Biodegradable metals: From the basics to the applications

The traditional paradigm of metallic biomaterials requires metals with improved corrosion resistance in the body. A new class of biodegradable materials – so called ‘‘biodegradable metals’’ (BMs) – has been breaking this paradigm recently, emerging as an alternative for biomedical implants. BMs are metals expected to corrode gradually in vivo, with an appropriate host response elicited by released corrosion products, then dissolve completely upon fulfilling the mission to assist with tissue healing with no implant residues. Therefore, the major component of BM should be essential metallic elements that can be metabolized by the human body and demonstrate appropriate degradation rates and modes in the human body.

The aim of this Research Topic entitled: "Biodegradable metals: From the basics to the applications", is to provide an update regarding the basic science aspects of biodegradable materials, for example: new fabrication techniques, microstructural characterization, in vitro degradation, theoretical and experimental evidence of mechanical behavior, etc. In addition, to revise the advances regarding clinical applications such as coronary stents, and orthopedics; including in vitro (cell cultures), and in vivo studies of different alloy systems.

The scope of "Biodegradable metals: From the basics to the applications" includes:

- New alloy systems fabricated by conventional and new techniques.
- Microstructural characterization (including identification of phases and precipitates).
- In vitro degradation.
- Theoretical and experimental evidence of mechanical behavior.
- In vitro and In vivo studies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Biodegradable metals, mechanical properties, degradation behavior, In vitro tests, In vivo tests.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.