Perspectives on the impact of crystallization in bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics

Both unwanted and induced crystallization can impact bioactivity, physical and mechanical properties of bioactive glasses (BGs). Uncontrolled crystallization has negative consequences, rendering BGs unreliable. However, by manipulating the type, size, shape, and quantity of crystals in BGs, plenty of opportunities arise for controlling, for example, mechanical properties and degradability, leading to unique applications and improved performance. Understanding crystallization is a key step in developing bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics (BGCs), and both fundamental and experimental research can aid in the design of BGCs for processing and biological function. In this perspective, we discuss the sources of crystallization and how controlled crystallization facilitates the functionalization of bioactive scaffolds, hybrids, coatings, composites, cements, and fibers. Bioactive glasses' bioactivity, physical, and mechanical properties can be affected by unwanted and induced crystallization. Uncontrolled crystallization makes BGs unreliable. However, altering the type, size, shape, and amount of crystals in BGs allows for mechanical property and degradability control, resulting in innovative applications and increased performance. Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics (BGCs) can be designed for processing and biological function by understanding crystallization. Fundamental and experimental studies can help. Here, we examine crystallization sources and how controlled crystallization helps functionalize bioactive scaffolds, hybrids, coatings, composites, cements, and fibers. image