Zirconium: Biomedical and Nephrological Applications

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a rapid increase in the use of zirconium (Zr)-containing compounds in artificial internal organs. Examples include dental implants and other restorative practices, total knee and hip replacement, and middle-ear ossicular chain reconstruction. In nephrological practice, Zr-containing sorbents have been used in hemofiltration, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and in the design and construction of wearable artificial kidneys. Zr compounds continue to be widely and extensively used in deodorant and antiperspirant preparations. In the public health arena, Zr compounds have been studied or used in controlling phosphorus pollution and in the reclamation of poison and bacteria-contaminated water. Experimental and clinical studies support the general consensus that Zr compounds are biocompatible and exhibit low toxicity. Reports on possible Zr-associated adverse reactions are rare and, in general, have not rigorously established a cause-and-effect relationship. Although publications on the use of Zr compounds have continued to increase in recent years, reports on Zr toxicity have virtually disappeared from the medical literature. Nevertheless, familiarity with, and continued vigilant monitoring of, the use of these compounds are warranted. This article provides an updated review on the biomedical use of Zr compounds.

PET imaging with 89Zr: From radiochemistry to the clinic

“…[38] Additionally, due to the low neutron capture cross section of zirconium, its metal alloys are used for cladding in nuclear reactors. However, the predominant use of zirconium in chemistry is in the application of organometallic catalysis including olefin metathesis[39], ring-opening polymerizations[40], aminoalkene hydroamination[41], and other reactions.…”

“…Excretion of zirconium from food and water intake is thought to involve the hepatobiliary system and results in fecal, rather than urinary, excretion. [38] The fate of non-dietary zirconium, however, is less straightforward and depends upon the chemical speciation of the metal cation as well as perhaps the organism into which it is administered.…”

Zn2+‐Triggered Drug Release from Biocompatible Zirconium MOFs Equipped with Supramolecular Gates

“…[ 21 ] Zr, a silvery, lustrous, and strong transition metal, is widely distributed in nature and found in all biological systems and unique presence in the human brain, often in appreciable amounts. [ 22 ] The promising mechanical, biocompatible characteristics, and extremely low toxicity of Zr compounds boost the burgeoning biomedical applications of Zr-containing agents, [ 23 ] and signifi cantly Zr-based MOFs possess a wide array of potential applications in controlled drug delivery and storage. [24][25][26] The emergence of pillarenes (or pillararenes) [27][28][29][30][31][32] has been one of the most signifi cant achievements in supramolecular chemistry and materials science over the past 7 years.…”

Indentation and scratch testing of DLC-Zr coatings on ultrafine-grained titanium processed by high-pressure torsion

“…Recently, zirconium was used as a dopant metal to provide low-toxicity, good tribological behaviour and high corrosion resistance [32][33][34].…”