Abstract
Bioactive glasses (BGs) have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials with distinctive therapeutic and targeting capabilities, positioning them as promising candidates for regenerative medicine and disease treatment. This review traces the evolution of BGs from their conventional use in tissue regeneration to their integration into advanced therapeutic platforms. We examine the intrinsic physicochemical properties that underpin their bioactivity and targeting functions. Recent technological innovations, including nanofibrous scaffolds, injectable formulations, nanostructured coatings, drug delivery systems, and 3D-printed bioinks, have significantly expanded the biomedical applications of BGs. Experimental studies demonstrate their ability to promote tissue regeneration under pathological conditions, stimulate osteogenesis while inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and modulate inflammatory, infectious, and ischemic microenvironments. Furthermore, BG-based systems enable synergistic therapeutic outcomes through controlled drug release and emerging anticancer strategies such as ion-mediated cytotoxicity, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, and hyperthermia. Together, these advances highlight the therapeutic versatility and translational potential of BGs in next-generation biomedical applications.
BG-based nano-engineered scaffolds
BG-based injectable systems for tissue repair