Hydrogen Gas Sensor Tracks Bone Healing in Magnesium Implants
- Authors
- Daoli Zhao, Andrew Brown, Tingting Wang, Sayuri Yoshizawa, Charles Sfeir, William R. Heineman
- Journal
- Acta Biomaterialia
- Year
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.04.032
- Study Type
- Rabbit
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Bone Fractures
- Body System
- Musculoskeletal
TL;DR
A special sensor was used to track the breakdown of a magnesium bone repair device by measuring hydrogen gas levels, revealing that bones trap more hydrogen than previously thought.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas concentration in bone marrow around degrading magnesium implants was 82% higher than in saturated water solutions, indicating that bone tissue retains hydrogen gas rather than allowing it to disperse.
Summary
Researchers implanted magnesium fracture-fixing hardware in rabbit bones and used a special sensor to measure hydrogen gas produced as the metal degraded. They found that hydrogen gas accumulated in the bone marrow at levels 82% higher than in water, suggesting bone tissue traps the gas rather than letting it escape. This measurement approach could help scientists better understand how hydrogen affects bone healing.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study that demonstrates a measurement technique rather than testing hydrogen's health effects. While it suggests hydrogen can accumulate around magnesium implants in bone, the study does not evaluate whether this hydrogen concentration helps or harms bone healing. Further research would be needed to determine any practical implications for fracture treatment.
Abstract
Statement of significance: An electrochemical H2 sensor was used to monitor the degradation of a Mg fracture fixation system in a lapine ulna fracture model. Interestingly, the H2 concentration in the bone marrow is 82% higher than H2 saturated water solution. This suggests H2 generated in situ is trapped in the bone marrow and bone is less permeable than the surrounding tissues. The detectable H2 at the rabbit skin also demonstrates a H2 sensor's ability to monitor the degradation process under thin layers of tissue. H2 sensing shows promise as a tool for monitoring the degradation of Mg alloy in vivo and creating in vitro test beds to more mechanistically evaluate the effects of varying H2 concentrations on cell types relevant to osteogenesis.