Abstract:

This study introduces a Degradation-Actuated Sequential Distractor (DASD) for mandibular regeneration to reduce the high invasiveness of traditional hardware. The system combines a superelastic shape-memory Nitinol mesh with biodegradable WE43 magnesium components, converting chemical degradation into controlled, stepwise mechanical movement. To ensure biocompatibility, interfacial coatings and hydrogel buffers are integrated to suppress corrosion and support early cell growth. The DASD system enables internalized, sequential distraction. Upon completion of bone consolidation, the non-degradable Nitinol framework requires only a minimally invasive secondary surgery for retrieval, significantly reducing surgical trauma compared to conventional hardware removal and serving as a 4D-printed strategy for bone tissue engineering.