Fundamental Theory of Biodegradable Metals—Definition, Criteria, and Design

Abstract Until now there has been no fundamental theory applicable for biodegradable metals (BMs). First, this paper optimizes the definition of BMs given in 2014. Second, the dual criteria of biodegradability and biocompatibility are proposed for BMs, and all metallic elements in the periodic table with accessible data are screened on the basis of these criteria. Regarding biodegradability, electrode potential, reactivity series, galvanic series, Pilling–Bedworth ratio, and Pourbaix diagrams are all adopted as parameters to classify the degradable and nondegradable nature of a material, especially in a physiological environment. Considering the biocompatibility at different levels, cellular biocompatibility,…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 51431002, 51871004
• SK
  State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials

  Award: 20182011