Synthesis and structural-morphological study of composite materials based on mesoporous bioglass and cucurbit[n]urils

Mesoporous bioglass (MBG) is a promising biomedical material, but controlling its surface properties is challenging. This study modified MBG with cucurbit[n]uril macrocycles (CB[6], CB[7], CB[8]) to alter its surface. Modification was performed by evaporating macrocycle solutions onto MBG. Analysis showed this process significantly changed the MBG's morphology. Its characteristic spherical nanostructure disappeared, replaced by a heterogeneous organo-inorganic layer containing aggregates and crystalline formations. The extent of change depended on the specific cucurbituril used, due to differences in their solubility, geometry, and self-organization. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed successful modification, showing a large increase in carbon and nitrogen with a simultaneous decrease in silicon and oxygen. CB[8] created the densest and most massive organic coating. This work establishes that cucurbituril size and structure dictate the interaction with MBG and the degree of surface modification. It demonstrates the potential of supramolecular macrocycles to specifically tailor bioglass properties for creating advanced functional biomaterials. Contribution of the authors: the authors contributed equally to this article. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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