Bioactive glass-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Originally developed to fill and restore bone defects, bioactive glasses are currently also being intensively investigated for bone tissue engineering applications. In this chapter, we review and discuss current knowledge on porous bone tissue engineering scaffolds made from bioactive silicate glasses. A brief historical review and the fundamental requirements in the field of bone tissue engineering scaffolds will be presented, followed by a detailed overview of recent developments in bioactive glass-based scaffolds. In addition, the effects of ionic dissolution products of bioactive glasses on osteogenesis and angiogenic properties of scaffolds are briefly addressed. Finally, promising areas of future research and requirements for the advancement of the field are highlighted and discussed