Abstract

Zinc (Zn) shows a great potential as a biodegradable material for bone implants after a decade of systematic research and development. However, uncontrollable biodegradation behavior and biphasic dose-response prevent Zn from fulfilling its essential role in facilitating bone regeneration. In this study, the low addition of gadolinium (Gd) modifies the intrinsic microstructure of Zn in terms of grain size distribution, grain boundary misorientation, and texture. Adding Gd refines grain size distribution and creates a stronger basal plane texture in Zn, consequently, changing the current density distribution and reducing the anode dissolution rate during corrosion. As a result, uniform degradation is more predominant in Zn-0.4Gd alloy implant, in comparison to localized degradation in pure Zn implant in bone environments. The modified biodegradation behavior of the Zn-0.4Gd alloy implant induces significantly better new bone formation and osseointegration compared to the pure Zn implant. Therefore, Gd with trace amounts is able to tune the degradation behavior and improve the performance of Zn-based implants in promoting bone regeneration.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.