Orthopedic implants are widely used to repair damaged bones caused by injury, aging, or disease. Metals such as titanium alloys are commonly used because they are strong and reliable. However, conventionally used orthopedic implants are typically made from metals and alloys such as titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt-chromium alloys. “However, these implants are permanent and some of their properties do not closely match those of natural bone,” explains K.G. Prashanth, corresponding author of a new study (DOI: 10.1016/j.almate.2026.03.001) published in Advanced Light Materials. “In particular, they are often much stiffer than bone, which can gradually weaken the surrounding bone and lead to long-term complications, implant failure, and the need for revision surgery.”
To address this challenge, Prashanth and a team of international researchers developed a new hybrid metallic implant that combines two different metals with complementary properties. “The implant consists of a 3D-printed titanium alloy lattice, inspired by the natural honeycomb structure found in bee combs,” says Prashanth. “This architecture provides high strength while using less material and allows body fluids and bone cells to move through the structure. The lattice is then filled with zinc, a metal that can gradually dissolve in the body under physiological conditions using pressure assisted sintering.”
To manufacture this composite structure, the team combined additive manufacturing with pressure assisted sintering. The resulting material showed improved mechanical strength compared to pure zinc while maintaining a controlled degradation rate. Laboratory tests also confirmed that the material supports the growth of bone-related cells, indicating good biocompatibility.
“The developed composite achieved a compressive strength of about 292 MPa, which is significantly higher than that of natural bone (230 MPa),” shares Prashanth. „The material demonstrated a controlled degradation rate of approximately 0.157 mm per year under simulated body conditions, which is close to the ideal degradation rate reported for biodegradable implant materials.“
According to the team, this approach represents a promising step toward next-generation orthopedic implants that combine strength, controlled degradation, and biological compatibility in a single material system. “This research could help create smarter bone implants that provide strength during healing but also support natural bone regeneration. Such implants could reduce post implantations complications and extents of revision surgeries,” adds Prashanth.
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References
DOI
10.1016/j.almate.2026.03.001
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.almate.2026.03.001
Funding information
Funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101004730 is acknowledged.
About Advanced Light Materials
Advanced Light Materials (ALM) is a peer-reviewed, international, and interdisciplinary research journal dedicated to the science, technology, and applications of lightweight and multifunctional materials. Its aim to publish high-quality original articles, reviews, and perspectives that present advances in the design, synthesis, characterization, and integration of light materials for applications including biomedical systems, energy storage and conversion, structural engineering, and advanced manufacturing. ALM emphasizes interdisciplinary research that integrates mechanical, chemical, biomedical, and energy-related fields, promoting global collaboration on lightweight, energy-efficient, and sustainable material solutions.