Latest Preprint - Microstructure Shapes Corrosion and Aluminum Fate in Biodegradable Mg–Al Alloys

Created on July 31, 2025

2025

📄 New Preprint Published

Pleased to announce our latest preprint on Mg–Al alloys for biodegradable implants, where we examine how microstructure governs both corrosion behavior and the systemic fate of aluminum (Al)—a critical factor in implant safety.

Study Highlights

  • In Vitro: Peak-aged (PA) samples—rich in β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ precipitates—displayed accelerated pitting corrosion and higher total Al release compared to solution-treated (ST) samples.
  • In Vivo: The opposite trend emerged—ST implants resulted in higher systemic Al ion levels, while PA implants retained more precipitate fragments at the implant site, reducing systemic transport.
  • Key Insight: Aluminum speciation matters—ST alloys release solute Al that’s rapidly transportable, whereas PA alloys retain elongated precipitate fragments that remain localized. This underscores that microstructure impacts not just performance, but also the bioavailability and physiological distribution of degradation products.

This work provides a framework for designing safe, effective biodegradable Mg-based implants that balance mechanical strength with favorable biological clearance.

Why This Matters

Biodegradable metals are poised to revolutionize implant technology. By unpacking how processing-induced microstructural features influence both corrosion kinetics and in vivo distribution of degradation products, this work illuminates a path toward implants that are both high-performing and biologically compatible.

“Microstructure doesn’t just shape corrosion—it dictates how the body encounters and handles the implant’s byproducts.”

🔗 Read the full preprint here → DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7208925/v1

Looking Ahead

What role will metals play in the future of medicine? Our continuing work seeks to refine alloy processing to deliver next-gen biodegradable, safe, medically responsive implants.

#Biomaterials #Magnesium #Microstructure #Corrosion #BiodegradableImplants #MaterialsScience #Metallurgy #MedicalDevices #AlloyDesign