The need to improve synthetic materials for human bone replacement is significant. Nanostructured bioceramics are expected to have better bioactivity than microcrystals. Merwinite (Ca3MgSi2O8) ceramic is a new bioceramic with good biocompatibility. The aim of this study was the preparation, characterization and evaluation of the bioactivity of nanostructured merwinite. Nanostructured merwinite was synthesized by a sot-gel process. Evaluation of the bioactivity was preformed by immersing the nanostructured merwinite in a simulated body fluid (SBF) and the formation of apatite on the surface of the immersed nanostructured merwinite was investigated. The results showed that hydroxyapatite (HAp) was formed after soaking for 7 days. Osteoblast viability and proliferation was measured by a cell proliferation kit I (MTT). Our study indicated that nanostructured merwinite possessed an apatite-formation ability, show a good bioactivity and might be used for preparation of new biomaterials.

Keywords: Merwinite; Sol-gel synthesis; Bioceramics; Simulated body fluid; Hydroxyapatite