4 - Magnesium-based alloys and nanocomposites for biomedical application

Abstract

The development of biodegradable implants for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications has gained considerable attention as an alternative to avoid long-term complications caused by permanent implants. Magnesium is an attractive material for such applications mainly due to its biocompatibility and good mechanical properties. Mg alloys rapidly biodegrade via corrosion reaction in the body, leading to a premature decrease in the mechanical properties and implant failure. Current research efforts to control the corrosion rate of Mg alloys are oriented mainly in two directions: (i) the development of new Mg alloys and nanocomposites with improved corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and (ii) the development of protective biocompatible coatings. However, these materials still have limitation either in vitro or in vivo and hence a thorough understanding of the degradation kinetics of Mg in both the testing should be evaluated for the betterment of utilization of this material as an effective biodegradable implant.