University of Hyderabad researchers develop new alloys for medical implants
The multi-principal element alloys aim to provide stronger and safer alternatives to conventional metal implants for hip joints and bone plates.
Researchers from the University of Hyderabad (UoH), working with IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bhubaneswar, and CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi, have created a new group of metal alloys for medical implants, according to The Hindu.
The team developed multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) by mixing titanium, cobalt, and chromium in equal or near-equal proportions. This differs from conventional alloys that use a single base metal with small additions of other elements.
The researchers said these alloys offer high strength, improved flexibility similar to natural bone, and resistance to wear and corrosion. They noted that the flexibility could reduce the risk of implants loosening, which often leads to repeat surgeries.
Laboratory tests using fluids that mimic the human body showed the alloys resist corrosion. Cell studies also confirmed the material is biocompatible, supporting healthy cell growth without toxic effects.
The study is part of the doctoral research of Nanda Kishore Karnam, supervised by Professor Koteswararao V. Rajulapati from the School of Engineering Sciences and Technology at UoH. The findings were published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.