Bio-inspired biomaterial Mg–Zn–Ca: a review of the main mechanical and biological properties of Mg-based alloys

Abstract

The toxicity of alloying elements in magnesium alloys used for biomedical purposes is an interesting and innovative subject, due to the great technological advances that would result from their application in medical devices (MDs) in traumatology. Recently promising results have been published regarding the rates of degradation and mechanical integrity that can support Mg alloys; this has led to an interest in understanding the toxicological features of these emerging biomaterials. The growing interest of different segments of the MD market has increased the determination of different research groups to clarify the behavior of alloying elements in vivo. This review covers the influence of the alloying elements on the body, the toxicity of the elements in Mg-Zn-Ca, as well as the mechanical properties, degradation, processes of obtaining the alloy, medical approaches and future perspectives on the use of the Mg in the manufacture of MDs for various medical applications.

Bioinspired Strategies for Functionalization of Mg-Based Stents

“…The corrosion resistance of Mg-based stents has emerged as a major barrier to widespread clinical implementation. Bioinspired strategies can help increase the corrosion resistance of Mg-based stents [36]. Several protective physical barriers, including the bioinspired solid surface and bioinspired liquid surface, are used to form a protective layer to prevent the excessive and rapid deterioration of magnesium alloys [9,37,38].…”

Micro-alloying of Zn and Ca in Vacuum Induction Casted Bioresorbable Mg System: Perspectives on Corrosion Resistance, Cytocompatibility, and Inflammatory Response

“…Similar toxic responses were reported in the past for Li 6 and Co 7 . Therefore, developing Mg alloys with physiologically present elements like Zinc (Zn) and Calcium (Ca), as bio-implants could be a desirable solution 8 .…”

In vitro and in vivo degradation behavior of Mg-0.45Zn-0.45Ca (ZX00) screws for orthopedic applications

“…Moreover, Zn is essential for numerous biological functions in the human body, such as stimulation of new bone formation, preservation of bone mass, signal transmission, apoptosis regulation, and gene expression [ 36 ]. However, the high concentration of Zn can cause microporosity during solidification and increase the susceptibility to corrosion attack [ 24 , 37 , 38 ].…”