Biodegradable Metallic Implants: A Comprehensive Guide for Biotechnology Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using biodegradable metallic implants?

Accepted Answer

Exceptional durability

Answer

Reduced risk of infection

Answer

Faster tissue healing

Answer

Elimination of implant removal surgery

Question 2

The ability of biodegradable implants to promote tissue regeneration is primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Activation of cellular pathways

Answer

Release of metallic ions

Answer

Formation of a protective oxide layer

Answer

Reduction of inflammation

Question 3

What key factors impact the degradation rate of biodegradable metallic implants?

Accepted Answer

Implant shape and surface characteristics

Accepted Answer

Surrounding tissue environment

Answer

Patient's overall health

Question 4

Which type of biodegradable metallic implant has shown promise in promoting bone growth?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium-based implants, due to their ability to release magnesium ions

Answer

Iron-based implants, due to their high strength and stiffness

Answer

Zinc-based implants, due to their antimicrobial properties

Answer

Calcium-based implants, due to their similarity to natural bone material

Question 5

Biodegradable metallic implants pose unique challenges in terms of regulation and ethics. Discuss these challenges, considering the material properties and degradation mechanisms of these implants.

Accepted Answer

The distinct properties of biodegradable metallic implants necessitate careful consideration of regulatory and ethical factors.

Answer

Regulatory approval processes are straightforward and pose no significant barriers.

Answer

Ethical concerns are limited to obtaining informed consent.

Answer

Regulatory and ethical considerations are entirely separate and do not overlap.

Question 6

The degradation process in biodegradable metallic implants primarily takes place through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Electrochemical corrosion

Answer

Thermal decomposition

Answer

Osseointegration

Answer

Mechanical fatigue

Question 7

Identify the predominant base material used in the fabrication of biodegradable metallic implants:

Accepted Answer

Magnesium

Answer

Cobalt-chromium

Answer

Stainless steel

Answer

Titanium

Question 8

A notable concern linked to biodegradable metallic implants is:

Accepted Answer

Potential release of hydrogen gas

Answer

Rapid decline in mechanical strength

Answer

High degree of biocompatibility

Answer

Excessive heat generation during degradation

Question 9

Biodegradable metallic implants are particularly beneficial for:

Accepted Answer

Providing temporary support and guiding tissue regeneration

Answer

Long-term structural support

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Question 10

A primary challenge in the development of biodegradable metallic implants is:

Accepted Answer

Balancing the rate of degradation with maintaining mechanical integrity

Answer

High cost of production

Answer

Limited availability of suitable materials

Question 11

Which property is **least** desirable in a biodegradable metallic implant?

Accepted Answer

High tensile strength

Answer

Biocompatibility

Answer

Controlled degradation rate

Answer

Minimal inflammatory response

Question 12

For bone repair, a biodegradable metallic implant should ideally have a degradation rate that:

Accepted Answer

Matches the rate of bone regeneration

Answer

Is significantly slower than bone regeneration

Answer

Is significantly faster than bone regeneration

Answer

Is independent of bone regeneration

Question 13

What is a key advantage of biodegradable metallic implants compared to traditional non-degradable implants?

Accepted Answer

Elimination of the need for secondary surgery to remove the implant

Answer

Reduced risk of infection

Answer

Increased implant strength over time

Question 14

What is a major limitation of biodegradable metallic implants in their current development?

Accepted Answer

Controlling both degradation rate and mechanical properties

Answer

Cost of production

Answer

Biocompatibility with surrounding tissues

Question 15

Which metal is commonly used in biodegradable metallic implants due to its biocompatibility and controllable degradation rate?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium

Answer

Titanium

Answer

Gold

Answer

Stainless steel

Question 16

How do biodegradable metallic implants contribute to tissue regeneration?

Accepted Answer

They act as a temporary scaffold, allowing cells to attach and multiply, eventually being replaced by new tissue.

Answer

They directly stimulate cell growth and differentiation.

Question 17

A research group is developing a biodegradable metallic implant for bone repair, focusing on matching its degradation rate to the natural bone healing process. Which approach would be most relevant to their research?

Accepted Answer

Modifying the implant's surface properties to control corrosion rate

Answer

Improving the implant's biocompatibility

Answer

Increasing the implant's mechanical strength

Question 18

Which application of biodegradable metallic implants is currently considered the most promising?

Accepted Answer

Orthopedic implants for fracture repair

Answer

Cardiac stents

Answer

Dental implants

Question 19

The degradation of a biodegradable metallic implant primarily occurs through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Corrosion

Answer

Hydrolysis

Answer

Enzymatic breakdown

Answer

Photodegradation

Question 20

Which metallic element is commonly employed in biodegradable implants due to its excellent biocompatibility and controlled degradation rate?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium

Answer

Titanium

Answer

Stainless steel

Question 21

How does the degradation of biodegradable metallic implants contribute to tissue regeneration?

Accepted Answer

The degradation products stimulate cellular growth and facilitate new tissue formation.

Answer

The implant prevents infection by acting as a barrier.

Answer

The implant provides a scaffold for new tissue to grow around.

Question 22

A biodegradable metallic implant is designed to fully degrade within a specific timeframe. What is the primary reason behind this design feature?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate the need for a secondary surgical procedure to remove the implant.

Answer

To ensure the implant maintains sufficient strength throughout its intended use.

Answer

To prevent the body from rejecting the implant.

Question 23

Which of the following is a potential limitation associated with biodegradable metallic implants compared to traditional implants?

Accepted Answer

The degradation process may cause localized inflammation or alter the implant's mechanical properties.

Answer

Biodegradable implants are typically more expensive than traditional implants.

Question 24

In which medical application do biodegradable metallic implants show particular promise?

Accepted Answer

Bone repair and fracture fixation

Answer

Cardiovascular stents

Answer

Joint replacement

Answer

Dental implants

Question 25

How does the body typically handle the degradation products of biodegradable metallic implants?

Accepted Answer

They are absorbed by the body or eliminated through normal metabolic processes.

Answer

They accumulate in the body, potentially leading to toxicity.

Answer

They are encapsulated by the body in a fibrous capsule.

Question 26

In preclinical studies, what are the most crucial criteria for evaluating the success of a new biodegradable metallic implant designed for bone repair?

Accepted Answer

The implant should promote bone regeneration, achieve adequate mechanical strength, and degrade at a controlled rate.

Answer

The implant should be easy to manufacture and sterilize.