The antitumor effect of biodegradable metals (Mg, Zn, and Fe) on colon cancer

Biodegradable metals (Mg, Zn, and Fe) have potential applications in replacing titanium (Ti) for making surgical staples in colonic anastomosis. In this study, the effect of metals' degradation on colon carcinoma cells (HCT116) was carefully investigated by the extract method based on the results of the immersion test. It was found that all cells died in the original extracts. After dilution, 10 % extracts of Mg and Fe significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of cells, and the Fe extract also promoted the cell apoptotic rate. In contrast, cells showed no sensitivity to zinc ions at the same dilution ratio. These results indicate Mg and Fe might have great potential applications for suppressing colorectal cancer.