Gas bubbles play active role in implant healing
Gas bubbles form when magnesium implants break down in the body. A study led by Heithem Ben Amara at the Institute of Clinical Sciences reveals how the bubbles affect inflammation and healing. The results may pave the way for safer and more effective biodegradable implants.
Biodegradable magnesium implants have long been praised as a “disappearing” alternative to permanent metal plates and screws to fix broken bones. Now, new findings from Heithem Ben Amara and his colleagues at the University of Gothenburg clarify how gas bubbles produced by the implants may help explain both healing and complications.
Bubbles linked to inflammation
The study, published in Advanced Science and selected as an Editor’s Choice article, could help improve both implant design and patient safety.
“We found that in the early days after surgery, the bubbles compress nearby tissue, attract immune cells and maintain local inflammation,” says Heithem Ben Amara, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Sciences. “Most of the time, they disappear after a few weeks and healing continues normally. But if the bubbles remain or multiply, they can trigger complications such as chronic inflammation.”
Mapping gene activity
To investigate how tissue reacts to these bubbles, the team used a technique called spatial transcriptomics, which maps gene activity in specific regions of tissue.
“Imagine taking a Google Maps view of tissue, where every neighborhood lights up with the genes its cells are using at that exact spot. That is spatial transcriptomics. Instead of blending the whole sample together and getting one average read-out, we kept the physical ‘address’ of each tissue region and read which genes were active there.”
This method allowed them to track how cells responded around each gas pocket. The study revealed a strong inflammatory gene response near the bubbles, including activation of Piezo1, a marker linked to mechanical stress.
“The closer the cells were to the bubbles, the more they turned on genes for inflammation and mechanical sensing. This gives us a much clearer picture of how the body perceives these bubbles—not as passive byproducts but as active signals.”
Toward better implants
The findings have direct implications for both implant development and clinical follow-up. By adjusting the magnesium alloy formulation or surface treatment, future implants may release less gas. Clinicians could also benefit from imaging tools tailored to track bubble evolution, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.
What does it mean to be chosen for Editor’s Choice by the journal?
“It shows that our work matters not just methodologically—being the first to apply spatial transcriptomics in this context —but also clinically,” says Heithem Ben Amara. “We hope this helps shift the view of bubbles from curious side effects to meaningful biological signals.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg