ideal synthetic bone graft, but are not suitable for all bone defect sites because they are brittle. One strategy for improving toughness of the scaffolds without losing their other beneficial properties is to synthesize inorganic/organic hybrids. These hybrids have polymers introduced into the sol-gel process so that the organic and inorganic components interact at the molecular level, providing control over mechanical properties and degradation rates. However, a full understanding of how each feature or property of the glass and hybrid scaffolds affects cellular response is needed to optimize the materials and ensure long-term success and clinical products. This review focuses on the techniques that have been developed for characterizing the hierarchical structures of sol-gel glasses and hybrids, from atomic-scale amorphous networks, through the covalent bonding between components in hybrids and nanoporosity, to quantifying open macroporous networks of the scaffolds. Methods for non-destructive in situ monitoring of degradation and bioactivity mechanisms of the materials are also included.