Bioactive glass doped KNN ceramics with synergistic piezoelectric and bioactive functions for enhanced bone repair

This study presents the development and characterization of a bioactive and piezoelectric ceramic composite composed of 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) and potassium-sodium niobate (KNN) for bone repair applications. BG-KNN ceramics with varying BG contents (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were synthesized via a solid-state reaction, and their physicochemical, piezoelectric, and biological properties were comprehensively evaluated. Results indicated that incorporating moderate BG content (20 wt%) significantly enhanced the piezoelectric response (d 33 = 50 pC/N) and promoted cell proliferation, attributed to the balanced ionic dissolution and optimized microstructure. In contrast, excessive BG doping (30 wt%) disrupted crystal order, reduced piezoelectric performance, and induced cytotoxicity due to alkaline pH shifts and ionic imbalance. The optimized 20BG-KNN ceramics demonstrated superior bioactivity, optimal piezoelectric properties, and favorable biocompatibility, underscoring their potential as multifunctional materials for advanced bone regeneration strategies.