Brândușa GHIBAN
Brânduşa Ghiban is a renowned Romanian university professor and researcher, internationally recognized for her contributions to materials science, physical metallurgy, and metallic biomaterials. She conducts her academic and research activities at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest.
Areas of Expertise: Physical metallurgy of metallic materials, material failure analysis, metal corrosion, material testing, and advanced processing of biomaterials.
She has served as a researcher and visiting professor at prestigious European universities, including Politecnico di Torino (Italy, 2000–2011), the University of Patras (Greece), La Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), and École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tarbes (France). She has managed and participated in numerous national and international projects funded by entities such as UEFISCDI, CNMP, MENER, and RELANSIN. She is the author and co-author of over 13 specialized books and scientific guides. She maintains an intense publishing activity, with numerous papers indexed in international databases (visible on profile platforms like ResearchGate), focusing on the microscopic study and mechanical behavior of alloys used in medical and industrial applications.
Abstract
Biodegradation of Zinc Alloys in Different Surface Conditions
B. Ghiban1*, L. Duta2, A. Antoniac1, I. Antoniac1, G. Dorcioman2, C. S. Lazar1
1 National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei 313, Bucharest, Romania
2 Lasers Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Str., 077125 Magurele, Romania
*e-mail: brandusa.ghiban@upb.ro
Keywords: biodegradable zinc alloy, biological-derived hydroxyapatite coatings
Introduction
Zinc-based alloys are emerging as promising candidates for temporary biomedical applications due to their moderate degradation rates and biocompatibility. In this study, several Zinc alloy compositions ‒ ZnMg, ZnCu, ZnMgFe, and ZnCuMg ‒ were selected and compared with pure Zinc to evaluate their biodegradation behavior. The materials were analyzed in both the as-cast state and after the deposition of biological hydroxyapatite, BioHA (derived from mammalian bones) coatings. The BioHA coatings were deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition technique. Biodegradation behavior was assessed in simulated body fluids (SBF), with degradation rates and pH evolution monitored at defined immersion time periods (i.e., 1, 14, 21, and 28 days). Structural and surface investigations was carried out using optical metallography, X-Ray Diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Based on the experimental findings, the biodegradation mechanism was elucidated in relation to both alloy composition and material condition (i.e., as-cast and BioHA-coated). These findings support the continued development of Zinc-based systems as next-generation biodegradable implants, especially for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications where temporary mechanical support coupled with gradual resorption is desired.
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