The Potential of Magnesium Based Materials in Mandibular Reconstruction

Abstract

The future of biomaterial design will rely on development of bioresorbable implant materials that completely and safely degrade in vivo after the tissues grow, without generating harmful degradation products at the targeted anatomic site. Permanent biomaterials such as Ti6Al4V alloy, 316L stainless steel, and Co-based alloys currently used in mandibular reconstruction often result in stress shielding effects due to mismatch in the Young’s modulus values between the bone and the implant, resulting in implant loosening. Also, allergic responses due to metal ion releases necessitates revision surgery to prevent long term exposure of the body to toxic implant contents. Bioresorbable metals are perceived as revolutionary biomaterials that have transformed the nature of metallic biomaterials from bioinert to bioactive and multi-bio functional (anti-bacterial, anti-proliferation, and anti-cancer). In this aspect, magnesium (Mg)-based materials have recently been explored by the biomedical community as potential materials for mandibular reconstruction, as they exhibit favorable mechanical properties, adequate biocompatibility, and degradability. This article reviews the recent progress that has led to advances in developing Mg-based materials for mandibular reconstruction; correlating with the biomechanics of mandible and types of mandibular defects. Mg-based materials are discussed regarding their mechanical properties, corrosion characteristics, and in vivo performance. Finally, the paper summarizes findings from this review, together with a proposed scope for advancing the knowledge in Mg-based materials for mandibular reconstruction.

Biodegradable magnesium‐based biomaterials: An overview of challenges and opportunities

“…According to Table 1, Mg is much more suited for use as a biodegradable biomaterial not only for its similar mechanical properties to those of bone but also for its biocompatibility 21–23 . In fact, Mg is a necessary nutrient that the body requires to stay healthy: it fulfills various intracellular physiological functions, stimulates bone growth, improves cell adhesion to biomaterials, assists the differentiation and biomineralization of osteoblasts, and lowers the risk of osteoporosis and coronary artery disease 24–27 .…”

Biofunctional Elements Incorporated Nano/Microstructured Coatings on Titanium Implants with Enhanced Osteogenic and Antibacterial Performance

“…In fact, natural bones have many elements such as strontium (Sr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), silicon (Si), and so on, and they play important roles in bone formation and other biological activities. [ 7–9 ] In this review, recent developments pertaining to the design and fabrication of biofunctional ions incorporated nano/microstructured coatings on Ti and Ti alloy implants, especially in the last five years, are summarized with emphasis on osseointegration and bacterial resistance. Finally, the prospective challenges are also discussed.…”

Hollow silica reinforced magnesium nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and biological properties with computational modeling analysis for mandibular reconstruction

“…Bioresorbable metals are a class of path-breaking biomaterials that have reshaped the nature of metallic biomaterials from bioinert regime to bioactive regime and multi-bio functional (antibacterial, anti-proliferation, and anti-cancer) regime 1 . Encouraged by this development, in recent years, magnesium (Mg)-based alloys have been extensively researched for orthopedic and maxillofacial osteosynthesis [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . Magnesium has the advantage of being biocompatible and bioresorbable within the human body when compared with currently used permanent osteosynthesis systems manufactured from titanium alloys 1 .…”

“…Encouraged by this development, in recent years, magnesium (Mg)-based alloys have been extensively researched for orthopedic and maxillofacial osteosynthesis [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . Magnesium has the advantage of being biocompatible and bioresorbable within the human body when compared with currently used permanent osteosynthesis systems manufactured from titanium alloys 1 . Using a biodegradable metal-like magnesium avoids further surgical intervention to remove the implants after desirable bone regeneration, thereby reducing the associated expenses and risk of further surgical complications.…”