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Published on: April 15, 2022
In Vitro Biodegradation of Resorbable Magnesium Alloys Promising for Implant Development
N S Martynenko1, N Y Anisimova2, M V Kiselevskiy3
1Researcher, Laboratory of Non-Ferrous and Light Metals; A.A. Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, 49 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Engineer, Laboratory of Hybrid Nanostructured Materials; National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", 4 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow, 119049, Russia.
Strengthening magnesium alloys like Mg-Zn-Ca and WE43 significantly accelerates their biodegradation rate, up to eightfold. These materials, even when strengthened, are suitable for bone implants and surgical fasteners due to their controlled degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Magnesium alloys are promising for biodegradable implants.
- Understanding their biodegradation is crucial for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro biodegradation characteristics and rate of Mg-Zn-Ca and WE43 magnesium alloys.
- To evaluate the effect of mechanical strengthening (ECAP) on biodegradation.
Main Methods:
- Studied biodegradation of Mg-Zn-Ca and WE43 alloys in homogenized and ECAP-strengthened states.
- Incubation in fetal calf serum (FCS) under static and dynamic conditions.
- Analyzed surface morphology (light microscopy, CT) and quantified biodegradation via weight loss and cell proliferation (xCELLigence).
Main Results:
- ECAP strengthening accelerated biodegradation up to eightfold.
- Dynamic (liquid flow) conditions showed twice the biodegradation rate compared to static.
- Degradation occurred primarily at margins, stimulating cell adhesion without bulk strength anisotropy.
Conclusions:
- Mg-Zn-Ca and WE43 magnesium alloys, in both conditions, exhibit suitable biodegradation profiles for medical use.
- These alloys are viable for applications in bone implants and surgical fasteners.
