1
Return

Multi-scale Engineering of Biodegradable Zn-Mg Interbody Cages for Stronger, Faster Spinal Fusion

delete2026-08-10
delete0
PRE
AI
Z
Zihuan Yang
S
Sun Jiang
C
Chengcong Huang
Y
Yageng Li *
L
Liu Shanshan
Y
Yang Chang
N
Nanfang Xu
H
Huijing Leng
S
Shi Yixuan
S
Shi Zhangzhi
S
Sun Zhuoran
Z
Zou Da
J
Jie Zhou
W
Wang Luning *
W
Weishi Li *
DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124538delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
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.

Journal

Biomaterials cover
Biomaterials
IF:
12.9
Papers:
1.9W
Citations:
10.8W

Organization

D
delft university of technology
Scholars:
2.4K
Papers: 1.1K
Citations: 0
P
peking university third hospital
Scholars:
540
Papers: 132
Citations: 0
U
university of science and technology beijing
Scholars:
1.1W
Papers: 4.0K
Citations: 2
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers