Mg-Ca-Sr Biodegradable Alloys for Medical Applications: Production, Biomaterials' Properties Characterization, and In...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Metallurgy

Background:

• Biomaterials research is crucial for advancing biomedical applications.
• Magnesium alloys are being explored as biodegradable materials for implants.
• Understanding the role of alloying elements like strontium is key to optimizing performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of strontium (Sr) concentration on Mg-Ca-Sr alloys.
• To evaluate microstructure, corrosion resistance, and in vitro/in vivo behavior.
• To assess suitability for dental and maxillofacial applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Mg-0.5Ca-xSr alloys (x = 0.5–3 at.%) using induction furnace.
• Microstructural analysis via optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Corrosion behavior assessed by linear and cyclic potentiometry; cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility evaluated.

Main Results:

• All alloys exhibited uniform microstructures and favorable corrosion resistance.
• The Mg-0.5Ca-0.5Sr alloy showed the lowest corrosion rate and current density.
• In vitro studies indicated cytocompatibility and stimulated osteoblastic proliferation.
• In vivo, lower Sr concentrations (0.5%, 1%) led to faster degradation, while higher concentrations persisted longer.
• Inflammatory response correlated with material presence, decreasing with degradation.

Conclusions:

• Mg-Ca-Sr alloys demonstrate potential for dental and maxillofacial implants.
• Strontium concentration critically influences degradation kinetics and tissue response.
• Alloys with optimized Sr content offer tunable degradation for specific biomedical needs.