Research of Magnesium-based Alloys for Medical Applications

The biodegradable magnesium and its alloys are a focus of degradable biomaterials research. Their modulus and density approach the human bone's. As implant materials, they can reduce the shielding of implants. They are also lighter than other medical metal. So, they are suitable materials for biodegradable orthopedic implants and vascular stents. But they are difficult to process, corrode rapidly, need a better biocompatibility. This paper reviews the current research status on magnesium and its alloys as biomedical materials. Their main problems and improvements as biomedical materials are introduced. Their directions as biomaterials are also briefly described. Author introduction.