Bone Treatment Made Easier by Biocompatible Nanocoating Based on Metallic Alloy
TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian biomaterials researchers from Isfahan University of Technology produced biocompatible materials based on metallic alloy to modify the properties of materials used in tissue engineering. The nanostructure is resistant to corrosion and creates acceptable connectivity with bones. Results of the research can be used in medical industries and dentistry.
Ramin Rojayee, one of the researchers, explained the procedure of the research, and said, "Magnesium is one of the vital elements in the treatment of the damaged bone tissue. In recent years, magnesium has been known as the new generation of biodegradable implants. However, the high rate of corrosion in this pure metal in the body of living creatures limited its development and application. Therefore, we tried to control the degradation rate of magnesium in a manner that is in proportion with the human body's needs by applying an oxide layer and bioactive glass coating on the base alloy of magnesium."
A combination of nanostructured bilayer coatings has been used in the production of the product. In addition to increasing resistance against corrosion in the substrate sample (magnesium alloy), this method creates more bioactivity and results in better connectivity of the artificial implant with the bone. Cells do not distinguish any difference between the bone and the implant due to the chemical similarity between the surface of bioactive glass used in the coating and the inorganic section of the bone.
To put it in brief, biocompatible materials are an appropriate option to substitute today's common orthopedics implants, including stainless steel and chrome/cobalt alloys, since these alloys can play their role only as supporter for the damaged tissue and are not able to provide the required inorganic materials for the bone growth.
Results of the research have been published in Ceramics International, vol. 40, issue 6, January 2014.
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