Microstructure, mechanical properties, and in vitro behavior of biodegradable Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca and Zn-1Mg-0.5Ca.

In the present study, the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, wettability, haemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility of the as-cast and as-rolled biodegradable Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca and Zn-1Mg-0.5Ca have been systematically investigated to evaluate their feasibility as potential biodegradable materials. The results demonstrated that the Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca have significantly improved mechanical properties, with the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation of as-rolled Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca are (209.04 ± 28.31) MPa, (331.51 ± 40.06) MPa, and (35.43 ± 3.53)%, respectively. Wettability test results demonstrated that the Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca and Zn-1Mg-0.5Ca have hydrophilic surfaces that can enhance cell responses and tissue-implant interactions. The haemocompatibility evaluation showed that the hemolysis ratio of Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca have a low hemolysis ratio of 0.6%; the platelets remain sphere morphology and are not activated. High cell viability indicates the cytocompatibility of the as-rolled Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca alloy. The Zn-1Mg-0.1Ca alloy can be considered as new suitable biodegradable Zn-based alloys for further biomedical applications.

Research progress and perspective of metallic implant biomaterials for craniomaxillofacial surgeries.

Craniomaxillofacial bone serves a variety of functions. However, the increasing number of cases of craniomaxillofacial bone injury and the use of selective rare implants make the treatment difficult, and the cure rate is low. If such a bone injury is not properly treated, it can lead to a slew of complications that can seriously disrupt a patient's daily life. For example, premature closure of cranial sutures or skull fractures can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can lead to headaches, vomiting, and even brain hernia. At present, implant placement is one of the most common approaches to repair craniomaxillofacial bone injury or abnormal closure, especially with biomedical metallic implants. This review analyzes the research progress in the design and development of degradable and non-degradable metallic implants in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The mechanical properties, corrosion behaviours, as well as in vitro and in vivo performances of these materials are summarized. The challenges and future research directions of metallic biomaterials used in craniomaxillofacial surgery are also identified.