Development of magnesium implants by application of conjoint‐based quality function deployment

Abstract

Biodegradable magnesium‐based implants are the subject of a great deal of research for different orthopedic and vascular applications. The targeted design and properties depend on the specific medical function and location in the body. Development of the biomaterial requires a comprehensive understanding of the biological interaction between the implant and the host tissue, as well as of the behavior in the physiological environment in vivo. Research into and the development of innovative magnesium implants entails interdisciplinary research efforts and communication between materials science, bioscience, and medical experts. The present study provides a transparent planning and communication tool for market‐oriented implant development processes. The objective was to identify medical needs at an early stage of the development process and to quantify the importance of the engineering characteristics of different research fields that cater to specific implant requirements. The method is demonstrated by the performance of a survey‐based conjoint analysis, which was integrated into a quality function deployment approach. Twenty‐seven medical professionals and 29 biomaterial scientists assessed the importance of identified medical requirements, whereby the control of mechanical integrity and degradation along with nontoxicity and nonimmunogenicity showed the highest number of preferences. The evaluation of implant options by 31 experts indicated that the engineering characteristic with the highest importance was the condition and sterilization of the surface. These values can be used to set priorities in strategic decisions. Research trials can be aligned to medical preferences, ensuring high product quality and an effective development process. This is the first paper to report on the application of conjoint‐based quality function deployment in biomaterial research.

The Characterization of a Biodegradable Mg Alloy after Powder Bed Fusion with Laser Beam/Metal Processing for Custom Shaped Implants

“…Unfortunately, it has been reported that aluminium ions denote a high score for inducing neurotoxicity and brain disorders (Alzheimer's), and, on the other hand, rare elements, such as Ce, Y and Pr, can induce severe hepatotoxicity even if they can reduce the corrosion rate of these alloys [23]. But for ZK alloys, zinc and zirconium, alongside other possible alloying elements such as Ca, Mn, Si or Ag, arouse real interest in the research world due to their high biosafety [24,25]. Thus, zinc, as one possible alloying element for ZK alloys, has an antimicrobial effect against bacteria in the implantation area [26], being at the same time an important micronutrient for supporting the immune system and enzymatic reactions [27,28].…”

Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys for Personalised Temporary Implants

“…Aluminium ions are known for the neurotoxicity and brain disorders (Alzheimer’s) they induce, and elements such as Y, Ce, and Pr cause severe hepatotoxicity, even if in small amounts, and they can be tolerated and accepted due to the beneficial effect of reducing the corrosion rate of the alloy [ 28 ]. For ZK alloys, the use of a varied content of biocompatible alloying elements (such as Ca, Zn, Zr, Mn, Si, and Ag) is of great interest in research due to their biosafety [ 29 , 30 ]. Calcium is the main mineral component of human bone.…”

Corrosion Behavior and Biocompatibility of Na2EDTA-Induced Nacre Coatings on AZ91D Alloys Prepared via Hydrothermal Treatment

“…This unique biomedical feature allows Mg-based bioresorbable implants to “disappear” over time until the damaged tissues have been regenerated, thereby avoiding the necessity for secondary surgeries ( Radha and Sreekanth, 2017 ; Acheson et al, 2019 ; Li et al, 2019 ). Fortunately, as an essential element in metabolism (Mg 2+ is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body) and one of the natural minerals in bone tissues, Mg not only participates in regulating various physiological functions, including stabilizing RNA and DNA and activating many enzymes, but also stimulates the growth of new bone tissues ( Esmail et al, 2019 ; Yan et al, 2017 ; Kiselevsky et al, 2019 ; Siefen and Höck, 2019 ; Song et al, 2019 ). Moreover, the degradation products of Mg-based implants can be excreted through urine and are harmless to the human body ( Ali et al, 2019 ).…”