In Vivo Investigation of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses Sub-Periosteally Implanted on the Bone Surface

Abstract

Bulk metallic glasses (BMG) show higher strength and lower Young’s modulus than SUS 316L stainless steel and Ti-6Al-4V alloys. This study aimed to investigate the reaction of Zr-based BMG sub-periosteally implanted on the surface of the rat femur, thereby evaluate the possibility of the BMG as biomaterials for osteosynthetic devices. Zr 65 Al 7.5 Ni 10 Cu 17.5 BMG ribbons with 10 mm length, 2 mm width and 0.5 mm thickness were implanted sub-periosteally on the femur surface in three male Wistar rats for 6 weeks. Systemic effects were evaluated by measuring Cu and Ni levels in the blood, and local effects were evaluated by the histological observation of the surrounding soft tissues in contact with the BMG. The reaction of the surface of the BMG was examined with scanning electron microscopy. No increase of Cu and Ni levels in the blood was recognized. In the scanning electron microscopy observation, spherical deposits which were considered as sodium chloride crystals were observed. Neither breakage nor pitting corrosion was noted. BMG will be a promising metallic biomaterial for osteosynthetic device that must be removed.