Laboratory of Medical Bioresorption and Bioresistivity

Planned project results:

Within the project we will develop a range of implantable screws, pins, of various standard sizes made of a bioresorbable magnesium alloy (alloys). The products are intended for use in craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial surgery, traumatology and orthopedics, neurosurgery and spinal surgery, dentistry, for fracture fixation (osteosynthesis) and other reconstructive surgeries.

The following scientific and technological results  will be achieved:

1. An alloy (alloys) on the basis of magnesium  demonstrating  biocompatibility and slow resorption (at least 4 months in the human organism) as well as mechanical properties that are sufficient for its use in bioresorbable implants (tensile strength of 300 MPa).
2. A design of screws (fixation devices) made of  bioresorbable magnesium alloys for osteosynthesis.
3. A technology for  producing blanks of magnesium alloys, semi-finished products made of them by means of extrusion as well as a technology for producing fasteners by turning-milling using machines with computer numerical control. Information on the R&D work performed within the project, a description of scientific ant technological problems that should be solved for the development of a medical device. We will also study the biocompatibility of a number of proposed candidate magnesium alloys (Mg-Ga-Zn, Mg-Zn-Ca-Mn and Mg-Y-Zn) in in vitro and in vivo testing. This is necessary for the selection of an alloy (alloys) that will be used in the product. In case of high cytotoxicity of the alloys, we will review methods of its reduction by applying coatings or  performing surface treatment that allow to manage the bioresorption rate. Simultaneously we will develop technologies for the production of blanks for manufacturing implants  (casting of bars of magnesium alloys with subsequent hot extrusion) as well as obtaining products (mechanical processing).