CHAPTER 4: The Role of Phosphate Glasses in Bone Regeneration Remedies

Phosphate ions are thought to influence osteogenic cells and enhance new bone formation. There is a long history of investigating osteoblast responses in vitro using various types of ions, such as orthophosphates and polyphosphates. This chapter focuses on cell responses to these ions, the mechanisms of the responses, and their relation to calcium phosphate deposits, which are induced by ions in culture medium. The influence of phosphate ions on osteoblast-like cells is also discussed by comparing it with the influence of silicate ions, which are reported to stimulate mineralization of osteogenic cells.