Magnesium Scaffold Research Articles

Porous magnesium scaffolds with biodegradable polycaprolactone coating

The results of the synthesis of magnesium matrices with a porous structure have been presented. The cavities sizes vary from 10 microns to hundreds of microns. It has been obtained porous magnesium samples coated by spin-coating with biodegradable polycaprolactone. It has been shown that a dense layer of biodegradable polymer more than 50 μm thickness can be formed on the sample surface. Study of the electrochemical properties of the obtained coatings has been carried out. Obtained results suggest that porous magnesium metals with protective coatings can be used as degradable bone substitute implants.

Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Resorbable Magnesium Scaffold: Review of the Clinical Evidence.

Since October 8, 2013, the second-generation drug-eluting resorbable magnesium scaffold (RMS) has been used to treat coronary lesions. At present, the second-generation drug-eluting RMS is clinically available in Europe, some South American countries, and some Asian and African countries. Furthermore, patients are currently being enrolled in ongoing post-marketing trials. This device has the potential to be an alternative to drug-eluting stents in the future, but there is not yet sufficient evidence. This review provides the latest available evidence, comparison with other bioresorbable scaffolds, future perspectives, and discussion of clinical case reports with second-generation drug-eluting RMS. SUMMARY: Favorable outcomes have been reported after second-generation drug-eluting RMS implantation. More long-term clinical outcomes for this novel device are still required in the future.

Mechanical degradation model of porous magnesium scaffolds under dynamic immersion

A new generation of bone scaffolds incorporates features like biodegradability and biocompatibility. A combination of these attributes will result in having a temporary bone scaffold for tissue regeneration that mimics the natural cancellous bone. Under normal conditions, scaffolds will be gradually eroded. This surface erosion occurs due to the immersion and the movement of bone marrow. Surface erosion on bone scaffolds leads to changes of the morphology. The mechanical response of the scaffolds due to the surface erosion is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of the dynamic immersion condition on the degradation behaviour and mechanical properties of porous magnesium. In the present work, load-bearing biomaterial scaffolds made of pure magnesium are immersed in simulated body fluids (SBF) with a certain flow rate. Samples with different porosities are subjected to tomography and are used to develop virtual 3D models. By means of numerical simulations, the mechanical properties, for instance, elastic modulus, plateau stress, 0.2% offset yield stress and energy absorption of these degraded samples are collected. The findings are then validated with the values obtained from the experimental tests. Finite element method enables the study on the failure mechanism within the biomaterial scaffolds. The knowledge of how weak walls or thin struts collapsed under compressive loading is essential for future biomaterial scaffolds development. Results from the experimental tests are found in sound good agreement with the numerical simulations.

P5751Comparison of side branch dilation techniques after resorbable magnesium scaffold implantation: a bench study

Abstract Background Resorbable magnesium scaffolds (RMS) have demonstrated good safety profile to treat de novo lesions. Nevertheless, bifurcations lesions involving a side branch>2.0mm in diameter were excluded from these studies and such lesions remain technically challenging due to concerns of scaffold deformation or fracture. Purpose We sought to evaluate different side branch dilation strategies after provisional T stenting strategy with RMS. Methods Using RMS in bifurcations phantoms, three different side branch dilation strategies after provisional T stenting were compared: POT-side-rePOT (rePOT), Kissing-Balloon Inflation (KBI) and Mini Kissing-Balloon Inflation (MKBI) strategies. In vitro experiments were performed under fluoroscopy in the catheterization laboratory. Struts and connectors fractures were evaluated by micro computed-tomography and apposition by optical coherence tomography (OCT). In addition, step by step proximal over-expansion was carried out with different incremental NC balloons and scaffolds were then re-inspected on micro-CT after each over-expansion. Results Twelve RMS (n=4 in each group) were successfully implanted. There was no difference on struts and connectors fractures among the 3 techniques as no fracture was visualized. OCT demonstrated that MKBI sequence significantly decreased global malapposition following SB inflation as compared with rePOT or KBI strategies (95.3% vs 88.3% of perfectly apposed struts; p<0,0001 and 93.6%; p=0.004, respectively for MKBI vs. rePOT and KBI). After step by step overexpansion, no strut or connector fracture could be visualized. Stent strut apposition between in vitro models rePOT, n (%) KBI, n (%) MKBI, n (%) P value rePOT vs KBI P value rePOT vs MKBI P value KBI vs MKBI Overall bifurcation 1702/1928 (88.3%) 2062/2211 (93.6%) 1824/1913 (95.3%) p<0,0001 p<0,0001 p=0.004 MB proximal 376/390 (98.3%) 407/407 (100%) 398/398 (100%) p=0.0001 p=0.0001 p=NS MB bifurcation ostial 210/286 (77.5%) 326/391 (82%) 243/269 (89.8%) p=0.002 p<0,0001 p=0.01 MB bifurcation abostial 421/425 (99.3%) 421/421 (100%) 324/324 (100%) p=0.05 p=0.08 P=NS SB bifurcation ostial 147/227 (62.8%) 321/365 (88.3%) 256/306 (85%) p<0,0001 p<0,0001 p=NS SB bifurcation abostial 98/150 (70.3%) 128/168 (78%) 161/173 (95.5%) p=0.03 p<0,0001 p=0,0005 MB distal 450/450 (100%) 459/459 (100%) 442/443 (99.8%) p=NS p=NS p=NS Comparison between rePOT, KBI and MKBI. Abbreviations: POT, proximal optimization technique; MKBI, mini kissing balloon inflation; KBI, kissing balloon inflation. Bifurcation exemples Conclusion Provisional RMS one stent technique on a bifurcation lesion is technically feasible with these 3 different strategies without scaffold fracture. MKBI strategy resulted in better apposition rates as compared to KBI or rePOT strategies.

122Mechanism and impact of lesion morphology on the late lumen loss of drug-eluting resorbable magnesium scaffolds: a serial optical coherence tomography study

Abstract Introduction Resorbable Magnesium Scaffolds have demonstrated favourable clinical results with acceptable late lumen loss (LLL). However, the pathomechanisms influencing LLL of resorbable sirolimus-eluting metallic scaffold (Magmaris) have not been analyzed. Purpose Using serial optical coherence tomography (OCT), we investigated potential factors, i.e. the contribution of recoil versus neointimal hyperplasia (NIH). Methods Patients who were enrolled into BIOSOLVE-II, and underwent serial angiography and OCT (baseline and follow-up: 6-month and/or 1-year) were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on angiographic in-scaffold LLL <0.5mm or ≥0.5mm. Endpoints were late absolute recoil and NIH area as assessed by OCT. Results A total of 70 patients (LLL <0.5mm: n=41, LLL ≥0.5mm: n=29) were serially analyzed. Patient and lesion characteristics were comparable and there was no significant difference in mean and minimal scaffold area between groups at baseline. Late absolute recoil was significantly smaller among patients with LLL <0.5mm (0.53±0.68 mm2) compared with those with LLL ≥0.5mm (1.48±1.20 mm2, P<0.001) (Figure). A small difference in NIH area at follow-up was observed (LLL <0.5mm: 1.47±0.33 mm2 vs. LLL ≥0.5mm: 1.68±0.34 mm2, P=0.013). In a matched-frame analysis (baseline and follow-up), late absolute recoil varied according to the underlying plaque type (lipid: 0.63±1.23 mm2, calcified: 0.81±1.44 mm2, and fibrous: 1.20±1.52 mm2, P<0.001), while there was no difference with regards to NIH area (P=0.132). Conclusion The main driver of late lumen loss of sirolimus-eluting absorbable metal scaffold was late scaffold recoil, while the contribution of NIH was modest. The degree of late scaffold recoil depended on the underlying plaque type and was highest among fibrotic lesions. Future studies will address the impact of procedural factors such as adequate lesion preparation and post-dilatation. Acknowledgement/Funding Biotronik

TCT-191 Feasibility and Midterm Outcomes of Bioabsorbable Magnesium Scaffold Implantation in Acute Coronary Syndromes

TCT-191 Feasibility and Midterm Outcomes of Bioabsorbable Magnesium Scaffold Implantation in Acute Coronary Syndromes

TCT-45 Safety and Performance of the Resorbable Magnesium Scaffold, Magmaris, in a Real-World Setting: First Cohort Subjects at 12-Month Follow-Up of the BIOSOLVE-IV Registry

TCT-45 Safety and Performance of the Resorbable Magnesium Scaffold, Magmaris, in a Real-World Setting: First Cohort Subjects at 12-Month Follow-Up of the BIOSOLVE-IV Registry

Bioresorbable magnesium scaffold in complex PCI in a nickel allergy patient: one-year follow-up - no disease, no scaffolds.

Bioresorbable magnesium scaffold in complex PCI in a nickel allergy patient: one-year follow-up - no disease, no scaffolds.

Comparison of degradation behaviour and osseointegration of the two magnesium scaffolds, LAE442 and La2, in vivo

Porous magnesium implants have been investigated for some time for their orthopaedic applicability as resorbable bone substitutes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo degradation behaviour and osseointegration of open-pored scaffolds made of the two magnesium alloys, LAE442 (n = 40) and Mg-La2 (n = 40). Cylindrical magnesium scaffolds (diameter 4 mm, length 5 mm) with defined interconnecting pore structure were produced by investment casting and coated with MgF2. Commercially available porous ß-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds (TCP, n = 40) of the same dimensions served as control. The scaffolds were inserted in the cancellous part of the greater trochanter of both femurs in rabbits and evaluated over a period of 36 weeks using regular clinical, radiological and in vivo µCT examinations. No clinical adverse reactions were observed in any of the scaffolds. The X-ray and µCT image evaluation of La2 showed fast and inhomogeneous degradation behaviour with increased gas formation and a rapid loss of scaffold structure and shape from week 12 on. In comparison, the LAE442 scaffolds showed a slow, homogeneous degradation with low but continuous gas production over the entire study period. Furthermore, LAE442 scaffolds showed comparatively better osseointegration with more trabecular contacts than La2 scaffolds and retained their original scaffold structure. Although the TCP control group demonstrated the best osseointegration, it showed overly-rapid degradation. Based on the results of this study, the LAE422 scaffolds have promising properties for further investigations in weight-bearing bone defects.

Magmaris resorbable magnesium scaffold for the treatment of coronary heart disease: overview of its safety and efficacy

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Bioresorbable scaffold technology provides transient vessel support with drug-delivery capability without the long-term limitations of the permanent metallic drug-eluting stents (DES). The technology has the potential to overcome many of the safety concerns associated with metallic DES, such as hypersensitivity reactions, late stent thrombosis and progression of atherosclerosis within the stented segment (i.e. neoatherosclerosis).Areas covered: The sirolimus-eluting resorbable magnesium scaffold Magmaris is the only metallic CE-marked resorbable scaffold currently available. This magnesium scaffold is designed for providing a short-term lumen support (up to 3 months) before being completely bioresorbed, eliminating the permanent caging typical of the metallic DES. This review will focus on the device development and characteristics, currently available clinical efficacy and safety data, and potential future perspectives.Expert opinion: The first clinical studies testing this device in a small number of patients have shown promising results with good clinical and safety outcomes up to 3 years’ clinical follow-up, supporting the use of Magmaris in simple coronary artery disease.

In vivo study of microarc oxidation coated Mg alloy as a substitute for bone defect repairing: Degradation behavior, mechanical properties, and bone response

Large segmental bone defect healing remains a great challenge in clinic. Limited by the source of autograft, bone graft substitute tends to be the research focus. In the present study, we propose a strategy by using microarc oxidation (MAO) coated magnesium scaffold as a large segmental bone graft substitute, utilizing its combination of strength, degradability, and controllable corrosion rate. Bare substrate, 10 μm and 20 μm thick MAO coated Mg scaffolds were implanted into ulna bone of New Zealand white rabbits, employing a 15 mm wide bone defect model. The biocompatibility and in vivo degradation of the implants, the bone defect healing response, and mechanical properties of the injured bone were investigated. The surface cytocompatibility evaluation results show that the MAO coated Mg are more suitable for cell proliferation. Micro-CT results show that abundant new bone formed and initially bridged the 15 mm gap at 8 weeks. Histological results indicate the newly formed bone was full of maturation at 12 weeks. Three point bending tests reveal that the injured bone possessed sufficient mechanical strength after 12 weeks. A 3-step in vivo degradation mechanism was proposed for the implants. In summary, we observed an actual trial of 15 mm wide bone defect healing where the newly formed bone bridged the bone gap at 8 weeks successfully. These data suggest a great potential of MAO coated magnesium to be a bone graft substitute.

Magnesium/nano-hydroxyapatite porous biodegradable composite for biomedical applications

The main purpose of this study was to fabricate a magnesium/nano-hydroxyapatite porous composite with appropriate mechanical properties and degradation rate for biomedical applications. Magnesium scaffolds including different weight of nano-hydroxyapatite (0, 2, 4 and 8%) were fabricated using the powder metallurgy method. To study the phase and microstructure, the samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Measurement of the mechanical properties was performed using a compression test, and the porosimetry test was performed by following the Archimedes method. Biodegradation properties of the specimens were evaluated by soaking in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Based on the results, composites with 2 and 4 wt% of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) had the optimum characteristics; the yield strength of these composites was about twice and the plateau stress was about three to four times more than that of the pure magnesium. Also, the elastic modulus of these composites (0.25 GPa) was in cancellous bone range. The degradation rate of the composites with 2 and 4 wt% of nano-hydroxyapatite, as compared with pure magnesium, was decreased about 35 to 40 percent. Mg/nHA composite including 2–4 wt% of hydroxyapatite could be, therefore, considered as an appropriate alternative material for degradable load bearing implantation.

Engineered bio-nanocomposite magnesium scaffold for bone tissue regeneration

Porous magnesium based materials are gaining intensive potential as a substitute scaffold material in the field of biomedical engineering as their mechanical properties such as compressive strength and elastic modulus are quite similar to that of human bone. Considering the poor mechanical integrity of ceramic and polymeric materials, metallic implants such as magnesium based alloy foams can be used as a promising scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. Magnesium foams also have properties like excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability so that revision surgery can be completely eliminated after implantation in orthopaedic applications. Against this background, porous Mg alloy based bioactive nano-composite foams were developed. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was used as bioactive reinforcement which was anticipated to enhance bone tissue regenerations. Magnesium based alloy compositions were developed by incorporating selective alloying elements, while the bioactive nano-composite foams were fabricated using powder metallurgy route. The powder metallurgy route involved sequential stages of mixing and compaction of all powders with carbamide powder as a space holding material, followed by sintering of the green compacts. The microstructures of these nano-ceramic reinforced metal matrix foams were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray micro computed tomography (X-ray micro CT). Further, mechanical properties of the nanocomposite foams were evaluated. SEM and EDS results confirmed a homogeneous distribution of pores, alloying elements and n-HA. Structure–property correlations were established through the microstructural characterizations. The study therefore demonstrated that selected Mg alloy based composite foam can be an excellent candidate material for bone tissue engineering.

Influence of design and postprocessing parameters on the degradation behavior and mechanical properties of additively manufactured magnesium scaffolds

Magnesium shows promising properties concerning its use in absorbable implant applications such as biodegradability, improved mechanical strength and plastic deformability. Following extensive research, the first fixation and compression screws composed of magnesium rare earth alloys were commercialised, notably in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Preclinical and clinical follow-up studies showed that the rapid degradation of unprotected metallic Magnesium surfaces and concomitant hydrogen gas bursts still raise concern regarding certain surgical indications and need to be further improved. In order to enlarge the scope of further applications, the development of future magnesium implants must aim at freedom of design and reduction of volume, hereby enabling higher functionalised implants, as e.g. plate systems or scaffold grafts for bone replacement therapy. In order to overcome the boundaries of conventional manufacturing methods such as turning or milling, the process of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for magnesium alloys was recently introduced. It enables the production of lattice structures, therefore allowing for reduction of implant material volume. Nevertheless, the concomitant increase of free surface of such magnesium scaffolds further stresses the aforementioned disadvantages of vast degradation and early loss of mechanical stability if not prevented by suitable postprocessing methods. Magnesium scaffold structures with different pore sizes were therefore manufactured by LPBF and consequently further modified either by thermal heat treatment or Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO). Implant performance was assessed by conducting degradation studies and mechanical testing. PEO modified scaffolds with small pore sizes exhibited improved long-term stability, while heat treated specimens showed impaired performance regarding degradation and mechanical stability. Statement of SignificanceMagnesium based scaffold structures offer wide possibilities for advanced functionalized bioabsorbable implants. By implementing lattice structures, big implant sizes and mechanically optimized implant geometries can be achieved enabling full bone replacement or large-scale plate systems, e.g. for orthopedic applications. As shape optimization and lattice structuring of such scaffolds consequently lead to enlarged surface, suitable design and postprocessing routines come into focus. The presented study addresses these new and relevant topics for the first time by evaluating geometry as well as heat and surface treatment options as input parameters for improved chemical and mechanical stability. The outcome of these variations is measured by degradation tests and mechanical analysis. Evaluating these methods, a significant contribution to the development of absorbable magnesium scaffolds is made. The findings can help to better understand the interdependence of high surface to volume ratio Magnesium implants and to deliver methods to incorporate such lattice structures into future large-scale implant applications manufactured from bioabsorbable Magnesium alloys.

Bone regeneration of hollow tubular magnesium‑strontium scaffolds in critical-size segmental defects: Effect of surface coatings

Segmental defects are formidable challenges for orthopedic surgeons that are caused by large osseous defects such as open injury, comminuted fracture as well as other severe traumas and infection. Current treatment options have practical and clinical shortcomings, calling for innovative bone graft materials. This study is related to hollow tubular magnesium‑strontium (MgSr) alloy scaffolds with autologous morselized bone filled inside and three different coatings were individually applied on MgSr scaffolds, respectively, to study the effects of degradation and bioactivity of the grafts on new bone growth. The optimal coating method was screened using immersion tests, cell proliferation and adhesion, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay in vitro, and 4 weeks' implantation in a critical-size segmental defect in vivo. More new bone formation was observed by radiographic tests and histology along the ulna defects, when magnesium scaffold grafts were implanted. Meanwhile, depression occurred for blank control group with only autologous morselized bone filled, because of rapid absorption rate of morselized bone during initial implantation. Therefore, biodegradable MgSr alloy grafts showed their potential application in treating the critical-size segmental defects. As for different coating methods, CaP chemically deposited (CaP) coated sample showed least H2 evolution in vivo, demonstrating highest corrosion resistance and relative stable interfaces, however, the least beneficial ion release meanwhile. Micro-arc oxidation coating (MAO) degraded faster comparing with CaP, while with the main composition of MgO. They both indicate insufficient bioactivity in bone formation. The results suggest superior combination of bioactive surface, beneficial ions release and appropriate corrosion rate of Strontium phosphate conversion (SrP) coating, indicating superior comprehensive oeteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of coatings on hollow tubular MgSr alloy scaffold.

Magnesium 2000 postmarket evaluation: Guideline adherence and intraprocedural performance of a sirolimus-eluting resorbable magnesium scaffold.

The Magmaris bioresorbable magnesium scaffold was successfully tested in in-vitro and in clinical premarket studies. Subsequently the Magmaris postmarket program aimed to review intraprocedural data of at least 2000 patients to assess user preferences, guideline adherence and intraprocedural performance in clinical routine. This international multicentre survey encompasses data from 356 hospitals across 45 countries. As part of the certification for Magmaris implantation, each hospital had to complete consecutive post-market evaluation forms of their first 10 commercial Magmaris patients. From June 2016 to May 2018, data on 2018 implantations were collected. Main reasons for selecting Magmaris was patients' life expectancy (67%, n = 1359) and low or not calcified lesions, (67%, n = 1357). Magmaris was successfully deployed in 99% of cases (n = 1995), predilatation was performed in 95% (n = 1922) and post-dilatation in 87% (n = 1756). Physicians rated the overall performance and the pushability as good or very good in 96% of cases (n = 1799). Guide wire friction, trackability, and conformability were rated as good or very good in 94% of cases, and crossability in 93%. The majority of patients were scheduled to receive dual antiplatelet therapy for up to 12 months. Generally, implantation guidelines were adhered to and theoretical advantages of the metal scaffold observed in in-vitro tests have translated into practice with good intraprocedural performance outcomes, confirming the controlled roll-out of this novel technology into clinical practice. The Magmaris 2000 program includes the first commercial cases at each hospital. Overall, data on 2018 implantations were collected. The high rate of pre- and post-dilatation as well as other parameters confirm that generally the implantation guidelines are adhered to and the good intraprocedural performance (rated as good or very good in 96%) confirm the theoretical advantages of a metallic scaffold in practice.

500.01 Safety and Performance of the Resorbable Magnesium Scaffold, Magmaris in a Real-World Setting - 12-Month Follow-Up of First 600 Subjects in Biosolve-IV Registry

The aim of this registry is to investigate the clinical performance and long-term safety of the Resorbable Magnesium Scaffold (Magmaris; BIOTRONIK AG, Buelach, Switzerland) in a real-world setting. Up to 2054 subjects in up to 120 clinical sites in Europe, Asia, and Asia-Pacific countries will be

Impacts of dynamic degradation on the morphological and mechanical characterisation of porous magnesium scaffold.

This study employs a computational approach to analyse the impact of morphological changes on the structural properties of biodegradable porous Mg subjected to a dynamic immersion test for its application as a bone scaffold. Porous Mg was immersed in a dynamic immersion test for 24, 48, and 72h. Twelve specimens were prepared and scanned using micro-CT and then reconstructed into a 3D model for finite element analysis. The structural properties from the numerical simulation were then compared to the experimental values. Correlations between morphological parameters, structural properties, and fracture type were then made. The relative losses were observed to be in agreement with relative mass loss done experimentally. The degradation rates determined using exact (degraded) surface area at particular immersion times were on average 20% higher than the degradation rates obtained using original surface area. The dynamic degradation has significantly impacted the morphological changes of porous Mg in volume fraction, surface area, and trabecular separation, which in turn affects its structural properties and increases the immersion time.

Comparison of acute thrombogenicity for magnesium versus stainless steel stents in a porcine arteriovenous shunt model.

The present study aimed to investigate whether the Magmaris resorbable magnesium scaffold (RMS) has platelet-repelling properties by comparing its acute thrombogenicity with an equivalent stainless steel stent in an arteriovenous shunt model. An ex vivo porcine carotid jugular arteriovenous shunt was established and connected to Sylgard tubing containing the Magmaris RMS with sirolimus-eluting PLLA coating and an equivalent 316L stainless steel stent with sirolimus-eluting PLLA coating. Six shunts (two shunt runs per pig) were run comparing the two scaffolds (n=9) in alternating order. Nested generalised linear mixed models were employed to compare variables between scaffold groups. Confocal fluorescent microscopy containing CD61/CD42b demonstrated that the 316L equivalent stent had significantly greater platelet coverage of the total scaffold compared with Magmaris (5.8% vs. 2.8%, adjusted rate ratio 2.21 [1.41, 3.47], p=0.012). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated significantly greater thrombus deposition on the 316L equivalent stent as a percentage of the total scaffold compared with Magmaris (8.0% vs. 5.3%, p=0.009). Magmaris also had significantly less CD14 positive monocyte deposition and a trend towards less PM-1 positive neutrophil compared with the 316L equivalent stent. Magmaris has less thrombogenicity and inflammatory cell deposition compared with the equivalent 316L stainless steel (in geometry and design) stent in a porcine arteriovenous shunt model. These data suggest that resorbable magnesium scaffolds may have inherent properties that reduce adhesion of platelets and inflammatory cells.

Development of manufacturing method of the MAP21 magnesium alloy prepared by selective laser melting (SLM)

Magnesium alloys are well known for their biocompatibility and biodegradable properties [9], [27] owing to the fact that magnesium is a mineral crucial for human body, especially for bone tissue. There are studies [17] on using WE43 additively manufactured magnesium scaffolds for full bone and soft tissue regeneration. Moreover, magnesium implants in bones were investigated as having higher bone-implant interface strength than titanium ones [3]. In this paper, the results of the studies on MAP21 magnesium powder selective laser melting process optimization as a starting point for further bioapplications are presented. MAP21 magnesium alloy owing to its high mechanical properties, excellent vibration damping characteristic and good creep resistance is a promising material to be tested for scaffold structures. The study for the first time shows successful SLM manufacturing of dense samples made of MAP21 alloy. Using an algorithm based on design of experiment (DoE) method [21], the SLM process parameters were designated. The porosity was investigated as a SLM process optimization parameter. High density of produced sample, up to 99%, was achieved. Microstructure and oxidation level after selective laser melting (SLM) manufacturing were characterized. Fine grain microstructure and three kinds of precipitations were found Nd (Gd, Zr, Mg), Mg (Nd, Gd, Zr) and Mg (Zr, Nd, Gd, Zn)). In order to determine the mechanical properties of MAP21 alloy processed with SLM technology, static tensile tests and microhardness tests were conducted, resulting in mechanical properties (Rm = 167 MPa, E = 38.6 GPa, 63-74 HB) comparable with as-cast alloy. A discussion was held on further research opportunities for biomedical use of SLM-ed MAP21 alloy.