Biodegradable materials: Applications and advances of magnesium alloys in bone defects

Abstract

Bone defects represent a significant clinical challenge with diverse etiologies, including but not limited to tumors, trauma, necrosis, and congenital deformities, imposing substantial patient suffering and socioeconomic burdens. In recent years, novel approaches for bone defect repair have been continuously explored. Biodegradable synthetic materials, particularly those capable of gradual decomposition during tissue regeneration processes, are recognized as ideal candidates for bone repair implants. Natural or synthetic polymer-based materials have been extensively employed in osteochondral repair due to their favorable biocompatibility. Furthermore, biodegradable magnesium (Mg)-based metals constitute another crucial category of bone substitutes. Mg alloys demonstrate unique advantages, including tunable degradation rates, excellent biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical strength, and remarkable osteogenic potential, positioning Mg-containing implants as a pivotal direction in bone regenerative medicine. However, clinical applications of Mg alloys still face challenges such as rapid degradation kinetics and insufficient osteogenic performance. Further investigation into advanced application strategies for Mg alloys holds significant clinical implications for bone defect therapeutics.

Keywords: Bone defects; Biodegradable synthetic materials; Magnesium alloys; Multiple mechanisms; Biocompatibility

Core Tip: Degradable magnesium (Mg) alloys have been extensively utilized in the treatment of bone defects owing to their superior mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and potent osteogenic capabilities. Mg alloys enhance bone tissue regeneration via multiple mechanisms, including the bone-nerve circuit, promotion of vascular regeneration, modulation of the immune microenvironment, and upregulation of osteogenic signaling pathways. Additionally, Mg alloys have been engineered into diverse application forms, such as Mg-infused metallic scaffolds and Mg-based bone regeneration membranes. The therapeutic potential of Mg alloys for addressing bone defects warrants further investigation in future studies.