Multi-scale engineering of biodegradable Zn-Mg interbody cages for stronger, faster spinal fusion

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Multi-scale engineering of biodegradable Zn-Mg interbody cages for stronger, faster spinal fusion

Journal Article (2027)

Author(s)

Zihuan Yang (Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Bioadaptable Orthopedic Implants, Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine)

Jiang Sun (Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Bioadaptable Orthopedic Implants, Peking University Third Hospital)

Chengcong Huang (University of Science and Technology Beijing, Liaoning Academy of Materials)

Yageng Li (University of Science and Technology Beijing, Liaoning Academy of Materials)

Zhangzhi Shi (University of Science and Technology Beijing, Liaoning Academy of Materials)

Zhou Jie (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Luning Wang (Liaoning Academy of Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing)

Weishi Li (Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Bioadaptable Orthopedic Implants)

More Authors (External organisation)

Research Group

Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics

Interbody fusion cage Osteoporosis Laser powder bed fusion ACDF model Degradable metal

DOI related publication

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124538 Final published version

To reference this document use

https://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:4eb36215-70d5-4d05-a7ce-8e5a72c7d9d3

More Info

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Publication Year

2027

Language

English

Research Group

Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics

Journal title

Biomaterials

Volume number

337

Article number

124538

Downloads counter

13

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Abstract

Spinal interbody fusion cages must be able to bear heavy loads while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding bone. However, the cages currently used in spinal surgery often fall short on both fronts. To meet the multi-faceted requirements, here, we introduce, for the first time, additively manufactured, biodegradable Zn-Mg interbody fusion cages with multi-scale structural control, combining eutectic microstructure, heterogeneous grain architecture, and gyroid lattices reinforced by interpenetrating ribs. The resulting cages showed a compressive strength comparable to that of cortical bone, together with good ductility and low elastic modulus. In vitro, balanced release of Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺ enhanced osteogenic differentiation while mitigating Zn²⁺ toxicity. Zn-Mg extracts effectively alleviated the negative effects of estrogen deficiency on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) sheep model, the Zn-Mg cages exhibited excellent biocompatibility, rapid osseointegration, and robust mechanical interlocking, and maintained intervertebral stability during in vivo degradation for 24 weeks. The AM Zn-Mg cages through dual biomechanical-biological optimization are demonstrated to be a transformative alternative to current permanent metallic and polymeric implants in spinal fusion.

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