Advanced double-ion-doped mesoporous bioactive glasses for controlled drug delivery and antibacterial protection in the regeneration of hard tissues

Mesoporous bioactive glasses are widely investigated for hard tissue regeneration due to their bioactivity and drug delivery capability. However, systems simultaneously combining multi-ion doping and drug loading remain largely unexplored. In this work, advanced MBGs co-doped with cerium and a second therapeutic inorganic ion (Cu, Ag, Mg, and Sr) were developed and loaded with clinically relevant drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol and gentamicin), resulting in a multifunctional platform that integrates inorganic and organic therapeutic cues within a single material.Drug loading and release behaviour in simulated body fluid (SBF) depended on both composition and drug type.Gentamicin-loaded MBGs exhibited clear and sustained antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, despite limited drug release, suggesting effective local action.Importantly, all compositions retained their bioactivity, as demonstrated by the formation of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid.Overall, the results demonstrate the feasibility of combining the therapeutic ion doping and drug delivery within a single MBG platform.This approach provides multifunctional systems with antibacterial activity and bioactive properties that may be beneficial for hard tissue regeneration.