Dilemmas and countermeasures of Fe-based biomaterials for next-generation bone implants

Fe-based biodegradable materials as next-generation bone implants attract considerable attentions due to outstanding mechanical properties and favorable biocompatibility. However, their too slow degradation to match bone growth is a dilemma which urgently needs to be solved and thus is given special attentions in this review. Analyses and countermeasures to increase degradation rates of Fe-based materials are summarized. Meanwhile, detailed effects of accelerating degradation on biocompatibility and mechanical properties are also discussed. Subsequently, efforts about manufacturing mechanisms and methods of Fe-based biodegradable materials are consolidated and presented. Moreover, future outlook for Fe-based biodegradable materials is proposed. This review provides critical and valid information for development and breakthrough of Fe-based biodegradable materials toward orthopaedic applications.