Biodegradation of Gold and Platinum Implants in Rats:

Introduction:

Understanding the biodegradation of gold and platinum implants in biological tissues is crucial for evaluating the long-term stability of medical devices. This study investigates how gold and platinum implants degrade in rat tissues using advanced electron microscopy techniques.

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While gold and platinum are considered chemically stable, this research reveals unexpected patterns of degradation. The study offers new insights into how these noble metals interact with biological environments, which is critical for improving the longevity and safety of medical implants.

Study Overview and Methods

• Objective: To examine the biodegradation of gold and platinum implants in rat tissues and analyze the resulting structural changes.
• Materials:
  • Pure gold, nickel, and copper grids
  • Middle ear prostheses made of gold, platinum, and titanium
• Methodology:
  • Implants were inserted under the neck skin of rats for two months.
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze biodegradation.
  • Elemental composition was determined using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS).

Key Findings

1. Biodegradation of Gold Implants

• Significant biodegradation of gold implants was observed.
• Dissolution and re-crystallization of gold occurred, forming nanoparticles of various shapes and sizes.
• Gold nanoparticles were found both near the implant and in distant tissues, indicating migration.

2. Biodegradation of Platinum Implants

• Platinum implants showed minor degradation compared to gold.
• Platinum nanoparticles were detected inside lysosomes and fibroblasts, confirming low-level dissolution and re-precipitation.

3. Comparative Analysis with Nickel and Copper

• Copper grids completely corroded within two months.
• Nickel grids exhibited partial degradation and triggered allergic responses, evidenced by the presence of mast cells and histiocytes.

4. Biological Mechanisms Behind Metal Degradation

• Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues facilitates metal dissolution.
• Enzymes such as myeloperoxidase in inflammatory cells produce hypochlorite ions and hydrogen peroxide, which dissolve gold.

5. Clinical Implications

• Gold implants are more susceptible to biodegradation, potentially leading to inflammation and fibrosis.
• Platinum implants are more stable but still exhibit minor degradation.
• Titanium implants displayed the highest stability, with minimal signs of degradation.

External Insights on Medical Implant Degradation

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) emphasizes the importance of understanding metal implant degradation to prevent adverse biological reactions and ensure patient safety.

Access the Full Study

Read the complete research findings at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.ijpra.1001014.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that even noble metals like gold and platinum can undergo biodegradation within biological tissues. Gold is particularly vulnerable, leading to the formation and migration of nanoparticles, while platinum is more resistant but not immune. These findings have significant implications for the long-term safety and efficacy of metal implants in medical applications.

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