Biodegradable Mg-Fe interpenetrating-phase composites by reactive melt infiltration

Abstract

Mg-Fe composites have shown great potential as biodegradable implants for tissue defect regeneration and repair. However, these composites generally exhibit a single continuous structure, which can hinder the degradation process and even lead to inflammatory reactions. In this study, a series of Mg-Fe composites, where the Mg and Fe phases are topologically continuous and interwoven in three-dimensional space, were fabricated. The composition, structure, mechanical properties, in vitro degradation behavior, and biological performance of the composites were characterized and evaluated. The results demonstrate a potential of the Mg-Fe interpenetrating-phase composites as a fully biodegradable biomaterial for bone defect repair.