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Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition)
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Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials and Devices for Healthcare Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 4360

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dapeng Zhao

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Guest Editor
College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Interests: metallic biomaterials; biofunctionalization; mechanical behavior; surface modification; dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Hong Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, China
Interests: additive manufacturing; biomedical materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jing Bai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Interests: high performance light metal; biomedical degradable metals; biomedical degradable composite materials; new medical degradable implantable devices; antibacterial and mildew proof materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metallic biomaterials are employed extensively in the orthopedics, dental, and cardiac fields, with standard surgical implant materials including stainless steels, CoCr alloys, and titanium (Ti) alloys. These metallic biomaterials show a good combination of corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. However, the basic functions of these materials, such as supporting, fixation, and protecting, remain very simplel; in addition, their lack of bio-functions limits their further application. Therefore, the development of metallic biomaterials should not only focus on the improvement of mechanical behavior, but also aim to functionalize them and enhance their bioactivity. For instance, various surface treatments have been developed to improve the osseointegration of stainless steels and Ti alloys. In addition, biodegradable metals, such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) alloys, could be employed to deal with various clinical problems (e.g., bone fracture and vessel blockages).

It is our great pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue, which focuses on the design, fabrication, functionalization, and application of metallic biomaterials. We welcome the submission of full papers, communications, and reviews.

Dr. Dapeng Zhao
Prof. Dr. Hong Wu
Dr. Jing Bai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metallic biomaterials
  • biofunctionalization
  • mechanical properties
  • surface modification
  • dental and orthopedics materials
  • Ti alloys
  • Mg alloys

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1583 KB  
Article
Comparative Finite Element Evaluation of Polymeric and Metallic Bioresorbable Sinus Stents Under Quasi-Static Radial Compression
by Wenyu Fu, Aiping Yang and Aike Qiao
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(2), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17020083 - 8 Feb 2026
Viewed by 575
Abstract
To address the issues of displacement and insufficient positional stability observed in the clinical use of the PROPEL Mini stent, this study investigates the influence of different biodegradable materials on the mechanical properties of the stent under the constraint of a fixed monofilament [...] Read more.
To address the issues of displacement and insufficient positional stability observed in the clinical use of the PROPEL Mini stent, this study investigates the influence of different biodegradable materials on the mechanical properties of the stent under the constraint of a fixed monofilament braided closed-loop geometry. Finite element analyses are conducted using Abaqus/Explicit to quantitatively evaluate the nonlinear mapping between nominal diameter, axial length, and radial pressure throughout a loading–unloading cycle. The results reveal that while axial behavior is consistent during compression, material-specific plasticity causes irreversible geometric sets in Mg alloy and PLGA models, whereas the PCL stent achieves total elastic recovery to its initial dimensions. During unloading, the Mg alloy stent recovers to a nominal diameter of 28 mm with a reduced axial length of approximately 22 mm, whereas the PLGA stent exhibits a much smaller recovery diameter of 14 mm with an axial length of approximately 23 mm. These post-release configurations directly determine the functional expansion range of the biodegradable stents after implantation. During unloading, the Mg alloy stent provides the highest radial pressure (peak 6.8 kPa) with a functional recovery range up to 26.5 mm, ensuring superior scaffolding stability. In contrast, while PCL achieves the widest recovery (52 mm), its radial pressure is clinically negligible (the maximum value is still less than 165 Pa), and the PLGA model exhibits both insufficient support and a restricted functional recovery limit (13 mm). By using high-strength materials such as Mg alloys, the radial anchoring force of the stent can be effectively enhanced without changing the existing structure, providing a scientific basis for solving clinical displacement problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 5550 KB  
Article
Development of Magnesium Alloy Stents with Layered Double Hydroxide Coating for Improved Corrosion Resistance and Biochemical Stability in AVF Applications
by Chien-Hsing Wu, Fuh-Yu Chang, Chiung-Ju Lin and Ping-Tun Teng
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17020076 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 587
Abstract
Background: Autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most commonly used vascular access for end-stage renal disease patients. However, during the maturation process following AVF surgery, insufficient initial venous diameter often results in inadequate blood flow, leading to fistula maturation failure. Studies have indicated [...] Read more.
Background: Autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most commonly used vascular access for end-stage renal disease patients. However, during the maturation process following AVF surgery, insufficient initial venous diameter often results in inadequate blood flow, leading to fistula maturation failure. Studies have indicated that implanting stents can enlarge the initial venous diameter and improve the success rate of AVF surgeries. However, stents made from metallic materials remain permanently in the body after implantation, posing risks such as in-stent restenosis. Methods: Our development and testing of magnesium alloy stents with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) coating to assist AVF maturation is presented in this paper. Firstly, AZ31 alloy was used as a benchmark to screen coating technologies, including anodizing, alkaline films, and LDH coatings. ZM21 tubes were then utilized to verify the transferability of optimized parameters across different substrates. Finally, the optimized coating was applied to ZM21 stents, followed by validation through in vitro degradation tests and biochemical simulations. Results: The results showed that LDH-coated AZ31 samples exhibited a 95% reduction in average corrosion rate compared to untreated samples. Additionally, the anion exchange property of the LDH layer effectively reduced the pH of the saline solution. Subsequently, LDH coatings were applied to ZM21 magnesium alloy stents, followed by in vitro degradation and biochemical simulation. Compared to untreated ZM21 stents, LDH-coated stents demonstrated a 94.9% reduction in average corrosion rate and significantly reduced the generation of soluble magnesium chloride, maintaining the solution pH below 8.0 and the Mg2+ concentration below 300 μg/mL. Conclusions: The results show LDH is the most effective corrosion-resistant coating and can control the degradation rate of magnesium alloy stents to enhance their support duration and biocompatibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 11033 KB  
Article
Strength–Ductility Synergy in Biodegradable Mg-Rare Earth Alloy Processed via Multi-Directional Forging
by Faseeulla Khan Mohammad, Uzwalkiran Rokkala, Sohail M. A. K. Mohammed, Hussain Altammar, Syed Quadir Moinuddin and Raffi Mohammed
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100391 - 18 Oct 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1458
Abstract
In this study, a biodegradable Mg-Zn-Nd-Gd alloy was processed via multi-directional forging (MDF) to evaluate its microstructural evolution, mechanical performance, and corrosion behavior. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of grain size and texture on mechanical strength and [...] Read more.
In this study, a biodegradable Mg-Zn-Nd-Gd alloy was processed via multi-directional forging (MDF) to evaluate its microstructural evolution, mechanical performance, and corrosion behavior. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of grain size and texture on mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The average grain size decreased significantly from 118 ± 5 μm in the homogenized state to 30 ± 10 μm after six MDF passes, primarily driven by discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX). Remarkably, this magnesium (Mg) alloy exhibited a rare synergistic enhancement in both strength and ductility, with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increasing by ~59%, yield strength (YS) by ~90%, while elongation improved by ~44% unlike conventional severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques that often sacrifice ductility for strength. This improvement is attributed to grain refinement, dispersion strengthening from finely distributed Mg12Nd and Mg7Zn3 precipitates, and texture weakening, which facilitated the activation of non-basal slip systems. Despite the mechanical improvements, electrochemical corrosion testing in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) at 37 °C revealed an increased corrosion rate from 0.1165 mm/yr in homogenized condition to 0.2499 mm/yr (after six passes of MDF. This was due to the higher fraction of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs), weak basal texture, and the presence of electrochemically active fine Mg7Zn3 particles. However, the corrosion rate remained within the acceptable range for bioresorbable implant applications, indicating a favorable trade-off between mechanical performance and degradation behavior. These findings demonstrate that MDF processing effectively enhances the strength–ductility synergy of Mg-rare earth alloys while maintaining a clinically acceptable degradation rate, thereby presenting a promising route for next-generation biomedical implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition))
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24 pages, 4238 KB  
Article
Hydrothermal Magnesium Alloy Extracts Modulate MicroRNA Expression in RAW264.7 Cells: Implications for Bone Remodeling
by Viviana Costa, Lavinia Raimondi, Daniele Bellavia, Angela De Luca, Pasquale Guglielmi, Angela Cusanno, Luca Cattini, Lia Pulsatelli, Matteo Pavarini, Roberto Chiesa and Gianluca Giavaresi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080303 - 21 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) alloys, particularly Mg AZ31, have emerged as promising biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability and favorable mechanical characteristics. Among these, the Mg AZ31+SPF alloy, subjected to hydrothermal (HT) treatment, has demonstrated enhanced bioactivity. Our previous research established that this [...] Read more.
Magnesium (Mg) alloys, particularly Mg AZ31, have emerged as promising biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability and favorable mechanical characteristics. Among these, the Mg AZ31+SPF alloy, subjected to hydrothermal (HT) treatment, has demonstrated enhanced bioactivity. Our previous research established that this surface modification supports the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by modulating both canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways, including those implicated in osteogenesis, hypoxic response, exosome biogenesis, and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we extended our investigation to assess the effects of Mg AZ31+SPF+HT and Mg AZ31+SPF extracts on murine pre-osteoclasts (RAW 264.7 cells) over 3- and 6-day treatment periods. The primary objectives were to evaluate biocompatibility and to investigate potential impacts on osteoclastogenesis induction and miRNA expression profiles. Methods: To assess cytocompatibility, metabolic activity, DNA integrity, and morphological alterations in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. Osteoclast differentiation was quantified using TRAP staining, alongside the assessment of osteoclastogenic marker expression by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The immunomodulatory properties of the extracts were examined using multiplex BioPlex assays to quantify soluble factors involved in bone healing. Additionally, global miRNA expression profiling was performed using a specialized panel targeting 82 microRNAs implicated in bone remodeling and inflammatory signaling. Results: Mg AZ31+SPF+HT extract exhibited high biocompatibility, with no observable adverse effects on cell viability. Notably, a significant reduction in the number of TRAP-positive and multinucleated cells was observed relative to the Mg AZ31+SPF group. This effect was corroborated by the downregulation of osteoclast-specific gene expression and decreased MMP9 protein levels. Cytokine profiling indicated that Mg AZ31+SPF+HT extract promoted an earlier release of key cytokines involved in maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption, suggesting a beneficial role in bone healing. Furthermore, miRNA profiling revealed a distinct regulatory signature in Mg AZ31+SPF+HT-treated cells, with differentially expressed miRNAs associated with inflammation, osteoclast differentiation, apoptosis, bone resorption, hypoxic response, and metabolic processes compared to Mg AZ31+SPF-treated cells. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that hydrothermal treatment of Mg AZ31+SPF (resulting in Mg AZ31+SPF+HT) attenuates pre-osteoclast activation by influencing cellular morphology, gene and protein expression, as well as post-transcriptional regulation via modulation of miRNAs. The preliminary identification of miRNAs and the activation of their regulatory networks in pre-osteoclasts exposed to hydrothermally treated Mg alloy are described herein. In the context of orthopedic surgery—where balanced bone remodeling is imperative—our results emphasize the dual significance of promoting bone formation while modulating bone resorption to achieve optimal implant integration and ensure long-term bone health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition))
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