Biodegradable Metals: Basic/Applied Research for Clinical Translation

Dear Colleagues,

Biodegradable metals represent a good example of metallic materials that are expanding their spectrum of utility. The concept of biodegradable for medical devices/implants is paradigm-shifting, with the prospect of addressing the dilemma of late adverse effects with their current fabricating materials (permanent), and is supposed to spare the secondary surgery of implants removal. Although recent years have seen drastic progress in the research and development of biodegradable metals, their practical clinical use remains challenging. Even the very few seemly successful examples are not without problems. The concept is simple, but the reality is not.   Further joint efforts are needed in both their basic and applied research, albeit more importantly, we should make their clinical translation a priority.

The clinical translation must be considered at any stage, from materials selection, alloying, processing and surface modification to materials characterization and bio-evaluations. Furthermore, the task will be very multifaceted, from mechanical properties improvement to degradation control and biocompatibility/-functionality enhancement. Their performances should be appropriately adapted for the specific applications, and correlated with their basics of materials science, electrochemistry and biological responses. Moreover, consensus must be established on their target clinical requirements and assessing methodologies.

Here, we cordially invite you to share your cutting-edge research or views on biodegradable metals for a Special Issue in this relevant journal Metals. The scope covers all the commonly investigated biodegradable metals, including magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) or zinc (Zn) -based alloys, among other metals envisioned. Research or review articles are both welcome, and the topics include, but are not limited to:

• alloying and processing treatments
• characterization and mechanical properties
• surface modifications
• degradation and corrosion behavior
• in vitro or in vivo assessments
• newly manufacturing technologies
• application-oriented design and case studies
• animal studies or clinical trials

Prof. Dr. Guojiang Wan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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• biodegradable metals
• biodegradable devices/implants application
• magnesium
• iron
• zinc
• mechanical properties
• corrosion
• degradation
• surface modification
• biocompatibility