Title : Minimizing patient suffer by biodegradable implants alternatives to permanent (Pain-Free Future)
Abstract:
Medical device implantation improved lives of millions of people through surgical procedures. There is a rising demand for implants and biomaterials across the globe. The permanent biomaterials used in implantable devices comprise metals, ceramics and polymers, metals being the most preferred materials. Stainless steel, titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys have dominated the market as orthopedic implant materials. Additionally, after fulfilling their function, bioinert metals often need to be removed by a secondary operation, which increases costs to healthcare systems and further morbidity to the patient.
Biodegradable or bioabsorbable implants have been revolutionizing orthopedic surgery, as long as they can be gradually replaced by new forming tissue, restoring the normal bone functions with no need to be removed in a second surgery. Additionally, they can have integrated drugs or growth factors to promote healing and prevent infections. Among biodegradable metals, magnesium (Mg) alloy is the most representative. Mg alloys possess unique properties, such as low density, low elastic modulus and good biocompatibility. They have been proven to be safe and effective medical implant materials by many studies.
One challenge associated with Mg is its relatively high corrosion rate, leading to excess hydrogen
evolution and rapid degradation of the implant. The accumulation of hydrogen may generate gas pockets near the implants leading to tissue displacement or discomfort for the patient, while the rapid degradation of mechanical properties associated with corrosion may cause a premature failure of the implants.
Extensive efforts have been devoted to improving the corrosion resistance of Mg through microstructural and surface modifications. Over the last three decades, many research attempts have been invested to improve the corrosion protection of magnesium alloys for example, chemical conversion coatings, electrochemical plating, organic coating, anodizing, or more sophisticated techniques.
Audience Take Away:
- The presentation will attract the types of people interested in biomedical applications.
- The audience can explore many challenges faces biomedical implants in market.
- Audience will be familiar with surfaces treatments for implants enhancement.
