Zinc-Based Biodegradable Materials for Orthopaedic Internal Fixation

Abstract

Traditional inert materials used in internal fixation have caused many complications and generally require removal with secondary surgeries. Biodegradable materials, such as magnesium (Mg)-, iron (Fe)- and zinc (Zn)-based alloys, open up a new pathway to address those issues. During the last decades, Mg-based alloys have attracted much attention by researchers. However, the issues with an over-fast degradation rate and release of hydrogen still need to be overcome. Zn alloys have comparable mechanical properties with traditional metal materials, e.g., titanium (Ti), and have a moderate degradation rate, potentially serving as a good candidate for internal fixation materials, especially at load-bearing sites of the skeleton. Emerging Zn-based alloys and composites have been developed in recent years and in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to explore their biodegradability, mechanical property, and biocompatibility in order to move towards the ultimate goal of clinical application in fracture fixation. This article seeks to offer a review of related research progress on Zn-based biodegradable materials, which may provide a useful reference for future studies on Zn-based biodegradable materials targeting applications in orthopedic internal fixation.

Three-Dimensional Bioprinting Applications for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…A bone fracture (or osteotomy) is any breakage in the anatomic continuity of the bone such that it loses its mechanical stability [18,19]. There are several different ways in which bones can be fractured.…”

3D Printing Technologies in Personalized Medicine, Nanomedicines, and Biopharmaceuticals

“…Apart from metals, long-lasting implants and stents can be also manufactured using biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and their copolymers with a degradation time in the body up to 36 months, much longer than natural polymers, such as chitosan, collagen, alginate, and gelatine. A wide range of APIs, such as hormones, cytostatics, anaesthetics, and antimicrobials, have been successfully delivered by FDM 3D printing [ 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. 3D-printed rod-shaped implants consisting of PVA and PLA fabricated with FDM slowed down the release, which lasted for up to 300 days [ 87 ].…”

Biodegradable Implants for Internal Fixation of Fractures and Accelerated Bone Regeneration

“…In addition, Zn-based implants are also a promising biodegradable material with great biocompatibility and functionality. − Zn-based implants can release zinc ions for affecting cell adhesion and promoting new bone formation . Unfortunately, the yield strength and elongation of pure Zn alloy is extremely low, and thereby Zn-based alloys were integrated with other elements for better mechanical performance . Qu et al.…”