US researchers have fabricated a "metal foam" that has a similar elasticity to bone. Biomedical implants made of the new material could neutralize bone rejection that often results from more rigid implant materials, such as titanium.
The “metal foam” developed at North Carolina State University is lighter than solid aluminum and can be made of 100 percent steel or a combination of steel and aluminum.In a new paper, researchers have reported recent findings that, in addition to the extraordinary high-energy absorption capability and light weight of their novel composite foams, the "modulus of elasticity" of the foam is very similar to that of bone. Modulus of elasticity measures a material's ability to deform when pressure is applied and then return to its original shape when pressure is removed. The rough surface of the foam would also foster bone growth into the implant, improving the strength of implant.
Modulus of elasticity, which is measured in gigapascals (GPa), is extremely important for biomedical implants, explains Dr. Afsaneh Rabiei, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and an associate faculty member of biomedical engineering at NC State and co-author of the paper.
"When an orthopedic or dental implant is placed in the body to replace a bone or a part of a bone, it needs to handle the loads in the same way as its surrounding bone," Rabiei says. "If the modulus of elasticity of the implant is too much bigger than the bone, the implant will take over the load bearing and the surrounding bone will start to die. This will cause the loosening of the implant and eventually ends in failure. This is known as "'stress shielding.'" When this happens, the patient will need a revision surgery to replace the implant. Our composite foam can be a perfect match as an implant to prevent stress shielding," Rabiei explains.
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The rough surface of the metal foam, Rabiei says, "will bond well with the new bone formed around it and let the body build inside its surface porosities. This will increase the mechanical stability an strength of the implant inside the body."
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Smart Coating Of Surgical Implants To Ward Off Infection
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a smart coating that helps surgical implants bond more closely with bone and ward off infection.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a smart coating that helps surgical implants bond more closely with bone and ward off infection.
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