Updates on the research and development of absorbable metals for biomedical applications

Abstract

Absorbable metals, metals that corrode in physiological environment, constitute a new class of biomaterials intended for temporary medical implant applications. The introduction of these metals has shifted the established paradigm of metal implants from preventing corrosion to its direct application. Interest toward absorbable metals has been growing in the past decade. This is proved by the rapid increase in scientific publication, progressive development of standards, and launching the first commercial products. Iron, magnesium, zinc, and their alloys are the current three absorbable metals families. Magnesium-based metals are the most progressing family with a large data set obtained from both basic and translational research. Iron-based metals are still facing a major challenge of low in vivo corrosion rate despite the significant efforts that have been put to overcome its weakness. Zinc-based metals are the new alternative absorbable metals with moderate corrosion rates that fall between those of iron and magnesium. This manuscript provides a brief review on the latest progress in the research and development of absorbable metals, the most important findings, the remaining challenges, and the perspective on the future direction.Graphical abstract

Additive Manufacturing of Customized Metallic Orthopedic Implants: Materials, Structures, and Surface Modifications

“…Compared to magnesium and iron, zinc has a moderate degradation rate [76]. The latter is also an essential element in the body so that it can be used to orthopedic implants [77], as shown in Figure 3b.…”

Pengenalan pada biomaterial

“…Contohnya logam dilapis dengan hidroksiapatit untuk menjadikannya kodusif dengan tulang [8], atau dengan teflon untuk meningkatkan hemokompatibilitas [9]. Perkembangan terbaru biomaterial logam diantaranya logam-logam dengan elemen paduan non-toksik dan bebas alergi [10], dan logam biodegradable berbasis magnesium (Mg) untuk implan dengan fungsi temporer [11].…”

“…Tingkat aktivitas biologi tertentu diperlukan untuk area tertentu seperti rekayasa jaringan dimana interaksi langsung antara biomaterial dan komponen jaringan sangat esensial. Dalam kasus tertentu, fungsi biomaterial hanya diperlukan sementara waktu selama proses penyembuhan dan diharapkan terdegradasi setelahnya [11]. Polimer biodegradable (absorbabel) adalah biomaterial yang pertama diteliti dan dipakai [43].…”

Microstructure and mechanical properties of zinc matrix composites reinforced with copper coated multiwall carbon nanotubes

“…In recent years, research on biodegradable magnesium and iron alloys has been increasing [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. This research has shown that the degradation rate of magnesium alloys is too fast or the degradation is not uniform, resulting in insufficient support or fixing ability.…”

“…Based on the above advantages, zinc alloys are expected to be a substitute for Mg and Fe matrix alloys in degradable implant materials. However, pure zinc has lower mechanical properties, and it may still corrode too quickly in the human body [8].…”