Engineering magnesium metallic glasses for enhanced performance in biomedical applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Non-degradable metallic implants have limitations.
• Magnesium alloys are a promising alternative but face rapid degradation challenges.
• Magnesium-based metallic glasses (MMGs) offer enhanced corrosion resistance, strength-to-weight ratios, and mechanical performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the synthesis, fabrication, and biomedical applications of MMGs.
• To critically evaluate the current understanding of MMG fundamental characteristics, manufacturing techniques, and applications.
• To identify strategies for improving glass-forming ability (GFA), mechanical stability, and degradation rates.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent studies on MMGs.
• Evaluation of compositional variations and fabrication methods' impact on MMG properties.
• Assessment of MMGs in various biomedical applications.

Main Results:

• MMGs show potential in degradable orthopedic implants, tissue engineering, photothermal therapy, and microrobots.
• Engineering strategies have improved MMG glass-forming ability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical performance.
• Despite progress, MMGs face challenges including degradation, brittleness, fabrication scalability, and long-term biological effect ambiguities.

Conclusions:

• MMGs present a viable alternative to conventional metallic implants due to their tunable properties.
• Overcoming limitations in degradation, mechanical properties, and manufacturing is crucial for clinical translation.
• Further research is essential to fully realize the potential of MMGs in enhancing patient outcomes.