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The Prospects for Biodegradable Zinc in Wound Closure Applications
Author(s) -
Venezuela Jeffrey Jones D.,
Johnston Sean,
Dargusch Matthew Simon
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced healthcare materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.288
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 2192-2659
pISSN - 2192-2640
DOI - 10.1002/adhm.201900408
Subject(s) - zinc , biocompatibility , biodegradation , materials science , wound closure , biocompatible material , mechanical strength , biomedical engineering , nanotechnology , metallurgy , surgery , medicine , wound healing , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry
Zinc is identified as a promising biodegradable metal along with magnesium and iron. In the last 5 years, considerable progress is made on understanding the mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of zinc and its alloys. A majority of these studies have focused on using zinc for absorbable cardiovascular and orthopedic device applications. However, it is likely that zinc is also suitable for other biomedical applications. In this work, the prospects for zinc in the fabrication of wound closure devices such as absorbable sutures, staples, and surgical tacks are critically assessed, with the aim of inspiring future research on biodegradable Zn for this medical application.