Structural effect of ZrO2 and SnO2 intermediate oxides on an invert phosphate glass matrix

Invert phosphate-based glasses belong to biomaterials class due to their biocompatibility and versatile structure tuneable by the composition choice, regarding both modifier and intermediate oxides. The composition of host glass matrix investigated in the present work was kept unchanged with respect to modifier oxides (CaO, Na2O, K2O and MgO), and the addition of 5 mol% intermediate oxides (ZrO2 or SnO2) was on account of P2O5 glass former. The samples were prepared using the melt-quenching method. Composite pastes of enhanced fluidization desired for medical applications were obtained by mixing the finely ground glasses with collagen and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The composite samples were tested with respect to their potential anticancer and antibacterial effects. Both the primary glass samples and the glass/collagen/PEG composites were investigated from structural point of view by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy.