1. hat en / 
  2. Material Properties / 
  3. Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility of Amorphous Alloys

Biocompatibility and Tissue Regeneration

Amorphous alloys have earned attention for their remarkable biocompatibility, making them a promising material for biomedical applications. Studies have shown that these alloys exhibit pronounced positive effects on cellular migration, facilitating the movement of cells crucial for tissue regeneration and repair processes. The biocompatible nature of amorphous alloys significantly promotes bone formation and effective bone regeneration. The absence of ionic accumulation or inflammatory reactions associated with amorphous alloys underscores their compatibility with the biological environment, essential for minimizing adverse tissue responses and ensuring long-term implant success. Their ability to support osseointegration at an early stage further enhances their suitability for biomedical applications.

  • Cell viability well   above the 70%   cytotoxicity limit
  • Saos-2 (ATCC® HTB-85™) (human osteosarcoma cell line)
  • Tests on various eluate concentrations  
Source: CaMed Project, Med. Uni Graz
Source: CaMed Project, Med. Uni Graz

In addition to their biocompatibility, amorphous alloys offer exceptional mechanical properties that are advantageous for biomedical implants. Their Young's modulus, a measure of stiffness, is closer to the value of the bone than other implant materials, reducing the potential for stress shielding and promoting healthy bone remodeling. This similarity in Young's modulus is advantageous, as it helps to minimize the disparity in stiffness between the implant and the surrounding bone, thus reducing the risk of complications. Different manufacturing methods allow the prompt and efficient production of a wide range of applications: 3D-printing allows for the rapid realization of patient-specific designs, enabling tailored implants that perfectly fit the individual's needs, while larger quantities of standardizes biomedical applications can also be processed via injection molding. 

The demanding applications in medical technology demonstrate the advantageous fields of action of amorphous alloys, which unfold their potential in these challenges and open up new possibilities in the field of orthopedic and dental implants for providing better care to patients in the future.

Biocompatibility proven in studies

Titel Independent scientific publications on Zr-based BMG
Osteogenesis and angiogenesis of a bulk metallic glass for biomedical implants Bioactive Materials 8 (2022) 253–266
Biocompatibility of a Zr-Based Metallic Glass Enabled by Additive Manufacturing ACS Appl. Bio Mater. 2022, 5, 5741−5753
Application of Zr and Ti-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses for Orthopaedic and Dental Device Materials Metals 2020, 10, 203; doi:10.3390/met10020203
In Vivo Investigation of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses Sub-Periosteally Implanted on the Bone Surface Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, 2016, 4, 46-51
Bulk Metallic Glasses: MRI Compatibility and Its Correlation with Magnetic Susceptibility Journal of Mat. Sci & Techn. Vol. 32 (6), p. 496-504 (2016)

 

Explore the diverse advantages that amorphous metals offer in various industrial sectors, as well as their suitable applications

Amorphous alloys in medical technology

The use of amorphous metals offers promising solutions to address the challenges in personalized implant, orthopedic, and medical device manufacturing. With biomechanical properties such as low elasticity modulus and high yield strength, as well as certified biocompatibility, amorphous metals show potential for improved patient care. Applications range from implants in the spine, dentistry, and traumatology to medical devices and surgical instruments.

Amorphous alloys in medical technologyHeraeus Amloy

Amorphous alloys in lifestyle products 

New classes of materials are interesting not only because of their uniqueness in high-end watches, but also because of their suitability in the search for materials for future technologies such as wearables. Here, the most sensitive technologies can be efficiently protected in miniaturized space and the housing design can be perfected. Lifestyle components made of amorphous metals are not only highly corrosion-resistant due to their biocompatibility, but also antibacterial and thus enable pleasant skin contact due to their low thermal conductivity and high surface quality. 

Sennheiser

Amorphous alloys in robotics and aerospace

In the aerospace industry, amorphous metals offer key advantages for components, including high strength, geometric design flexibility, and corrosion resistance. They are also low-temperature ductile and exhibit good fatigue strength, making them ideal for space applications. In high-tech applications, amorphous alloys solve the limitations of conventional materials by providing high strength and elasticity, enabling the efficient use of elastic machine elements like bending joints, hinges, gripper units, and spring components with long component life and wear resistance.

AdobeStock 285968012