Demineralized cancellous bone scaffolds as reinforcement for degradable magnesium biocomposite

Abstract This study investigates demineralized bone matrix (DBM) combined with magnesium (Mg) to create degradable composite materials. Two types of DBM were utilized: carbon-coated (H.A.) and non-carbon-coated (HA-HT). An advanced liquid metal infiltration method prevented the structural collapse of the scaffold due to capillary forces. Both composites exhibited an interphase layer primarily composed of MgO, differing in thickness by 50%, attributed to the reaction between H.A. and Mg. The Mg/H.A. composite demonstrated a compressive yield strength 1.7 times higher than Mg/HA-HT, resembling Mg’s mechanical behavior but with a lower metal phase fraction than other composites. Compared to pure Mg, the composites generated less hydrogen (45–54 ml cm⁻²), reducing the corrosion rate (~ 0.1181 mm year⁻¹) under simulated conditions (90 ml cm⁻² and 4.2 mm year⁻¹ for Mg). A localized phenomenon was identified mainly at the interphase of both composites but specifically in the Mg/H.A., where the scaffold structure was kept over extended exposure periods. These materials hold promise for temporary bone fixation applications. Graphical abstract