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Hybrid additive manufacturing for Zn-Mg casting for biomedical application
Kazi Safowan Shahed1, Matthew Fainor2,3, Sarah E Gullbrand2,3
1Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, University Park, PA USA.
In Vitro Models
|January 29, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel hybrid manufacturing process for biodegradable orthopaedic implants using zinc-magnesium alloys with gyroid structures. This method shows promise for creating advanced implants with excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Orthopaedic Implant Technology
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Zinc (Zn) and its alloys are investigated for orthopaedic implants due to mechanical strength, biodegradability, and biocompatibility.
- Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers advanced fabrication possibilities for complex implant geometries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hybrid manufacturing process for zinc-magnesium (Zn-0.8Mg) orthopaedic implants.
- To fabricate Zn-0.8Mg artifacts with gyroid surface lattices using AM-augmented casting.
- To evaluate the material properties and biocompatibility of the fabricated implants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized additive manufacturing (AM) augmented casting to fabricate Zn-0.8Mg artifacts.
- Characterized material composition and microstructure using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
- Assessed mechanical properties through micro indentation testing (hardness and elastic modulus).
- Evaluated biocompatibility via in vitro cell culture experiments.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated Zn-Mg artifacts with gyroid surface lattices.
- Identified Zn-Mg intermetallic phases at the grain boundary via SEM/EDS.
- Measured hardness values between 83.772-99.112 HV and elastic modulus of 92.601-94.625 GPa.
- Demonstrated robust cell survival on both gyroid and solid scaffolds in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The novel hybrid manufacturing process is a viable approach for next-generation biodegradable orthopaedic implants.
- Zn-0.8Mg alloy with gyroid structures exhibits suitable mechanical properties and biocompatibility for biomedical applications.
- This fabrication technique holds potential for advancing orthopaedic implant design and functionality.
