In vitro effects of degradable Magnesium- Lithium thin films on cells of the nervous system

Lithium (Li) is used as a medication for bipolar disorder (BD) since several decades and can potentially help with managing other neurodegenerative disorders. However, a longstanding hurdle has been the narrow therapeutic range of Li which leads to several side effects and chronic toxicity. Localized and consistent Li release from an implant could maintain therapeutic Li concentrations with a reduced dosage, thereby ameliorating the side effects. Therefore, this thesis explores Mg-Li alloys as Li-releasing implants by investigating cellular responses of glial cells at the cellular, metabolic and molecular levels. Mg-Li thin film structures were chosen as they are better suited for miniaturized and mechanically compliant neural implants. Two Mg-Li alloys, Mg-1.6Li and Mg-9.5Li, were used in the form of thin films and extracts. Cellular responses relevant to potential applications were investigated in in vitro models developed for neuroinflammation and nerve injury. Mg-Li alloys showed certain anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects similar to traditionally administered Li. Moreover, Mg as a carrier material had beneficial effects of its own and no clear antagonistic effects to Li were evident in this study. Therefore, Mg-Li alloys show promise as Li-releasing implants and for other regenerative applications in the nervous system. The results provide valuable insight for material optimization and regarding the application potential of Mg-Li alloys. They also provide a strong basis to support further studies with patient-derived material and in vivo models, innovation in implantation strategies and to expand the application of Mg-Li alloys as biomaterials.

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