Nano-second laser-irradiated ZnO-doped borate glass for bone tissue engineering: structural and optical studies

Recently, interest in bioactive glasses has surged, recognized for their exceptional bioactivity and therapeutic potential in bone regeneration. Zn +2 ions, essential for cell growth and maturation, could enhance the regeneration ability of these glasses. Recognized for its significant impact on material properties, laser irradiation presents a novel method for inducing nanoparticle precipitation within the glass matrix, thereby enhancing bone regeneration. Using melt quenching techniques, glass samples based on the B 2 O 3 , 24.5 CaO, 24.5 Na 2 O, and 6 P 2 O 5 systems, doped ZnO (5 wt% and 10 wt %) were synthesized. After being irradiated with a Nd:YAG nanosecond (ns) laser, the samples were tested for their bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF). FTIR analysis showed that after four weeks of radiation and SBF exposure, clear Far-IR peaks at around 570 and 540 cm⁻ 1 appeared. This confirmed the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer. Following immersion in the SBF solution, the XRD analysis also confirmed the presence of ordered crystalline phases and the HA layer. The SEM images showed a shape like cotton, and the UV–visible spectroscopy showed better optical properties. Collectively, these results show that the HA layer developed successfully after laser treatment. Combining nanosecond laser irradiation with zinc-doped borate glass offers potential for innovative progress in bone regeneration techniques.