Fix, heal, and disappear: A new approach to using metals in the human body

Some of the electrochemical corrosion research being conducted on resorbable magnesium-based alloys for potential use in human bioimplants are discussed. Magnesium has been selected as a biodegradable material for implants, as its dissolution prevents adverse side effects, due to it being the fourth most plentiful cation in the human body. It takes part in many metabolic reactions and biological systems, including involvement in the formation of biological crystal apatite. It can be beneficial from a physiological standpoint, as its deficiencies in the human body significantly contribute to cardiovascular disease. The existing magnesium alloys are superior and new production methods allow the production of Mg alloys with nonequilibrium compositions and tailored properties. These properties can result in even lower corrosion rates and specialized microfeatures, allowing for characteristics such as drug-elution.