Honorata Kapłon

Visiting researcher (Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland)

Coating and biocharacterization of magnesium-based cellular structures for temporary bone implant applications

 

Supervisor in Erlangen: Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Magnesium, thanks to its bioresorbability, low density and mechanical properties close to those of bone tissue is a very interesting material to be considered for temporary bone implants. Its mechanical properties prevent stress shielding in neighbouring bones and its biodegradability allows to limit the number of surgeries necessary since the implant can be dissolved during bone healing and Mg is a natural element naturally present in human tissues. However, the implant degradation rate must be slowed down to avoid hydrogen evolution and to match the degradation to the bone tissue growth rate. Therefore, novel coatings should be developed in order to protect the implants from premature corrosion [1]. This research project is focused on fabricating 3D magnesium alloy scaffolds by the means of investment casting (at the home institution, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland) and coating them with chitosan/bioactive glass composite layers using EPD deposition method following the technology available at the FAU Institute of Biomaterials [2]. The coatings are expected to increase the Mg scaffolds corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and they should impart antibacterial properties. This research stay is part of the fellowship program of the European Virtual Institute on Knowledge-based Multifunctional Materials AISBL (KMM-VIN).

[1] H. Hornberger, et al., Biomedical coatings on magnesium alloys–a review, Acta biomaterialia 8 (2012), 2442-2455.

[2] S. Heise S., et al., Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan/bioactive glass/silica coatings on stainless steel and WE43 Mg alloy substrate, Surface & Coatings Technology 344 (2018) 553-563.