In vitro and in vivo studies on biodegradable CaMgZnSrYb high-entropy bulk metallic glass

In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of the Ca65Mg15Zn20 bulk metallic glass, which has too fast a degradation rate for biomedical applications, we fabricated the Ca20Mg20Zn20Sr20Yb20 high-entropy bulk metallic glass because of the unique properties of high-entropy alloys. Our results showed that the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior were enhanced. The in vitro tests showed that the Ca20Mg20Zn20Sr20Yb20 high-entropy bulk metallic glass could stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblasts. The in vivo animal tests showed that the Ca20Mg20Zn20Sr20Yb20 high-entropy bulk metallic glass did not show any obvious degradation after 4 weeks of implantation, and they can promote osteogenesis and new bone formation after 2 weeks of implantation. The improved mechanical properties and corrosion behavior can be attributed to the different chemical composition as well as the formation of a unique high-entropy atomic structure with a maximum degree of disorder. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.