Adapting bioresorbable Mg-Fe Implants in bone healing

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Richard Stange
• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 535485010

Fractures of the lower extremity, especially femur and tibia, require load-bearing implants during bone healing in order to provide adequate bone regeneration, early mobilization and prevention of secondary complications like thrombosis or embolism. Current non-degradable, metal implant solutions made of titanium (Ti) alloys or stainless steel do not entirely meet biological conditions due to the mismatch of mechanical properties between metal implants and bone. Moreover, metal implants often need to be removed later on in order to avoid further complications but removal surgeries are also associated with significant complication rates. In a strong synergistic approach combining material science, implant research, fracture research and models and based on promising preliminary studies, the major aim of the proposed transnational research project is to develop and assess an innovative bioresorbable Mg-Fe (nano)composite implant to stabilize load bearing bone fractures and support bone healing. We aim to elucidate the required material properties regarding biomechanical stability and biodegradation for optimal callus formation and how the composite needs to be designed to achieve the best property combination to formulate architecture-property relationships. Work package 1 aims for the development and improvement of different Mg-Fe composites and investigates mechanical properties, degradation as well as corrosion mechanisms to characterize composites itself. Promising material composites will then be used for biocompatibility tests in cell culture and in an in vivo approach in Work package 2, in order to identify an optimal composite with regard to the interaction of the material with cells, tissue and inside an organism. Work package 3 is a “proof of principle”-approach to use the newly developed composite in a model of closed fracture in mice. Special attention will be paid to the development and composition of the callus, biomechanical stability of the fractured leg and degradation of the implant as well as possible side effects. To evaluate and validate immunomodulatory effects of the Mg-Fe composite, the local and systemic immune response (e.g. T- and B cells) will be investigated. Dynamically adapting biodegradable Mg-Fe (nano)composites are of high clinical relevance and will serve as a prerequisite for clinical human applications in the future in order to improve fracture healing and avoid implant removal.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF)
• Cooperation Partners: Oliver Renk, Ph.D.; Nicole Gabriele Sommer, Ph.D.