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YCN Newsletter 30 - Research in spot - Marcela Arango Ospina
Bioactive glasses have been of interest in bone regeneration due to their ability of bonding with hard tissue and releasing ions, which stimulate bone healing processes like osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The field of ionic medicine utilizes these ion release mechanisms to enhance cellular responses, improving bone repair and regeneration. In my PhD studies I have mainly focused on optimizing bioactive glass compositions to understand their biological effects and bioactive behaviour.
Over the past five decades, the important discovery of 45S5 bioactive glass by Larry Hench and his team has led to a wave of innovation in regenerative medicine. Researchers worldwide have been studying the potential of bioactive glasses (BGs), exploring new compositions with therapeutic ions like strontium, boron, zinc, and magnesium. These ions unlock enhanced capabilities, promoting not only bone regeneration but also preventing infections and stimulating the formation of new blood vessels—a process known as angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis is key to regenerating tissues, healing wounds, and supporting the growth of our bones. We can consider it as a natural construction project within the body, where new blood vessels sprout, migrate, and form essential pathways for nutrients and waste exchange. By developing BGs that release biologically active ions, we are harnessing a smart and impactful approach known as ionic medicine. These ions may be effective by themselves and could eliminate the need for complex biomolecules like growth factors.
As part of my doctorate studies, I have been motivated to explore how these ionic products from silicate-based BGs influence endothelial cell behavior—specifically, their ability to form tubular structures. And the results? quite exciting! It turns out that the unique composition of BGs can boost tube formation significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, they may increase the natural production of growth factors by cells that are essential for angiogenesis.
These findings highlight the transformative potential of ionic medicine, where even simple ions can outperform complex biomolecules in therapeutic applications. As research in this field continues, we are approaching significant breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Bioactive glasses have the potential to play a crucial role in setting new treatments that stimulate the body's natural healing and regenerative abilities.
Marcela Arango Ospina
University of Erlangen Nuremberg / Department of Materials Science / Institute of Biomaterials, Germany
Last news
YCN Newsletter 31 - Event Overview - Ceramitec 2026 by YCN Committee member Petar Kotevski
YCN’s participation at ceramitec 2026 in Munich from 24th to 26th of March 2026, represented a key step in strengthening ties between young ceramic professionals, academia, and industry. The exhibition provided an international setting where research, innovation and industrial application converge, enabling meaningful engagements. Our main objective was to position YCN as an active interface connecting early-career professionals with industry leaders.
YCN Newsletter 31 - Research in Spot - Naser Hosseini
Interface Engineering: High-Temperature Interactions Between High-Entropy Ceramics and Metals.
My research explores high-temperature interactions between high-entropy ceramics (HECs) and metals, with a focus on joining strategies for extreme environments. By understanding how metals wet and react with these advanced ceramics, I aim to design reliable interfaces for applications such as composites, coatings, and ceramic joining with functional properties. This work contributes to improving the performance and durability of materials used in demanding industries such as energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
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