Biodegradable Metals in Biomedical Applications: Corrosion Behavior, Challenges and Future Prospects

Biodegradable metals, such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) alloys, are revolutionizing the field of medical implants, offering the ability to naturally degrade within the body while supporting tissue healing. These materials eliminate the need for secondary surgeries to remove implants, making them a highly promising solution for a variety of applications, including orthopedics, cardiovascular devices, and soft tissue engineering. Each metal presents unique challenges: magnesium degrades too rapidly, risking gas formation and premature mechanical failure, while iron corrodes too slowly, potentially leading to incomplete degradation and tissue irritation. Zinc, however, offers a balanced degradation rate and exceptional biocompatibility, making it ideal for stents and bone implants. Current research focuses on alloying strategies and surface treatments, such as calcium and zinc alloying for magnesium to improve corrosion resistance, and zinc phosphate coatings for zinc alloys to control degradation and promote tissue regeneration. Iron’s corrosion has been enhanced by alloying with manganese and creating porous structures to increase surface area and accelerate degradation. Future directions include developing patient-specific implants using advanced manufacturing techniques like ۳D printing, as well as creating multifunctional coatings that release therapeutic agents as the implant degrades. The potential for biodegradable bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and alloys that modulate immune responses further expands the horizon of these metals in clinical applications. The integration of these innovative materials into medical practice promises a future where implants not only support healing but actively contribute to it, all while safely degrading within the body.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biodegradable Metals ، Corrosion ، Metallic Biomaterials ، Biomedical Implants ، Biocompatibility ، Biodegradation