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Bulk metallic glasses for biomedical applications

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Abstract

The selection criteria for biomaterials include the material’s properties and biocompatibility, and the ability to fabricate the desired shapes. Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are relative newcomers in the field of biomaterials but they exhibit an excellent combination of properties and processing capabilities desired for versatile implant applications. To further evaluate the suitability of BMGs for biomedical applications, we analyzed the biological responses they elicited in vitro and in vivo. The BMGs promoted cell adhesion and growth in vitro and induced improved foreign body responses in vivo suggesting their potential use as biomaterials. Because of the BMGs’ flexible chemistry, atomic structure, and surface topography, they offer a unique opportunity to fabricate complex implants and devices with a desirable biological response from a material with superior properties over currently used metallic biomaterials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Jan Schroers, Golden Kumar & Thomas M. Hodges

  2. Departments of Pathology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Stephen Chan & Themis R. Kyriakides

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  1. Jan Schroers
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  2. Golden Kumar
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  3. Thomas M. Hodges
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  4. Stephen Chan
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  5. Themis R. Kyriakides
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Correspondence to Jan Schroers.

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Schroers, J., Kumar, G., Hodges, T.M. et al. Bulk metallic glasses for biomedical applications. JOM 61, 21–29 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-009-0128-1

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