A highly degradable Mg-Al-Ca alloy with superior anti-tumor efficacy

作者：Qiwen Chen, Yunhao Fan, Dong Shu, Ping Han, Tian Xie, Chenchen Wang, Xiaoqin Zeng, Wenjiang Ding, Zhiqiang Meng, Leyun Wang · 发表于：Journal of Magnesium and Alloys · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1016/j.jma.2023.07.018 · 被引用次数：14 · 研究领域：Hydrogen Storage and Materials、Magnesium Alloys: Properties and Applications、MXene and MAX Phase Materials

Molecule hydrogen (H2) has been used to suppress tumor growth. To employ the H2 therapy, it is necessary to use a proper agent for continuous generation of H2. As a biodegradable metal, magnesium (Mg) generates H2 in an aqueous environment, but the H2 release rate is still too low. Here, we design a Mg-Al-Ca (AX) alloy that degrades very rapidly due to the presence of a secondary phase Al2Ca. Having a reduction potential much higher than Mg and any other Mg-based secondary phases, Al2Ca accelerates the corrosion of the Mg matrix by a micro-galvanic process. Al2Ca also enhances the strength and ductility of the AX alloy. AX alloy rods show better anti-tumor efficacy than pure Mg rods in vivo. Moreover, implanted AX alloy rods can be heated under an alternating magnetic field to suppress large-size tumors. This work suggests that the H2 therapy using highly degradable Mg alloys may provide an effective cancer treatment.