A highly degradable Mg-Al-Ca alloy with superior anti-tumor efficacy
Qiwen Chen, Yunhao Fan, Dong Shu, Ping Han, Tian Xie, Chenchen Wang, Xiaoqin Zeng, Wenjiang Ding, Zhiqiang Meng, Leyun Wang
Abstract
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.