Scientists have developed a new biodegradable material for the treatment of fractures

A group of scientists from the National Research University of Technology (NITU) MISiS and the University of Western Australia developed innovative alloys for the manufacture of temporary implants in the treatment of fractures and chronic bone diseases. This was reported by the press service of NITU MISiS. In recent years, biodegradable materials have been increasingly used in bone implantology and cardiovascular surgery. Implants made of such materials are gradually replaced by body tissues, which eliminates the need for additional surgery to remove them. A group of materials scientists from Russia and Australia created a new biodegradable alloy based on magnesium, gallium and zinc. This alloy is characterized by a combination of high compatibility, strength and biodegradation rate of the material. Alexander Komissarov, one of the co-authors of the work, head of the laboratory Hybrid Nanostructural Materials of NITU MISiS, noted that the resulting alloy has unique characteristics, which will allow it to be used in the treatment of disorders associated with accelerated bone loss, including osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, and multiple myeloma. Currently, scientists are completing laboratory experiments and are preparing for preclinical studies. As previously reported by the news agency, in November 2018, scientists from several Russian institutes presented a biodegradable composite material for tendon prosthetics.