The Prospects of Zinc as a Structural Material for Biodegradable Implants—A Review Paper
01 Oct 2017-Vol. 7, Iss: 10, pp 402
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed and compared the biocompatibility, corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of pure zinc, as well as currently researched zinc alloys, and proposed zinc-based alloys have been proposed as new additions to the list of degradable metals.
Abstract: In the last decade, iron and magnesium, both pure and alloyed, have been extensively studied as potential biodegradable metals for medical applications However, broad experience with these material systems has uncovered critical limitations in terms of their suitability for clinical applications Recently, zinc and zinc-based alloys have been proposed as new additions to the list of degradable metals and as promising alternatives to magnesium and iron The main byproduct of zinc metal corrosion, Zn2+, is highly regulated within physiological systems and plays a critical role in numerous fundamental cellular processes Zn2+ released from an implant may suppress harmful smooth muscle cells and restenosis in arteries, while stimulating beneficial osteogenesis in bone An important limitation of pure zinc as a potential biodegradable structural support, however, lies in its low strength (σUTS ~ 30 MPa) and plasticity (e < 025%) that are insufficient for most medical device applications Developing high strength and ductility zinc with sufficient hardness, while retaining its biocompatibility, is one of the main goals of metallurgical engineering This paper will review and compare the biocompatibility, corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of pure zinc, as well as currently researched zinc alloys
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TL;DR: The body environment is analysed in detail and the possible effects of the corrosion of different biomaterials on biocompatibility are discussed, followed by description of the most common corrosion processes in vivo.
Abstract: Metallic biomaterials are used in medical devices in humans more than any other family of materials. The corrosion resistance of an implant material affects its functionality and durability and is a prime factor governing biocompatibility. The fundamental paradigm of metallic biomaterials, except biodegradable metals, has been “the more corrosion resistant, the more biocompatible.” The body environment is harsh and raises several challenges with respect to corrosion control. In this invited review paper, the body environment is analysed in detail and the possible effects of the corrosion of different biomaterials on biocompatibility are discussed. Then, the kinetics of corrosion, passivity, its breakdown and regeneration in vivo are conferred. Next, the mostly used metallic biomaterials and their corrosion performance are reviewed. These biomaterials include stainless steels, cobalt-chromium alloys, titanium and its alloys, Nitinol shape memory alloy, dental amalgams, gold, metallic glasses and biodegradable metals. Then, the principles of implant failure, retrieval and failure analysis are highlighted, followed by description of the most common corrosion processes in vivo. Finally, approaches to control the corrosion of metallic biomaterials are highlighted.
423 citations
Cites background from "The Prospects of Zinc as a Structur..."
...Zn2+ released from an implant may suppress harmful smooth muscle cells and restenosis in arteries, while stimulating beneficial osteogenesis in bone [242]....
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...Zn2+ is well regulated within physiological systems and plays a critical role in numerous fundamental cellular processes [242,245]....
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TL;DR: This review explores open-cellular structural design for porous metal implant applications, in relation to the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, of metal implants with an enhanced biomorphic environment.
320 citations
TL;DR: This review offers an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the influence of alloying and fabrication technique on mechanical properties, biodegradability and biocompatibility of Zn.
277 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the development and manufacturing of antibacterial metal alloys containing various antibacterial agents were described in detail, including antibacterial stainless steel, titanium alloy, zinc and alloy, antibacterial magnesium alloy, and other antibacterial metals and alloys.
231 citations
TL;DR: The first report on topologically ordered porous iron made by Direct Metal Printing (DMP) is presented and it is shown that these implants possess bone-mimicking mechanical properties, accelerated degradation rate, and reasonable cytocompatibility, opening up many new opportunities for the development of biodegradable metallic biomaterials.
177 citations
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Book•
01 Jan 1977
TL;DR: This book discusses the history of zinc, its application in agriculture, and its applications in the management of soil-Plant-Animal relations.
Abstract: Zinc, KM Hambidge Iodine, BS Hetzel and GF Maberly Selenium, OA Levander Lead, J Quarterman Cadium, K Kostial Arsenic, M Anke Silicon, EM Carlisle Lithium, W Mertz Aluminum, AC Alfrey Other Elements, FH Nielsen Soil-Plant-Animal Relationships, WH Allaway Each chapter includes references Index
4,557 citations
TL;DR: Magnesium and its alloys have been investigated recently by many authors as a suitable biodegradable biomaterial as mentioned in this paper, and the latest achievements and comment on the selection and use, test methods and the approaches to develop and produce magnesium alloys that are intended to perform clinically with an appropriate host response.
Abstract: Biodegradable metals are breaking the current paradigm in biomaterial science to develop only corrosion resistant metals. In particular, metals which consist of trace elements existing in the human body are promising candidates for temporary implant materials. These implants would be temporarily needed to provide mechanical support during the healing process of the injured or pathological tissue. Magnesium and its alloys have been investigated recently by many authors as a suitable biodegradable biomaterial. In this investigative review we would like to summarize the latest achievements and comment on the selection and use, test methods and the approaches to develop and produce magnesium alloys that are intended to perform clinically with an appropriate host response.
1,569 citations
TL;DR: Parts of zinc biology of the immune system are explored and a biological basis for the altered host resistance to infections observed during zinc deficiency and supplementation is attempted.
1,488 citations
TL;DR: Rather than being a toxic metal ion, zinc is an essential trace element and plays a significant role in cytotoxic events in single cells in the brain, and cytotoxicity in consequence of ischemia or trauma involves the accumulation of free zinc.
Abstract: Compared to several other metal ions with similar chemical properties, zinc is relatively harmless. Only exposure to high doses has toxic effects, making acute zinc intoxication a rare event. In addition to acute intoxication, long-term, high-dose zinc supplementation interferes with the uptake of copper. Hence, many of its toxic effects are in fact due to copper deficiency. While systemic homeostasis and efficient regulatory mechanisms on the cellular level generally prevent the uptake of cytotoxic doses of exogenous zinc, endogenous zinc plays a significant role in cytotoxic events in single cells. Here, zinc influences apoptosis by acting on several molecular regulators of programmed cell death, including caspases and proteins from the Bcl and Bax families. One organ where zinc is prominently involved in cell death is the brain, and cytotoxicity in consequence of ischemia or trauma involves the accumulation of free zinc. Rather than being a toxic metal ion, zinc is an essential trace element. Whereas intoxication by excessive exposure is rare, zinc deficiency is widespread and has a detrimental impact on growth, neuronal development, and immunity, and in severe cases its consequences are lethal. Zinc deficiency caused by malnutrition and foods with low bioavailability, aging, certain diseases, or deregulated homeostasis is a far more common risk to human health than intoxication.
1,118 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A review on zinc biochemical and physiological functions, metabolism including, absorption, excretion, and homeostasis, zinc bio-availability (inhibitors and enhancers), human requirement, groups at high-risk, consequences and causes of zinc deficiency, evaluation of zinc status, and prevention strategies of zinc deficiencies are provided.
Abstract: Since its first discovery in an Iranian male in 1961, zinc deficiency in humans is now known to be an important malnutrition problem world-wide. It is more prevalent in areas of high cereal and low animal food consumption. The diet may not necessarily be low in zinc, but its bio-availability plays a major role in its absorption. Phytic acid is the main known inhibitor of zinc. Compared to adults, infants, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women have increased requirements for zinc and thus, are at increased risk of zinc depletion. Zinc deficiency during growth periods results in growth failure. Epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems are the organs most affected clinically by zinc deficiency. Clinical diagnosis of marginal Zn deficiency in humans remains problematic. So far, blood plasma/serum zinc concentration, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence are the best known indicators of zinc deficiency. Four main intervention strategies for combating zinc deficiency include dietary modification/diversification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification. The choice of each method depends on the availability of resources, technical feasibility, target group, and social acceptance. In this paper, we provide a review on zinc biochemical and physiological functions, metabolism including, absorption, excretion, and homeostasis, zinc bio-availability (inhibitors and enhancers), human requirement, groups at high-risk, consequences and causes of zinc deficiency, evaluation of zinc status, and prevention strategies of zinc deficiency.
693 citations