The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the use of bioactive
borate-based glass microfibers for angiogenesis in soft tissue repair applications. The effect of these fibers on growth of capillaries and small blood vessels was compared to that of 45S5
silica glass microfibers and
sham implant controls. Compressed
mats of three types of glass microfibers were implanted subcutaneously in rats and tissues surrounding the implant sites histologically evaluated 2-4 weeks post surgery. Bioactive
borate glass 13-93B3 supplemented with 0.4 wt %
copper promoted extensive angiogenesis as compared to
silica glass microfibers and
sham control tissues. The angiogenic responses suggest the
copper-containing 13-93B3 microfibers may be effective for treating chronic soft tissue
wounds. A second objective was to assess the possible systemic cytotoxicity of dissolved
borate ions and other materials released from implanted
borate glass microfibers. Cytotoxicity was assessed via histological evaluation of kidney tissue collected from animals 4 weeks after subcutaneously implanting high amounts of the
borate glass microfibers. The evaluation of the kidney tissue from these animals showed no evidence of chronic histopathological changes in the kidney. The overall results indicate the
borate glass microfibers are safe and effective for soft tissue applications.