Biomedical potential of 3D Zn and ZnCu foams produced by dynamic hydrogen bubble template

Abstract

New biomaterials for bone healing applications are crucial for our ageing populations. Three-dimensional (3D) Zn and ZnCu architectures on stainless steel were reinvented through dynamic hydrogen bubble template (DHBT) deposition. 3D Zn was formed by porous pure Zn structures, whereas an interconnected architecture composed of CuxZny was detected in ZnCu foams, with the preferential deposition of Cu on the top and Zn on the bottom. These materials, with pore diameters ranging from 0.4 to 5 µm in 3D Zn and from 60 to 270 µm in ZnCu foams, have applications in drug delivery or scaffold systems, respectively. To evaluate the biomedical usage of these materials, their degradation in different biological media was assessed. Both materials were stable in cell culture medium and active in simulated body fluid solution, where typical Cu- and Zn-derived corrosion products were formed. The bioactivity of the degradation products formed, namely Zn and Cu oxides, hydrozincite, simonkolleite and hydroxyapatite, all most likely doped with Cu in the ZnCu foams, was related to their applicability in the biomedical field. Based on these findings, 3D Zn and ZnCu foams produced by DHBT proved their biomedical potential, an original approach reported herein for the first time.