IMDEA Materials and BIOMET4D researchers Blanca Limones and Muzi Li have this week been taking part in the 15th International Symposium on Biodegradable Metals, Biometal 2023.

The conference, being held in Cetraro, Italy, has featured a number of sessions, round tables and think tanks related to biodegradable metals over the course of the week.

As part of the event, Limones, a predoctoral researcher at IMDEA Materials, is presenting a poster entitled the “Effect of Zn, Mg, and Ca in solution and released from 3D-printed scaffolds on musculoskeletal cells”, showcasing the significant potential of specific metals (zinc, magnesium, and calcium) for cardiac and bone regeneration.

These metals are actively researched due to their biodegradable and biocompatible properties. The study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity levels of specific metals in musculoskeletal cell lines.

Li, a postdoctoral researcher on the BIOMET4D project, is presenting on “Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviours of Mg and Zn alloys manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for biomedical applications” via analysing Mg and single-material test probes through microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion testing.

This will enhance understanding of structure-property-process relationships, aiding LBPF process improvement and informing design of shape-morphing structures.

Also in attendance at Biometal 2023 is fellow BIOMET4D researcher Dr. Alexander Kopp from Meotec GmbH.

BIOMET4D is funded by the European Union and aims to create a new generation of shape-shifting and load-bearing implants for dynamic tissue restoration and to introduce a revolutionary paradigm in how actuators can be implemented in biomedicine.