Development of Fe-based bulk metallic glasses as potential biomaterials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Corrosion Science

Background:

• Biomedical implants require materials with high corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility.
• Traditional materials like 316L stainless steel (316 L SS) and Ti6Al4V (TC4) have limitations.
• Developing novel metallic glasses (BMGs) offers potential for improved biomaterial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize new Fe-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) for biomedical implant applications.
• To evaluate the corrosion performance of these BMGs in simulated body fluids.
• To assess the in vitro biocompatibility of the developed BMGs.

Main Methods:

• BMGs with compositions Fe80-x-yCrxMoyP13C7 were fabricated using fluxing treatment and J-quenching.
• Electrochemical measurements were conducted in Hank's solution and artificial saliva at 37 °C.
• In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using NIH3T3 cell culture and cell adhesion/growth tests.

Main Results:

• The developed Fe-based BMGs exhibited significantly better corrosion resistance than 316 L SS and approached that of TC4.
• Ion release (Fe, Ni, Cr) from BMGs was lower than from 316 L SS after polarization.
• BMGs showed no cytotoxicity and superior cell viability and growth compared to 316 L SS and TC4.

Conclusions:

• Fe-based BMGs, particularly Fe55Cr20Mo5P13C7, possess excellent glass formation ability.
• These BMGs demonstrate high corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility.
• The developed Fe-based BMGs show promising potential as advanced biomaterials for implants.