Researchers win BRIO competition with photo of a biodegradable magnesium alloy
Published Jan 28, 2021
Researchers in the Mechanical Engineering Program at Texas A&M University at Qatar recently won first place in the BRIO (Best Research Image of an Outcome) competition sponsored by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
Associate professor Dr. Bilal Mansoor and assistant research scientist Dr. Vasanth Shunugasamy won the award for an image of a CT scan of a processed biodegradable magnesium alloy implanted in a rat femur. The CT scan image shows controlled degradation of the implant with bone healing and new bone formation around it. The image is an outcome from the QNRF-funded project, “Microstructure Design of Biocompatible Magnesium Alloys for Biodegradable Medical Implants — In vitro and In vivo Validation.”
Currently implants and/or metal supports are used for bone healing and fracture management. These implants have to be removed after completion of the bone healing process through secondary surgery, which the recovery process and causes considerable financial and psychological burden. The use of temporary orthopedic implants based on biodegradable materials can support the bone during the healing process and degrade in a prescribed time period as the bone regrowth process completes, thereby eliminating the need for secondary surgeries.
The Texas A&M at Qatar research team led by Mansoor is working on developing a biodegradable magnesium alloy-based implant material. The alloy microstructure has been engineered through material processing techniques to control its degradation rate so that the material can support the bone during the healing process. The alloy additions have also been carefully selected so that it does not produce any toxic reactions during the bone healing and implant degradation process.
As a part of the research, the researchers in collaboration with experts from Hamad Medical Corporation and Qatar University have subjected the material to in vitro (laboratory conditions) and in vivo characterization to study the degradation rate and evaluate biocompatibility of the developed material. In vivo characterization was conducted based on a humane animal study in which the processed alloys were implanted in rats. The results from the research show that the alloy is not cytotoxic to normal cells. Moreover, the humane animal study showed desired results were achieved, as the bones were completely healed within eight weeks, accompanied by new bone formation surrounding the degrading implant material.
This significant development suggests that processed magnesium alloys with engineered microstructures can be successfully deployed therapeutically for orthopedic, cardiovascular and tissue engineering applications. The use of biodegradable based implants will not only eliminate the need for secondary surgeries to remove implants but also significantly reduce the risks and economic costs associated with it. This innovation has potential to bring tangible improvements to healthcare system, thereby improve the quality of life by having a societal and economic impact for people of Qatar and the world.