The effect of in vitro corrosion on the mechanical properties of metallic high strength biodegradable surgical threads

High strength biodegradable surgical threads are in demand for surgical practice. Nowadays, such threads can be made of metallic materials such as magnesium, zinc or alloys based on these metals. In current paper, manufacturing technology of biodegradable surgical threads of Mg–Ca alloys and of pure Zn was developed and basic properties of the obtained product have been characterized. The influence of in vitro corrosion in bovine serum simulating environment in the mammal’s body on the surgical threads mechanical properties was determined. It was found that Zn and hot extruded alloys MgCa0.9 and MgCa1.2 can be recommended as a candidate for the future study in vivo. Properties of the room temperature drawn wires of the alloy MgCa0.7 are not sufficient for its application as surgical threads.