RARE EARTH ELEMENT-DOPED BIOGLASS FOR PERIODONTAL REGENERATION; AN IN VITRO INVESTIGATION OF BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND REGENERATIVE POTENTIAL

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes progressive destruction of periodontal
structures, including the alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. Restoring these tissues remains a key
challenge in periodontal therapy. Bioactive glass has shown potential for periodontal regeneration due to its
osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. Recently, ion doping has been explored to enhance its regenerative
effects, with erbium-doped bioglass (Er-BG) gaining attention for promoting osteogenic differentiation. This study
evaluates the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and regenerative potential of Er-BG for periodontal
tissue repair.
Material and Methodology: Er-BG was synthesized using the sol-gel method. Structural and compositional
characterization was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray
Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-IR).
Biocompatibility and osteogenic potential were assessed using human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs)
through MTT, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), collagen estimation, and calcium deposition assays. Zebrafish embryo
models were used for toxicity evaluation.
Results: SEM revealed a porous surface facilitating cell attachment. EDS confirmed erbium integration, while
XRD indicated an amorphous structure. Er-BG enhanced ALP activity (~130%), collagen synthesis (~105%), and
calcium deposition (~145%). Zebrafish studies confirmed minimal cytotoxicity.
Conclusion:Er-BG demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and low toxicity, making it a
promising candidate for periodontal regeneration. Further in vivo studies are needed.