Compositions comprising
bioactive glass compositions or extracts thereof which include ions in an appropriate concentration and ratio that they enhance
osteoblast production, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. The compositions can be included in implantable devices that are capable of inducing
tissue formation in autogeneic, allogeneic and xenogeneic implants, for example as coatings and / or matrix materials. Examples of such devices include
prosthetic implants, sutures, stents, screws, plates, tubes, and the like. Aqueous extracts of the
bioactive glass compositions, which extracts are capable of stimulating
osteoblast production, are also disclosed. The compositions can be used, for example, to induce local
tissue formation from a
progenitor cell in a
mammal, for accelerating allograft repair in a
mammal, for promoting
in vivo integration of an implantable prosthetic device to enhance the
bond strength between the
prosthesis and the existing
target tissue at the joining site, and for treating tissue degenerative conditions.