Researchers at Monash University have developed a groundbreaking zinc-based dissolvable material that could replace traditional metal plates and screws used to treat broken bones. This innovation offers a safer and more comfortable alternative to stainless steel and titanium implants, which can cause discomfort and often require follow-up surgeries.
The new zinc alloy, created by Monash biomedical engineers, is strong yet degrades safely over time, allowing for optimal healing. A study published in Nature highlights how this material matches the strength of permanent steel implants while being more durable than existing biodegradable options like magnesium-based implants.
Professor Jian-feng Nie, the study’s lead researcher, believes this advancement could revolutionize orthopedic care by reducing complications, minimizing additional surgeries, and offering a sustainable alternative to permanent metallic implants. «Our zinc alloy material provides a balance between strength and controlled degradation, ensuring better healing outcomes while minimizing tissue disruption,» he said.
By engineering the size and orientation of the material’s grains, the research team has created an alloy that is not only stronger but also more flexible, allowing it to adapt to the body’s natural movements. This makes it a game-changing alternative for orthopedic procedures.
The discovery is paving the way for a new start-up from Monash University focused on developing next-generation biodegradable implants, marking a significant step forward in orthopedic medicine.
Article written by Monash University
12/02/2025
Source:
Monash University