Biocompatibility and Biological Performance of Additive-Manufactured Bioabsorbable Iron-Based Porous Interference Screws in a Rabbit Model: A 1-Year Observational Study

Chien Cheng Tai, Yu Min Huang, Chen Kun Liaw, Kuo Yi Yang, Chun Hsien Ma, Shin I. Huang, Chih Chieh Huang, Pei I. Tsai, Hsin Hsin Shen, Jui Sheng Sun, Chih Yu Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study evaluated the mid-term (12-month) biomechanical, biocompatibility, and biological performance of additive-manufactured bioabsorbable iron-based interference screws (ISs). Two bioabsorbable iron IS types—manufactured using pure iron powder (iron_IS) and using pure iron powder with 0.2 wt% tricalcium phosphate (TCP_IS)—were compared with conventional metallic IS (control) using in vitro biocompatibility and degradation analyses and an in vivo animal study. The in vitro ultimate failure strength was significantly higher for iron_IS and TCP_IS than for control ISs at 3 months post-operatively; however, the difference between groups were nonsignificant thereafter. Moreover, at 3 months after implantation, iron_IS and TCP_IS increased bone volume fraction, bone surface area fraction, and percent intersection surface; the changes thereafter were nonsignificant. Iron_IS and TCP_IS demonstrated degradation over time with increased implant surface, decreased implant volume, and structure thickness; nevertheless, the analyses of visceral organs and biochemistry demonstrated normal results, except for time-dependent iron deposition in the spleen. Therefore, compared with conventional ISs, bioabsorbable iron-based ISs exhibit higher initial mechanical strength. Although iron-based ISs demonstrate high biocompatibility 12 months after implantation, their corrosive iron products may accumulate in the spleen. Because they demonstrate mechanical superiority along with considerable absorption capability after implantation, iron-based ISs may have potential applications in implantable medical-device development in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Article number14626
JournalInternational journal of molecular sciences
Volume23
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

Keywords

  • additive manufacturing (3D printing)
  • bioabsorbable
  • interference screw
  • iron-based

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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