Challenges and Pitfalls of Research Designs Involving Magnesium-Based Biomaterials: An Overview

Abstract

Magnesium-based biomaterials hold remarkable promise for various clinical applications, offering advantages such as reduced stress-shielding and enhanced bone strengthening and vascular remodeling compared to traditional materials. However, ensuring the quality of preclinical research is crucial for the development of these implants. To achieve implant success, an understanding of the cellular responses post-implantation, proper model selection, and good study design are crucial. There are several challenges to reaching a safe and effective translation of laboratory findings into clinical practice. The utilization of Mg-based biomedical devices eliminates the need for biomaterial removal surgery post-healing and mitigates adverse effects associated with permanent biomaterial implantation. However, the high corrosion rate of Mg-based implants poses challenges such as unexpected degradation, structural failure, hydrogen evolution, alkalization, and cytotoxicity. The biocompatibility and degradability of materials based on magnesium have been studied by many researchers in vitro; however, evaluations addressing the impact of the material in vivo still need to be improved. Several animal models, including rats, rabbits, dogs, and pigs, have been explored to assess the potential of magnesium-based materials. Moreover, strategies such as alloying and coating have been identified to enhance the degradation rate of magnesium-based materials in vivo to transform these challenges into opportunities. This review aims to explore the utilization of Mg implants across various biomedical applications within cellular (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) models.

Keywords: animal model; biomaterial; implant; in vitro; magnesium.

Figure 2

Fundamental aspects and functions of magnesium. Left panel: Intracellular magnesium distribution [236,237]. Right panel: Role of magnesium in different body systems [238].

Figure 5

Common animal models used for the research of magnesium-based implants in biomedical applications [377].

Figure 1

Host responses to implanted biomaterials. (A) Primary issues linked with host reactions after the implantation of biomaterials [48]. (B) The stages of wound healing in the presence of implanted biomaterial involve a dynamic interaction between the extracellular matrix and different cell types, including endothelial cells, platelets, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and macrophages [67]. (C) Release of particles and ions from the implanted biomaterial and the subsequent degradation process [28,68].

Figure 3

Magnesium-based implants are used in different clinical applications [5,13,274,281].

Figure 4

Some challenges involved in the advancement and development of magnesium implants [13].