Medically Biodegradable Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Microspheres

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Hydrogenated amorphous silicon colloids of low surface area (<5 m2/g) are shown to exhibit complete in-vitro biodegradation into orthosilicic acid within 10–15 days at 37°C. When converted into polycrystalline silicon colloids, by high temperature annealing in an inert atmosphere, microparticle solubility is dramatically reduced. The data suggests that amorphous silicon does not require nanoscale porosification for full in-vivo biodegradability. This has significant implications for using a-Si:H coatings for medical implants in general, and orthopedic implants in particular. The high sphericity and biodegradability of submicron particles may also confer advantages with regards to contrast agents for medical imaging.