Materials

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 176 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications”

by Hendra Hermawan and Mehdi Razavi

Materials 2021, 14(14), 3835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14143835 - 09 Jul 2021

Viewed by 1305

Abstract

Current temporary metal implants made from titanium or stainless steel are not absorbable [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

21 pages, 4918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zn–0.8Mg–0.2Sr (wt.%) Absorbable Screws—An In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Degradation Pilot Study on a Rabbit Model

by Karel Klíma, Dan Ulmann, Martin Bartoš, Michal Španko, Jaroslava Dušková, Radka Vrbová, Jan Pinc, Jiří Kubásek, Tereza Ulmannová, René Foltán, Eitan Brizman, Milan Drahoš, Michal Beňo and Jaroslav Čapek

Materials 2021, 14(12), 3271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123271 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2722

Abstract

In this pilot study, we investigated the biocompatibility and degradation rate of an extruded Zn–0.8Mg–0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. An alloy screw was implanted into one of the tibiae of New Zealand White rabbits. After 120 days, the animals were euthanized. [...] Read more.

In this pilot study, we investigated the biocompatibility and degradation rate of an extruded Zn–0.8Mg–0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. An alloy screw was implanted into one of the tibiae of New Zealand White rabbits. After 120 days, the animals were euthanized. Evaluation included clinical assessment, microCT, histological examination of implants, analyses of the adjacent bone, and assessment of zinc, magnesium, and strontium in vital organs (liver, kidneys, brain). The bone sections with the implanted screw were examined via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). This method showed that the implant was covered by a thin layer of phosphate-based solid corrosion products with a thickness ranging between 4 and 5 µm. Only negligible changes of the implant volume and area were observed. The degradation was not connected with gas evolution. The screws were fibrointegrated, partially osseointegrated histologically. We observed no inflammatory reaction or bone resorption. Periosteal apposition and formation of new bone with a regular structure were frequently observed near the implant surface. The histological evaluation of the liver, kidneys, and brain showed no toxic changes. The levels of Zn, Mg, and Sr after 120 days in the liver, kidneys, and brain did not exceed the reference values for these elements. The alloy was safe, biocompatible, and well-tolerated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Magnesium and Sirolimus on Rabbit Vascular Cells—An In Vitro Proof of Concept

by Giorgia Fedele, Sara Castiglioni, Jeanette A. Maier and Laura Locatelli

Materials 2021, 14(8), 1970; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14081970 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1606

Abstract

Drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds represent the last frontier in the field of angioplasty and stenting to treat coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, sirolimus-eluting magnesium-based scaffolds were recently introduced in clinical practice. Magnesium alloys are [...] Read more.

Drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds represent the last frontier in the field of angioplasty and stenting to treat coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, sirolimus-eluting magnesium-based scaffolds were recently introduced in clinical practice. Magnesium alloys are biocompatible and dissolve in body fluids, thus determining high concentrations of magnesium in the local microenvironment. Since magnesium regulates cell growth, we asked whether high levels of magnesium might interfere with the antiproliferative action of sirolimus. We performed in vitro experiments on rabbit coronary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells (rCAEC and rSMC, respectively). The cells were treated with sirolimus in the presence of different concentrations of extracellular magnesium. Sirolimus inhibits rCAEC proliferation only in physiological concentrations of magnesium, while high concentrations prevent this effect. On the contrary, high extracellular magnesium does not rescue rSMC growth arrest by sirolimus and accentuates the inhibitory effect of the drug on cell migration. Importantly, sirolimus and magnesium do not impair rSMC response to nitric oxide. If translated into a clinical setting, these results suggest that, in the presence of sirolimus, local increases of magnesium concentration maintain normal endothelial proliferative capacity and function without affecting rSMC growth inhibition and response to vasodilators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Studies on Mg-Zn-Sn-Based Alloys Developed as a New Kind of Biodegradable Metal

by Yafeng Wen, Qingshan Liu, Weikang Zhao, Qiming Yang, Jingfeng Wang and Dianming Jiang

Materials 2021, 14(7), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071606 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

Mg-Zn-Sn-based alloys are widely used in the industrial field because of their low-cost, high-strength and heat-resistant characteristics. However, their application in the biomedical field has been rarely reported. In the present study, biodegradable Mg-1Zn-1Sn and Mg-1Zn-1Sn-0.2Sr alloys were fabricated. Their microstructure, surface characteristics, [...] Read more.

Mg-Zn-Sn-based alloys are widely used in the industrial field because of their low-cost, high-strength and heat-resistant characteristics. However, their application in the biomedical field has been rarely reported. In the present study, biodegradable Mg-1Zn-1Sn and Mg-1Zn-1Sn-0.2Sr alloys were fabricated. Their microstructure, surface characteristics, mechanical properties and bio-corrosion properties were carried out using an optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, electrochemical and immersion test. The cell viability and morphology were studied by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, live/dead cell assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and SEM. The osteogenic activity was systematically investigated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that a small amount of strontium (Sr) (0.2 wt.%) significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Mg-1Zn-1Sn alloy by grain refinement and decreasing the corrosion current density. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties were also improved via the second phase strengthening. Both Mg-1Zn-1Sn and Mg-1Zn-1Sn-0.2Sr alloys showed excellent biocompatibility, significantly promoted cell proliferation, adhesion and spreading. Particularly, significant increases in ALP activity, ARS staining, type I collagen (COL-I) expression as well as the expressions of three osteogenesis-related genes (runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (Bglap)) were observed for the Mg-1Zn-1Sn-0.2Sr group. In summary, this study demonstrated that Mg-Zn-Sn-based alloy has great application potential in orthopedics and Sr is an ideal alloying element of Mg-Zn-Sn-based alloy, which optimizes its corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and osteoinductive activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Video Microscopy-Linked Electrochemical Cell: An Innovative Method to Improve Electrochemical Investigations of Biodegradable Metals

by Tycho Zimmermann, Norbert Hort, Yuqiuhan Zhang, Wolf-Dieter Müller and Andreas Schwitalla

Materials 2021, 14(7), 1601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071601 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1814

Abstract

An innovative, miniature video-optical-electrochemical cell was developed and tested that allows for the conducting of electrochemical corrosion measurements and simultaneous microscopic observations over a small, well-defined surface area of corroding or degrading samples. The setup consisted of a miniature electrochemical cell that was [...] Read more.

An innovative, miniature video-optical-electrochemical cell was developed and tested that allows for the conducting of electrochemical corrosion measurements and simultaneous microscopic observations over a small, well-defined surface area of corroding or degrading samples. The setup consisted of a miniature electrochemical cell that was clamped onto the metal sample and fixed under a video microscope before being filled with electrolyte. The miniature cell was comprised of afferent/efferent electrolyte ducts as well as a connection to the Mini Cell System (MCS) for electrochemical measurements. Consequently, all measured and induced currents and voltages referred to the same small area corroding completely within the field of view of the microscope, thus allowing for real-time observation and linking of surface phenomena such as hydrogen evolution and oxide deposition to electrochemical data. The experimental setup was tested on commercial purity (cp) and extra-high purity (XHP) magnesium (Mg) samples using open circuit potential and cyclic voltammetry methods under static and flowing conditions. The corrosion potential was shifted more anodically for cp Mg in comparison to XHP Mg under dynamic conditions. The corrosion current assessed from the cyclic voltametric curves were higher for the cp Mg in comparison to XHP Mg. However, there were no differences between static and flow conditions in the case of XHP Mg in contrast to cp Mg, where the current density was two times higher at dynamic conditions. The measurements and observations with this new method pave the way for a more detailed understanding of magnesium corrosion mechanisms, thus improving predictive power of electrochemical corrosion measurements on newly developed magnesium or other biodegradable alloys applied for medical devices. Different electrochemical tests can be run under various conditions, while being easy to set up and reproduce as well as being minimally destructive to the sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradable Magnesium Bone Implants Coated with a Novel Bioceramic Nanocomposite

by Mehdi Razavi, Mohammadhossein Fathi, Omid Savabi, Lobat Tayebi and Daryoosh Vashaee

Materials 2020, 13(6), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13061315 - 13 Mar 2020

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4391

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are being investigated as a biodegradable metallic biomaterial because of their mechanical property profile, which is similar to the human bone. However, implants based on Mg alloys are corroded quickly in the body before the bone fracture is fully healed. [...] Read more.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are being investigated as a biodegradable metallic biomaterial because of their mechanical property profile, which is similar to the human bone. However, implants based on Mg alloys are corroded quickly in the body before the bone fracture is fully healed. Therefore, we aimed to reduce the corrosion rate of Mg using a double protective layer. We used a magnesium-aluminum-zinc alloy (AZ91) and treated its surface with micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique to first form an intermediate layer. Next, a bioceramic nanocomposite composed of diopside, bredigite, and fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) was coated on the surface of MAO treated AZ91 using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. Our in vivo results showed a significant enhancement in the bioactivity of the nanocomposite coated AZ91 implant compared to the uncoated control implant. Implantation of the uncoated AZ91 caused a significant release of hydrogen bubbles around the implant, which was reduced when the nanocomposite coated implants were used. Using histology, this reduction in the corrosion rate of the coated implants resulted in an improved new bone formation and reduced inflammation in the interface of the implants and the surrounding tissue. Hence, our strategy using a MAO/EPD of a bioceramic nanocomposite coating (i.e., diopside-bredigite-FHA) can significantly reduce the corrosion rate and improve the bioactivity of the biodegradable AZ91 Mg implant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 12255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Corrosion Behavior of Biodegradable Iron Foams with Polymeric Coating

by Radka Gorejová, Renáta Oriňaková, Zuzana Orságová Králová, Matej Baláž, Miriam Kupková, Monika Hrubovčáková, Lucia Haverová, Miroslav Džupon, Andrej Oriňak, František Kaľavský and Karol Kovaľ

Materials 2020, 13(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13010184 - 02 Jan 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3042

Abstract

Research in the field of biodegradable metallic scaffolds has advanced during the last decades. Resorbable implants based on iron have become an attractive alternative to the temporary devices made of inert metals. Overcoming an insufficient corrosion rate of pure iron, though, still remains [...] Read more.

Research in the field of biodegradable metallic scaffolds has advanced during the last decades. Resorbable implants based on iron have become an attractive alternative to the temporary devices made of inert metals. Overcoming an insufficient corrosion rate of pure iron, though, still remains a problem. In our work, we have prepared iron foams and coated them with three different concentrations of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to increase their corrosion rates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy were used for characterization of the polymer coating. The corrosion behavior of the powder-metallurgically prepared samples was evaluated electrochemically using an anodic polarization method. A 12 weeks long in vitro degradation study in Hanks’ solution at 37 °C was also performed. Surface morphology, corrosion behavior, and degradation rates of the open-cell foams were studied and discussed. The use of PEI coating led to an increase in the corrosion rates of the cellular material. The sample with the highest concentration of PEI film showed the most rapid corrosion in the environment of simulated body fluids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

9 pages, 1938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advantage of Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with Bioactive/Bioresorbable Screws Made of Composites of Unsintered Hydroxyapatite and Poly-L-lactide

by Shintaro Sukegawa, Hotaka Kawai, Keisuke Nakano, Kiyofumi Takabatake, Takahiro Kanno, Hitoshi Nagatsuka and Yoshihiko Furuki

Materials 2019, 12(22), 3681; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12223681 - 08 Nov 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

We studied human bone healing characteristics and the histological osteogenic environment by using devices made of a composite of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA) and poly-L-lactide (PLLA). In eight cases of fixation, we used u-HA/PLLA screws for maxillary alveolar ridge augmentation, for which [...] Read more.

We studied human bone healing characteristics and the histological osteogenic environment by using devices made of a composite of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA) and poly-L-lactide (PLLA). In eight cases of fixation, we used u-HA/PLLA screws for maxillary alveolar ridge augmentation, for which mandibular cortical bone block was used in preimplantation surgery. Five appropriate samples with screws were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically for runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), transcription factor Sp7 (Osterix), and leptin receptor (LepR). In all cases, histological evaluation revealed that bone components had completely surrounded the u-HA/PLLA screws, and the bone was connected directly to the biomaterial. Inflammatory cells did not invade the space between the bone and the u-HA/PLLA screw. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed that many cells were positive for RUNX2 or Osterix, which are markers for osteoblast and osteoprogenitor cells, in the tissues surrounding u-HA/PLLA. In addition, many bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells were notably positive for both LepR and RUNX2. The u-HA/PLLA material showed excellent bioactive osteoconductivity and a highly biocompatibility with bone directly attached. In addition, our findings suggest that many bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells and mature osteoblast are present in the osteogenic environment created with u-HA/PLLA screws and that this environment is suitable for osteogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Assessment of Zn–Based Absorbable Metals for Ureteral Stent Applications

by Devi Paramitha, Stéphane Chabaud, Stéphane Bolduc and Hendra Hermawan

Materials 2019, 12(20), 3325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12203325 - 12 Oct 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

The use of ureteral stents to relieve urinary tract obstruction is still challenged by the problems of infection, encrustation, and compression, leading to the need for early removal procedures. Biodegradable ureteral stents, commonly made of polymers, have been proposed to overcome these problems. [...] Read more.

The use of ureteral stents to relieve urinary tract obstruction is still challenged by the problems of infection, encrustation, and compression, leading to the need for early removal procedures. Biodegradable ureteral stents, commonly made of polymers, have been proposed to overcome these problems. Recently, absorbable metals have been considered as potential materials offering both biodegradation and strength. This work proposed zinc-based absorbable metals by firstly evaluating their cytocompatibility toward normal primary human urothelial cells using 2D and 3D assays. In the 2D assay, the cells were exposed to different concentrations of metal extracts (i.e., 10 mg/mL of Zn–1Mg and 8.75 mg/mL of Zn–0.5Al) for up to 3 days and found that their cytoskeletal networks were affected but were recovered at day 3, as observed by immunofluorescence. In the 3D ureteral wall tissue construct, the cells formed a multilayered urothelium, as found in native tissue, with the presence of tight junctions at the superficial layer and laminin at the basal layer, indicating a healthy tissue condition even with the presence of the metal samples for up to 7 days of exposure. The basal cells attached to the metal surface as seen in a natural spreading state with pseudopodia and fusiform morphologies, indicating that the metals were non-toxic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Properties of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Reinforced WE43 Alloy Fabricated by Friction Stir Processing

by Genghua Cao, Lu Zhang, Datong Zhang, Yixiong Liu, Jixiang Gao, Weihua Li and Zhenxing Zheng

Materials 2019, 12(18), 2994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12182994 - 16 Sep 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

This research mainly focuses on the successful fabrication of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) reinforced WE43 alloy by two-pass friction stir processing (FSP). Microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and in vitro corrosion behavior of FSPed WE43/nHA composite and FSPed WE43 alloy were studied. The results show that [...] Read more.

This research mainly focuses on the successful fabrication of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) reinforced WE43 alloy by two-pass friction stir processing (FSP). Microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and in vitro corrosion behavior of FSPed WE43/nHA composite and FSPed WE43 alloy were studied. The results show that nHA particles are effectively dispersed in the processing zone, and the well-dispersed nHA particles can enhance the grain refine effect of FSP. The average grain sizes of FSPed WE43 alloy and WE43/nHA composite are 5.7 and 3.3 μm, respectively. However, a slight deterioration in tensile strength and yield strength is observed on the WE43/nHA composite, compared to the FSPed WE43 alloy, which is attributed to the locally agglomerated nHA particles and the poor quality of interfacial bonding between nHA particles and matrix. The electrochemical test and in vitro immersion test results reveal that the corrosion resistance of the WE43 alloy is greatly improved after FSP. With the addition of nHA particles, the corrosion resistance of the WE43/nHA composite shows an even greater improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomechanical Loading Comparison between Titanium and Unsintered Hydroxyapatite/Poly-L-Lactide Plate System for Fixation of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures

by Shintaro Sukegawa, Takahiro Kanno, Norio Yamamoto, Keisuke Nakano, Kiyofumi Takabatake, Hotaka Kawai, Hitoshi Nagatsuka and Yoshihiko Furuki

Materials 2019, 12(9), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12091557 - 13 May 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4121

Abstract

Osteosynthesis absorbable materials made of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA) particles, poly-l-lactide (PLLA), and u-HA/PLLA are bioresorbable, and these plate systems have feasible bioactive osteoconductive capacities. However, their strength and stability for fixation in mandibular subcondylar fractures remain unclear. This in [...] Read more.

Osteosynthesis absorbable materials made of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA) particles, poly-l-lactide (PLLA), and u-HA/PLLA are bioresorbable, and these plate systems have feasible bioactive osteoconductive capacities. However, their strength and stability for fixation in mandibular subcondylar fractures remain unclear. This in vitro study aimed to assess the biomechanical strength of u-HA/PLLA bioresorbable plate systems after internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures. Tensile and shear strength were measured for each u-HA/PLLA and titanium plate system. To evaluate biomechanical behavior, 20 hemimandible replicas were divided into 10 groups, each comprising a titanium plate and a bioresorbable plate. A linear load was applied anteroposteriorly and lateromedially to each group to simulate the muscular forces in mandibular condylar fractures. All samples were analyzed for each displacement load and the displacement obtained by the maximum load. Tensile and shear strength of the u-HA/PLLA plate were each approximately 45% of those of the titanium plates. Mechanical resistance was worst in the u-HA/PLLA plate initially loaded anteroposteriorly. Titanium plates showed the best mechanical resistance during lateromedial loading. Notably, both plates showed similar resistance when a lateromedially load was applied. In the biomechanical evaluation of mandibular condylar fracture treatment, the u-HA/PLLA plates had sufficiently high resistance in the two-plate fixation method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 17869 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

In Vitro Degradation of Absorbable Zinc Alloys in Artificial Urine

by Sébastien Champagne, Ehsan Mostaed, Fariba Safizadeh, Edward Ghali, Maurizio Vedani and Hendra Hermawan

Materials 2019, 12(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12020295 - 18 Jan 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4312

Abstract

Absorbable metals have potential for making in-demand rigid temporary stents for the treatment of urinary tract obstruction, where polymers have reached their limits. In this work, in vitro degradation behavior of absorbable zinc alloys in artificial urine was studied using electrochemical methods and [...] Read more.

Absorbable metals have potential for making in-demand rigid temporary stents for the treatment of urinary tract obstruction, where polymers have reached their limits. In this work, in vitro degradation behavior of absorbable zinc alloys in artificial urine was studied using electrochemical methods and advanced surface characterization techniques with a comparison to a magnesium alloy. The results showed that pure zinc and its alloys (Zn–0.5Mg, Zn–1Mg, Zn–0.5Al) exhibited slower corrosion than pure magnesium and an Mg–2Zn–1Mn alloy. The corrosion layer was composed mostly of hydroxide, carbonate, and phosphate, without calcium content for the zinc group. Among all tested metals, the Zn–0.5Al alloy exhibited a uniform corrosion layer with low affinity with the ions in artificial urine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

25 pages, 402 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biodegradable Iron-Based Materials—What Was Done and What More Can Be Done?

by Gabriela Gąsior, Jonasz Szczepański and Aleksandra Radtke

Materials 2021, 14(12), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123381 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 3985

Abstract

Iron, while attracting less attention than magnesium and zinc, is still one of the best candidates for biodegradable metal stents thanks its biocompatibility, great elastic moduli and high strength. Due to the low corrosion rate, and thus slow biodegradation, iron stents have still [...] Read more.

Iron, while attracting less attention than magnesium and zinc, is still one of the best candidates for biodegradable metal stents thanks its biocompatibility, great elastic moduli and high strength. Due to the low corrosion rate, and thus slow biodegradation, iron stents have still not been put into use. While these problems have still not been fully resolved, many studies have been published that propose different approaches to the issues. This brief overview report summarises the latest developments in the field of biodegradable iron-based stents and presents some techniques that can accelerate their biocorrosion rate. Basic data related to iron metabolism and its biocompatibility, the mechanism of the corrosion process, as well as a critical look at the rate of degradation of iron-based systems obtained by several different methods are included. All this illustrates as the title says, what was done within the topic of biodegradable iron-based materials and what more can be done. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 6082 KiB

Open AccessReview

Is There a Role for Absorbable Metals in Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mg/Mg Alloy Based Implants

by Cortino Sukotjo, Tiburtino J. Lima-Neto, Joel Fereira Santiago Júnior, Leonardo P. Faverani and Michael Miloro

Materials 2020, 13(18), 3914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13183914 - 04 Sep 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have received attention in the literature as potential biomaterials for use as absorbable implants in oral and maxillofacial and orthopedic surgery applications. This study aimed to evaluate the available clinical studies related to patients who underwent bone fixation (patients), and [...] Read more.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have received attention in the literature as potential biomaterials for use as absorbable implants in oral and maxillofacial and orthopedic surgery applications. This study aimed to evaluate the available clinical studies related to patients who underwent bone fixation (patients), and received conventional fixation (intervention), in comparison to absorbable metals (comparison), in terms of follow-up and complications (outcomes). A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement and PROSPERO (CRD42020188654), PICO question, ROBINS-I, and ROB scales. The relative risk (RR) of complications and failures were calculated considering a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Eight studies (three randomized clinical trial (RCT), one retrospective studies, two case-control studies, and two prospective studies) involving 468 patients, including 230 Mg screws and 213 Titanium (Ti) screws, were analyzed. The meta-analysis did not show any significant differences when comparing the use of Mg and Ti screws for complications (p = 0.868). The estimated complication rate was 13.3% (95% CI: 8.3% to 20.6%) for the comparison group who received an absorbable Mg screw. The use of absorbable metals is feasible for clinical applications in bone surgery with equivalent outcomes to standard metal fixation devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Degradation of Biomedical Mg Alloys—A Review Paper

by Marcjanna Maria Gawlik, Björn Wiese, Valérie Desharnais, Thomas Ebel and Regine Willumeit-Römer

Materials 2018, 11(12), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11122561 - 16 Dec 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5342

Abstract

This report reviews the effects of chemical, physical, and mechanical surface treatments on the degradation behavior of Mg alloys via their influence on the roughness and surface morphology. Many studies have been focused on technically-used AZ alloys and a few investigations regarding the [...] Read more.

This report reviews the effects of chemical, physical, and mechanical surface treatments on the degradation behavior of Mg alloys via their influence on the roughness and surface morphology. Many studies have been focused on technically-used AZ alloys and a few investigations regarding the surface treatment of biodegradable and Al-free Mg alloys, especially under physiological conditions. These treatments tailor the surface roughness, homogenize the morphology, and decrease the degradation rate of the alloys. Conversely, there have also been reports which showed that rough surfaces lead to less pitting and good cell adherence. Besides roughness, there are many other parameters which are much more important than roughness when regarding the degradation behavior of an alloy. These studies, which indicate the relationship between surface treatments, roughness and degradation, require further elaboration, particularly for biomedical Mg alloy applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Absorbable Metals for Biomedical Applications

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (15 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI