Creation of Nano–Macro-Interconnected Porosity in a Bioactive Glass–Ceramic by the Melt-Quench-Heat-Etch Method.

We demonstrate that suitable thermal treatment of biocompatible CaO–Na2O–P2O5–SiO2 glasses prepared by the usual melt-quench results in spinodal phase separation and crystallization of phases at very different length scales. Selective chemical leaching of these phases allows the formation of interconnected multi-modal porosity, with pore size ranging from several nanometers to tens of micrometers. Such novel nano–macroporous glasses have potential applications as superior bioscaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]