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Synthesis, Degradation and Biocompatibility of Bioresorbable Materials

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2025) | Viewed by 5045

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Mathematics, Materials Science and Engineering and Electronic Technology, ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
Interests: bioresorbable metals and polymers; polymer/metal composites; bioactive ceramics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Área de Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales, ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
Interests: biomaterials; sol–gel; plasma electrolytic oxidation; bioabsorbable metals; biocompatibility; cell culture

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomaterials play a significant role in medicine, improving the quality of life of patients. The search to develop appropriate implants or adequate methods that allow the healing of human tissues enhances the need for understanding the behavior of biomaterials in the human body. The use of bioresorbable materials in different medical applications is increasing, as there is a need to develop medical devices that are metabolized by the human body once they have fulfilled their task. In this sense, the main objective of this Special Issue is to highlight knowledge on the synthesis, degradation, and biocompatibility of bioresorbable materials. We welcome novel scientific research on themes including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) Bioresorbable metals and alloys;

(ii) Biopolymers and gels;

(iii) Bioactive ceramics and glasses;

(iv) Biocomposites;

(v) Surface treatments.

Dr. Sandra Carolina Cifuentes Cuéllar
Guest Editor
Prof. Dr. Juan Pablo Fernández Hernán
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • synthesis
  • degradation
  • biocompatibility
  • bioactivity
  • antibacterial response
  • bioresorbable metals
  • biopolymers
  • bioceramics

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 5135 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Degradation Behavior of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy: Comprehensive Microstructural and Crystallographic Characterization by TEM and NBED
by Zhichao Liu, Honglei Yue, Jianhua Zhu and Jianmin Han
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071500 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Magnesium alloys have attracted significant attention in recent years as biodegradable metals. However, their degradation mechanisms in vivo remain insufficiently understood. The present work investigates the degradation mechanism of AZ91 magnesium alloy in a critical-size rat defect model over an 8-week period in [...] Read more.
Magnesium alloys have attracted significant attention in recent years as biodegradable metals. However, their degradation mechanisms in vivo remain insufficiently understood. The present work investigates the degradation mechanism of AZ91 magnesium alloy in a critical-size rat defect model over an 8-week period in vivo, employing advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanobeam electron diffraction (NBED). The degradation layer is observed to consist of three distinct sub-layers: a dense and compact poor crystallinity layer (PCL) layer primarily composed of calcium phosphate, a loose and porous amorphous layer (AL) of magnesium/calcium phosphate, and a hybrid layer (HL)layer containing degradation channels and composed of magnesium/calcium phosphate, layered double hydroxide (LDH), and magnesium hydroxide. The corrosion resistance of AZ91 is enhanced by the presence of the compact PCL layer, the uniform distribution of the Mg17Al12 phase, and the formation of impervious LDH at the corrosion interface. The degradation is primarily driven by micro-galvanic corrosion, which is influenced by the interaction between the Mg matrix and the Mg17Al12 phase. These findings provide critical insights into the stable degradation mechanism of Mg-Al alloys in vivo, advancing the development of biodegradable magnesium-based implants. Full article
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19 pages, 6047 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanotubes Obtained by Anodic Oxidation for Biomedical Applications—In Vitro Studies
by Rita de Cássia Reis Rangel, André Luiz Reis Rangel, Kerolene Barboza da Silva, Ana Lúcia do Amaral Escada, Javier Andres Munoz Chaves, Fátima Raquel Maia, Sandra Pina, Rui L. Reis, Joaquim M. Oliveira and Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
Materials 2024, 17(15), 3627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153627 - 23 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1346
Abstract
To improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of biodegradable iron-based materials, nanostructured surfaces formed by metal oxides offer a promising strategy for surface functionalization. To explore this potential, iron oxide nanotubes were synthesized on pure iron (Fe) using an anodic oxidation process (50 V–30 [...] Read more.
To improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of biodegradable iron-based materials, nanostructured surfaces formed by metal oxides offer a promising strategy for surface functionalization. To explore this potential, iron oxide nanotubes were synthesized on pure iron (Fe) using an anodic oxidation process (50 V–30 min, using an ethylene glycol solution containing 0.3% NH4F and 3% H2O, at a speed of 100 rpm). A nanotube layer composed mainly of α-Fe2O3 with diameters between 60 and 70 nm was obtained. The effect of the Fe-oxide nanotube layer on cell viability and morphology was evaluated by in vitro studies using a human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOs-2 cells). The results showed that the presence of this layer did not harm the viability or morphology of the cells. Furthermore, cells cultured on anodized surfaces showed higher metabolic activity than those on non-anodized surfaces. This research suggests that growing a layer of Fe oxide nanotubes on pure Fe is a promising method for functionalizing and improving the cytocompatibility of iron substrates. This opens up new opportunities for biomedical applications, including the development of cardiovascular stents or osteosynthesis implants. Full article
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21 pages, 5652 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Adhesive Behavior and Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus aureus on Polylactic Acid Surfaces in Diabetic Environments
by María Fernández-Grajera, Miguel A. Pacha-Olivenza, María Coronada Fernández-Calderón, María Luisa González-Martín and Amparo M. Gallardo-Moreno
Materials 2024, 17(13), 3349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133349 - 6 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1322
Abstract
Interest in biodegradable implants has focused attention on the resorbable polymer polylactic acid. However, the risk of these materials promoting infection, especially in patients with existing pathologies, needs to be monitored. The enrichment of a bacterial adhesion medium with compounds that are associated [...] Read more.
Interest in biodegradable implants has focused attention on the resorbable polymer polylactic acid. However, the risk of these materials promoting infection, especially in patients with existing pathologies, needs to be monitored. The enrichment of a bacterial adhesion medium with compounds that are associated with human pathologies can help in understanding how these components affect the development of infectious processes. Specifically, this work evaluates the influence of glucose and ketone bodies (in a diabetic context) on the adhesion dynamics of S. aureus to the biomaterial polylactic acid, employing different approaches and discussing the results based on the physical properties of the bacterial surface and its metabolic activity. The combination of ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia (GK2) appears to be the worst scenario: this system promotes a state of continuous bacterial colonization over time, suppressing the stationary phase of adhesion and strengthening the attachment of bacteria to the surface. In addition, these supplements cause a significant increase in the metabolic activity of the bacteria. Compared to non-enriched media, biofilm formation doubles under ketoacidosis conditions, while in the planktonic state, it is glucose that triggers metabolic activity, which is practically suppressed when only ketone components are present. Both information must be complementary to understand what can happen in a real system, where planktonic bacteria are the ones that initially colonize a surface, and, subsequently, these attached bacteria end up forming a biofilm. This information highlights the need for good monitoring of diabetic patients, especially if they use an implanted device made of PLA. Full article
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Review

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47 pages, 10687 KiB  
Review
A Review of Additive Manufacturing of Biodegradable Fe and Zn Alloys for Medical Implants Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
by Irene Limón, Javier Bedmar, Juan Pablo Fernández-Hernán, Marta Multigner, Belén Torres, Joaquín Rams and Sandra C. Cifuentes
Materials 2024, 17(24), 6220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246220 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1516
Abstract
This review explores the advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) of biodegradable iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) alloys, focusing on their potential for medical implants, particularly in vascular and bone applications. Fe alloys are noted for their superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility but exhibit [...] Read more.
This review explores the advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) of biodegradable iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) alloys, focusing on their potential for medical implants, particularly in vascular and bone applications. Fe alloys are noted for their superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility but exhibit a slow corrosion rate, limiting their biodegradability. Strategies such as alloying with manganese (Mn) and optimizing microstructure via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) have been employed to increase Fe’s corrosion rate and mechanical performance. Zn alloys, characterized by moderate biodegradation rates and biocompatible corrosion products, address the limitations of Fe, though their mechanical properties require improvement through alloying and microstructural refinement. LPBF has enabled the fabrication of dense and porous structures for both materials, with energy density optimization playing a critical role in achieving defect-free parts. Fe alloys exhibit higher strength and hardness, while Zn alloys offer better corrosion control and biocompatibility. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate promising outcomes for both materials, with Fe alloys excelling in load-bearing applications and Zn alloys in controlled degradation and vascular applications. Despite these advancements, challenges such as localized corrosion, cytotoxicity, and long-term performance require further investigation to fully harness the potential of AM-fabricated Fe and Zn biodegradable implants. Full article
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