Efficacy of Sr2+ and Cu2+ Ion Incorporation on the Mechanical, Biological, and Antibacterial Properties of Natural Waste-Derived Borosilicate Bioactive Glasses for Orthopedic Implants

The study investigates the incorporation of Sr and Cu ions into borosilicate bioactive glasses for orthopedic implants, focusing on their mechanical, biological, and antibacterial properties. The glasses, prepared with varying compositions of Sr and Cu (0, 1, and 2 wt.%), showed promising results, particularly the CuSr-1 wt.% composition, which exhibited a compressive strength of 55.21 MPa and the lowest specific wear rate. Biocompatibility tests using Simulated Body Fluid revealed hydroxyapatite formation, indicating potential for bone integration. Additionally, the glasses demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, suggesting their suitability for load-bearing orthopedic implants and bone tissue engineering scaffolds, where mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties are essential.