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Description
Progress in bioabsorbable metals is of great importance since they can be used to produce temporary implants, replacing permanent ones, and thus limiting harmful side effects linked with their long-term presence in a patient body. The interest in bioabsorbable metals for biomedical applications is growing. With the acceleration of an aging society, human health and quality of life are among the most critical issues. The replacement of human tissue by implants is one of the conditions of supporting long and good physical condition of the as complicated machine as human. The orthopedic market in the world is forecasted to potential growth for next year’s mainly by sports injuries and car accidents (e.g., https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/orthopedic-trauma-devices-market-130) but also caused by osteoporosis. Replacement for permanent bone implants is required, what will prevent secondary surgeries and complications connected with metallic parts inside a human body.
Therefore, in the frame of this project, it is planned to produce ZnMg0.5 alloys with the addition of a small amount of Ca and Sr and proceeded by hydrostatic extrusion. A prototype of an orthopedic screw with enhanced properties will be designed and subjected to mechanical, microstructural, and corrosion investigation. The innovative approach proposed in the project covers the implementation of quaternary zinc alloys with satisfying mechanical properties obtained by alloying and hydrostatic extrusion, along with a beneficial impact on corrosion and biological properties. The series of globally unique prototype elements in the form of bone screws made of highly strengthened bioabsorbable Zn alloy designed and manufactured during the project will be presented to companies involved in manufacturing biomedical devices. This study can provide a new direction in the development of new generation orthopedic implants.
Summary of project results
BioAbsMat project was developed in response to the growing demand for new naturally absorbing innovative methodology for bone implants. There is a strong need to implement bioabsorbable implants in all cases with contraindications to using permanent implants or a hazard concerning second operations. The most promising candidate for such an application seems to be zinc due to its optimal corrosion rate. However, the mechanical properties of pure zinc are far from being acceptable for a proposed application. It has been already proven that zinc alloyed with magnesium and processed by hydrostatic extrusion (HE) can significantly increase mechanical properties to the level required for implant application. Therefore, this project planned to produce ZnMg0.5 alloys with the addition of a small amount of Ca and Sr and subject them to hydrostatic extrusion.
In the frame of the project, quaternary zinc alloys with magnesium, calcium, and strontium were investigated. Thanks to introducing different intermetallic phases and refining the grain size of zinc and intermetallic phases using the hydrostatic extrusion method, outstanding mechanical properties were obtained, along with improved corrosion rate and acceptable biocompatibility for investigated alloys. The series of globally unique prototype elements in the form of bone screws made of highly strengthened bioabsorbable quaternary zinc alloys were designed and manufactured.
The final results of the project replied to current social, medical and economic needs. The proposed bone implant technology from bioresorbable zinc alloy can be an innovative solution as a replacement for permanent bone implants produced from non-resorbable materials, which require secondary surgeries and could generate complications connected with metallic parts inside the human body. However, the application is limited by the acceptance of new technologies in the biomedical environment. In-vivo testing and clinical trials are the most critical factors for the next step of application and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the technology. The developing technology is ready to use after receiving permission, which is indispensable for technologies planned to be applied in biomedical industries.