Biofunctionalized anti-corrosive silane coatings for magnesium alloys

Biodegradable magnesium alloys are advantageous in various implant applications, as they reduce the risks associated with permanent metallic implants. However, a rapid corrosion rate is usually a hindrance in biomedical applications. Here we report a facile two step procedure to introduce multifunctional, anti-corrosive coatings on Mg alloys, such as AZ31. The first step involves treating the NaOH-activated Mg with bistriethoxysilylethane to immobilize a layer of densely crosslinked silane coating with good corrosion resistance; the second step is to impart amine functionality to the surface by treating the modified Mg with 3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane. We characterized the two-layer anticorrosive coating of Mg alloy AZ31 by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, static contact angle measurement and optical profilometry, potentiodynamic polarization and AC impedance measurements. Furthermore, heparin was covalently conjugated onto the silane-treated AZ31 to render the coating haemocompatible, as demonstrated by reduced platelet adhesion on the heparinized surface. The method reported here is also applicable to the preparation of other types of biofunctional, anti-corrosive coatings and thus of significant interest in biodegradable implant applications.     

氟转化涂层镁合金材料与诱导后人骨髓间充质干细胞的相容性*

背景：氟转化涂层的AZ31B镁合金和β-磷酸三钙涂层的AZ31B镁合金是中科院金属研究所新研制的镁合金,是否具有良好的生物相容性尚不确切。 目的：以诱导的人骨髓间充质细胞作为检测细胞,评价氟转化涂层的AZ31B镁合金和β-磷酸三钙涂层的AZ31B镁合金材料的细胞相容性。 方法：实验分为镁合金AZ31B组,氟转化涂层的AZ31B镁合金组和β-磷酸三钙涂层的AZ31B镁合金组。以诱导的人骨髓间充质细胞作为检测细胞,分别取3种材料浸提液进行体外细胞相容性实验。 结果与结论：氟转化涂层的AZ31B镁合金和β-磷酸三钙涂层的AZ31B镁合金材料细胞毒性分级均为1级,镁合金AZ31B材料细胞毒性分级为2级。提示氟转化涂层的AZ31B镁合金和β-磷酸三钙涂层的AZ31B镁合金材料生物相容性优于未经处理镁合金AZ31B材料。     

氟处理AZ31B生物可降解镁合金材料的细胞相容性*

背景：镁及镁合金作为新型可降解植入材料,具有优异的生物相容性和综合力学性能,但是由于镁及镁合金较差的耐蚀性能,影响到其在临床上的应用。表面氟化处理的AZ31B镁合金是否具有良好的生物相容性尚不清楚。 目的：以诱导的人骨髓间充质干细胞作为检测细胞,评价不同表面氟处理的镁合金材料的细胞相容性。 方法：以诱导的人骨髓间充质干细胞作为检测细胞,取未经氟处理及不同氟处理时间的镁合金材料浸提液进行体外细胞相容性实验,评价不同氟处理的镁合金AZ31B材料的生物相容性。 结果与结论：经氟处理镁合金AZ31B材料与未经氟处理镁合金AZ31B材料相比能显著提高细胞存活率,细胞毒性分级1级,对细胞生长基本无毒性作用。提示经氟处理镁     

Influence of surface modification on the in vitro corrosion rate of magnesium alloy AZ31

In recent years, magnesium alloys have been proposed as a new class of metallic bioabsorbable implant material. Unfortunately, the production of hydrogen gas and an increase in alkalinity are both by-products of the degradation process of these materials. This necessitates the development of magnesium alloys with controlled degradation rates. Furthermore, biocompatible coatings that can delay the onset of corrosion would ensure that the mechanical integrity of the implant remains intact in the early stages of healing. This article explores the influence of surface modification by biomimetic calcium phosphate coating, biodegradable polymer coatings, and acid etching on the corrosion rate of the AZ31 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid. Our results indicate that all of these surface treatments have a positive impact on the corrosion rate of the material and that in the early stages of implantation it is possible to tailor the corrosion rate through an appropriate choice of surface treatment.     

人骨髓间充质干细胞检测表面氟化处理镁合金材料的细胞相容性

背景：表面氟化处理的AZ31B镁合金是中科院金属研究所新研制的镁合金,是否具有良好的生物相容性尚不确切。 目的：以人骨髓间充质干细胞作为检测细胞,评价表面氟处理的镁合金材料的细胞相容性。 方法：人骨髓间充质干细胞培养并予以鉴定,将镁合金AZ31B作为对照组,氟处理的镁合金AZ31B材料为实验组。以人骨髓间充质干细胞作为检测细胞,取两组材料浸提液进行体外细胞相容性实验,评价氟处理的镁合金AZ31B材料的生物相容性。 结果与结论：与未经氟处理镁合金AZ31B材料相比,经氟处理镁合金AZ31B材料能显著提高细胞存活率,细胞毒性分级１级,对细胞生长基本无毒性作用。结果表明,经氟处理镁合金AZ31B材料生物相容性优于未经氟处理镁合金AZ31B材料。     

Corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of biodegradable surgical magnesium alloy coated with hydrogenated amorphous silicon

The fast degradation rates in the physiological environment constitute the main limitation for the applications of surgical magnesium alloys as biodegradable hard-tissue implants. In this work, a stable and dense hydrogenated amorphous silicon coating (a-Si:H) with desirable bioactivity is deposited on AZ91 magnesium alloy using magnetron sputtering deposition. Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal that the coating is mainly composed of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The hardness of the coated alloy is enhanced significantly and the coating is quite hydrophilic as well. Potentiodynamic polarization results show that the corrosion resistance of the coated alloy is enhanced dramatically. In addition, the deterioration process of the coating in simulated body fluids is systematically investigated by open circuit potential evolution and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cytocompatibility of the coated Mg is evaluated for the first time using hFOB1.19 cells and favorable biocompatibility is observed.     

Corrosion protection and improved cytocompatibility of biodegradable polymeric layer-by-layer coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloys

Composite coatings of electrostatically assembled layer-by-layer anionic and cationic polymers combined with an Mg(OH)₂ surface treatment serve to provide a protective coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy substrates. These ceramic conversion coating and layer-by-layer polymeric coating combinations reduced the initial and long-term corrosion progression of the AZ31 alloy. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful application of coatings. Potentiostatic polarization tests indicate improved initial corrosion resistance. Hydrogen evolution measurements over a 2 week period and magnesium ion levels over a 1 week period indicate longer range corrosion protection and retention of the Mg(OH)₂ passivation layer in comparison to the uncoated substrates. Live/dead staining and DNA quantification were used as measures of biocompatibility and proliferation while actin staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the cellular morphology and integration with the coated substrates. The coatings simultaneously provided improved biocompatibility, cellular adhesion and proliferation in comparison to the uncoated alloy surface utilizing both murine pre-osteoblast MC3T3 cells and human mesenchymal stem cells. The implementation of such coatings on magnesium alloy implants could serve to improve the corrosion resistance and cellular integration of these implants with the native tissue while delivering vital drugs or biological elements to the site of implantation.     

Corrosion resistance of a composite polymeric coating applied on biodegradable AZ31 magnesium alloy

The high corrosion rate of magnesium alloys is the main drawback to their widespread use, especially in biomedical applications. There is a need for developing new coatings that provide simultaneously corrosion resistance and enhanced biocompatibility. In this work, a composite coating containing polyether imide, with several diethylene triamine and hydroxyapatite contents, was applied on AZ31 magnesium alloys pre-treated with hydrofluoric acid by dip coating. The coated samples were immersed in Hank’s solution and the coating performance was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the behavior of MG63 osteoblastic cells on coated samples was investigated. The results confirmed that the new coatings not only slow down the corrosion rate of AZ31 magnesium alloys in Hank’s solution, but also enhance the adhesion and proliferation of MG63 osteoblastic cells, especially when hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were introduced in the coating formulation.     

Magnesium alloys as a biomaterial for degradable craniofacial screws

Recently, magnesium (Mg) alloys have received significant attention as potential biomaterials for degradable implants, and this study was directed at evaluating the suitability of Mg for craniofacial bone screws. The objective was to implant screws fabricated from commercially available pure Mg and alloy AZ31 in vivo in a rabbit mandible. First, Mg and AZ31 screws were compared to stainless steel screws in an in vitro pull-out test and determined to have a similar holding strength (∼40 N). A finite-element model of the screw was created using the pull-out test data, and this model can be used for future Mg alloy screw design. Then, Mg and AZ31 screws were implanted for 4, 8 and 12 weeks, with two controls of an osteotomy site (hole) with no implant and a stainless steel screw implanted for 12 weeks. Microcomputed tomography was used to assess bone remodeling and Mg/AZ31 degradation, both visually and qualitatively through volume fraction measurements for all time points. Histological analysis was also completed for the Mg and AZ31 at 12 weeks. The results showed that craniofacial bone remodeling occurred around both Mg and AZ31 screws. Pure Mg had a different degradation profile than AZ31; however, bone growth occurred around both screw types. The degradation rate of both Mg and AZ31 screws in the bone marrow space and the muscle were faster than in the cortical bone space at 12 weeks. Furthermore, it was shown that by alloying Mg, the degradation profile could be changed. These results indicate the promise of using Mg alloys for craniofacial applications.     

钙磷涂层镁合金植入体周围组织中骨形成蛋白2的表达*****☆

背景：改变合金构成可以改善镁合金的耐腐蚀性和机械性能。 目的：观察钙磷涂层对镁合金植入体周围软组织中骨形成蛋白2表达的影响。 方法：将27只兔随机分成3组,分别在兔下颌骨内植入钙磷涂层镁合金螺钉、镁合金螺钉及钛合金,植入后1,2,3个月,采用反转录聚合酶链技术检测植入体周围软组织中骨形成蛋白2 mRNA的表达情况。 结果与结论：钙磷涂层镁合金螺钉组、镁合金螺钉组周围软组织中骨形成蛋白2 mRNA的表达,随时间的增加逐渐增高,钙磷涂层镁合金螺钉组内各时间点间骨形成蛋白2 mRNA的表达水平差异有显著性意义(P < 0.05),且镁合金螺钉组植入后1,2个月周围软组织中骨形成蛋白2 mRNA的表达水平高于钙磷涂层镁合金螺钉组(P < 0.05)。显示钙磷涂层能够促进骨形成蛋白2 mRNA的表达,并抑制其过度表达,有利于早期成骨过程,表现出良好的生物活性。      

Design and assessment of a wrapped cylindrical Ca-P AZ31 Mg alloy for critical-size ulna defect repair

Recently, magnesium has been investigated as a promising bioresorbable orthopedic biomaterial. Its mechanical properties are very similar to natural bone, making it appropriate for load-bearing orthopedic fracture repair applications. However, significant hurdles remain regarding the design of practical implants and methods to control degradation and enhance biocompatibility. Although attempts have been made to hinder magnesium's rapid corrosion via alloying and coating, these studies have used solid monoliths. In an effort to reduce the amount of alloy used for implantation in a shape that mimics cortical bone shape, this study used a thin sheet of Mg AZ31 which was rolled into hollow cylindrical scaffolds. The scaffold was coated with different amounts of Ca-P; this implant demonstrated slowed corrosion in simulated body fluid (SBF) as well as enhanced biocompatibility for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). In vivo implantation of magnesium alloy scaffold adjacent to the rat femur showed significant biointegration with further deposition of complex Mg-Ca phosphates/carbonates typical of natural bone. Finally, the implant was placed in a critical-size ulna defect in live rabbits, which lead to radiographic union and partial restoration of biomechanical strength in the defect. This study demonstrated that a thin sheet of coated Mg alloy that was spirally wrapped wound be a promising orthopedic biomaterial for bone repair.     

Loss of mechanical properties in vivo and bone–implant interface strength of AZ31B magnesium alloy screws with Si-containing coating

In this study the loss of mechanical properties and the interface strength of coated AZ31B magnesium alloy (a magnesium–aluminum alloy) screws with surrounding host tissues were investigated and compared with non-coated AZ31B, degradable polymer and biostable titanium alloy screws in a rabbit animal model after 1, 4, 12 and 21 weeks of implantation. The interface strength was evaluated in terms of the extraction torque required to back out the screws. The loss of mechanical properties over time was indicated by one-point bending load loss of the screws after these were extracted at different times. AZ31B samples with a silicon-containing coating had a decreased degradation rate and improved biological properties. The extraction torque of Ti6Al4V, poly-l-lactide (PLLA) and coated AZ31B increased significantly from 1 week to 4 weeks post-implantation, indicating a rapid osteosynthesis process over 3 weeks. The extraction torque of coated AZ31B increased with implantation time, and was higher than that of PLLA after 4 weeks of implantation, equalling that of Ti6Al4V at 12 weeks and was higher at 21 weeks. The bending loads of non-coated AZ31B and PLLA screws degraded sharply after implantation, and that of coated AZ31B degraded more slowly. The biodegradation mechanism, the coating to control the degradation rate and the bioactivity of magnesium alloys influencing the mechanical properties loss over time and bone–implant interface strength are discussed in this study and it is concluded that a suitable degradation rate will result in an improvement in the mechanical performance of magnesium alloys, making them more suitable for clinical application.     

In vitro degradation and mechanical integrity of calcium-containing magnesium alloys in modified-simulated body fluid

The successful applications of magnesium-based alloys as degradable orthopaedic implants are mainly inhibited due to their high degradation rates in physiological environment and consequent loss in the mechanical integrity. This study examines the degradation behaviour and the mechanical integrity of calcium-containing magnesium alloys using electrochemical techniques and slow strain rate test (SSRT) method, respectively, in modified-simulated body fluid (m-SBF). Potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed that calcium addition enhances the general and pitting corrosion resistances of magnesium alloys significantly. The corrosion current was significantly lower in AZ91Ca alloy than that in AZ91 alloy. Furthermore, AZ91Ca alloy exhibited a five-fold increase in the surface film resistance than AZ91 alloy. The SSRT results showed that the ultimate tensile strength and elongation to fracture of AZ91Ca alloy in m-SBF decreased only marginally (approximately 15% and 20%, respectively) in comparison with these properties in air. The fracture morphologies of the failed samples are discussed in the paper. The in vitro study suggests that calcium-containing magnesium alloys to be a promising candidate for their applications in degradable orthopaedic implants, and it is worthwhile to further investigate the in vivo corrosion behaviour of these alloys.     

Calcium orthophosphate coatings on magnesium and its biodegradable alloys

Biodegradable metals have been suggested as revolutionary biomaterials for bone-grafting therapies. Of these metals, magnesium (Mg) and its biodegradable alloys appear to be particularly attractive candidates due to their non-toxicity and as their mechanical properties match those of bones better than other metals do. Being light, biocompatible and biodegradable, Mg-based metallic implants have several advantages over other implantable metals currently in use, such as eliminating both the effects of stress shielding and the requirement of a second surgery for implant removal. Unfortunately, the fast degradation rates of Mg and its biodegradable alloys in the aggressive physiological environment impose limitations on their clinical applications. This necessitates development of implants with controlled degradation rates to match the kinetics of bone healing. Application of protective but biocompatible and biodegradable coatings able to delay the onset of Mg corrosion appears to be a reasonable solution. Since calcium orthophosphates are well tolerated by living organisms, they appear to be the excellent candidates for such coatings. Nevertheless, both the high chemical reactivity and the low melting point of Mg require specific parameters for successful deposition of calcium orthophosphate coatings. This review provides an overview of current coating techniques used for deposition of calcium orthophosphates on Mg and its biodegradable alloys. The literature analysis revealed that in all cases the calcium orthophosphate protective coatings both increased the corrosion resistance of Mg-based metallic biomaterials and improved their surface biocompatibility.     

In vitro and in vivo studies on a Mg-Sr binary alloy system developed as a new kind of biodegradable metal

Magnesium alloys have shown potential as biodegradable metallic materials for orthopedic applications due to their degradability, resemblance to cortical bone and biocompatible degradation/corrosion products. However, the fast corrosion rate and the potential toxicity of their alloying element limit the clinical application of Mg alloys. From the viewpoint of both metallurgy and biocompatibility, strontium (Sr) was selected to prepare hot rolled Mg-Sr binary alloys (with a Sr content ranging from 1 to 4 wt.%) in the present study. The optimal Sr content was screened with respect to the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg-Sr binary alloys and the feasibility of the use of Mg-Sr alloys as orthopedic biodegradable metals was investigated by in vitro cell experiments and intramedullary implantation tests. The mechanical properties and corrosion rates of Mg-Sr alloys were dose dependent with respect to the added Sr content. The as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy exhibited the highest strength and slowest corrosion rate, suggesting that the optimal Sr content was 2 wt.%. The as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy showed Grade I cytotoxicity and induced higher alkaline phosphatase activity than the other alloys. During the 4 weeks implantation period we saw gradual degradation of the as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy within a bone tunnel. Micro-computer tomography and histological analysis showed an enhanced mineral density and thicker cortical bone around the experimental implants. Higher levels of Sr were observed in newly formed peri-implant bone compared with the control. In summary, this study shows that the optimal content of added Sr is 2 wt.% for binary Mg-Sr alloys in the rolled state and that the as-rolled Mg-2Sr alloy in vivo produces an acceptable host response.     

In vitro degradation and cytotoxicity response of Mg–4% Zn–0.5% Zr (ZK40) alloy as a potential biodegradable material

Mg–4 wt.% Zn–0.5 wt.% Zr (ZK40) alloy was studied as a candidate material for biodegradable metallic implants in terms of its biocorrosion resistance, mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. The corrosion characteristics of ZK40 alloy were assessed by potentiodynamic polarization and immersion testing in DMEM + 10% FBS solution. Analysis of the degradation characteristics by potentiodynamic polarization measurements shows the corrosion rates of ZK40 alloy in as-cast and solution treatment (T4) condition were slightly higher than those of pure Mg or as-drawn AZ31. Determination of the corrosion rate by the weight loss technique reveals that the as-cast ZK40 resulted in slower degradation than other alloy specimens after 7 days of immersion but exhibited accelerated degradation after 14 and 21 days, respectively. T4-treated ZK40 exhibited stable degradation rates compared to as-cast ZK40 and close to those of pure Mg and AZ31 during immersion testing for 14 and 21 days. In order to examine the in vitro cytocompatibility of ZK40 alloy, live/dead cell viability assay and indirect MTT assay were performed using a murine osteoblast-like cell line (MC3T3). After 3 days of direct culture of MC3T3 on ZK40 alloys the live/dead assay indicated favorable cell viability and attachment. The degradation product of ZK40 also showed minimal cytotoxicity when assessed in indirect MTT assay. The mechanical properties of the as-cast and T4-treated ZK40 alloy were superior to those of pure Mg and comparable to as-drawn AZ31. Solution treatment did not significantly enhance the cytocompatibility and mechanical properties of ZK40 alloy. Overall, the ZK40 alloy exhibited favorable cytocompatibility, biocorrosion, and mechanical properties rendering it a potential candidate for degradable implant applications.     

In vivo biocompatibility and degradation behavior of Mg alloy coated by calcium phosphate in a rabbit model

This study is conducted to investigate the biocompatibility and biodegradation behavior of calcium phosphate-coated Mg alloy in?vivo. Calcium phosphate (Ca-P) was coated on the Mg alloy (AZ31) by a chemical process. Samples of Ca-P coated rods, the naked alloy rods, and degradable polymer as controls were implanted into the thighbone of rabbits to investigate the bone response at the early stage. The reduction in implant volume was determined by micro-computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction of the remaining Mg alloy segmented from the bone matrix. It was observed that the biodegradation rate of naked Mg implant is faster than that of the coated ones. The bone-implant interface was characterized in sections by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Biodegradation or reaction layer was formed on the surface of Mg alloy implants and direct contact with the surrounding bone. The layer was mainly composed of Ca, P, O, and Mg. After 8 weeks of post-operation, paraffin sections were generated for histomorphologic analysis; 100% implants were fixed and no inflammation was observed. Histological analysis showed that new bone tissue is formed around the Mg implants, and no fibrous capsule was found. Blood examination showed that the biodegradation of the Mg implant caused little change to blood composition. Ca-P coating on Mg alloy substrate might be an effective method to reduce the biodegradation rate of Mg alloy in?vivo and improve the surface bioactivity of Mg alloy implants.     

Corrosion of Mg alloy AZ91D in the presence of living cells

Mg and Mg alloys are of interest for biodegradable implants as they readily corrode in biological fluids, and dissolved Mg ions are nontoxic. Even though it is well known that Mg dissolution leads to pH increase in the surroundings, the effect of the corrosion-induced alkalization on the biological environment has not been studied in detail. We therefore explored the interactions between corrosion-induced pH increase and cell growth on Mg alloy AZ91D surface. Cell adhesion and spreading on the alloy surface is unimpeded initially. However, with time a large fraction of cells de-adhere. We attribute this to the observed increase of the pH in the cell culture medium in the process of alloy dissolution. Cytotoxicity tests with HeLa cells grown on glass surfaces confirm that cell death increases with increasing alkalinity of the cell culture medium. We also show that a the cells that adhere on the Mg alloy surface act as a corrosion-blocking surface layer. In consequence, a slower pH increase in the medium takes place when the alloy surface is covered with cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements (EIS) verify that a cell layer slows down the corrosion process.     

Corrosion resistance of biodegradable Mg with a composite polymer coating

Degrading Mg and its alloys are a category of implant materials for bone surgery, but rapid corrosion in physiological environment limits their clinical applications. To improve the corrosion resistance of Mg-based implants, a biodegradable composite polymer coating is deposited on an Mg rod in this work. The strategy is to decorate Mg surfaces with poly(γ-glutamic acid)-g-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin/hydroxyapatite (γ-PGA-g-AMC/HAp) composite nanoparticles through electrophoretic deposition in ethanol. The morphology and chemical composition of the resulting coating material are determined by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Sample rods of bare Mg and coated Mg are implanted intramedullary into the femora of New Zealand white rabbits, periodic radiography and post-autopsy histopathology of each sample are analyzed. The obtained in vivo results clearly con?rm that the coating material decreases degradation rate of the underlying Mg sample and appears good histocompatibility and osteoinductivity. The main aim of this work is to investigate the degradation process of bare Mg and coated Mg samples in bone environment and their effect on the surrounding bone tissue.     

Mechanical and corrosion properties of newly developed biodegradable Zn-based alloys for bone fixation

In the present work Zn-Mg alloys containing up to 3wt.% Mg were studied as potential biodegradable materials for medical use. The structure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of these alloys were investigated and compared with those of pure Mg, AZ91HP and casting Zn-Al-Cu alloys. The structures were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile and hardness testing were used to characterize the mechanical properties of the alloys. The corrosion behavior of the materials in simulated body fluid with pH values of 5, 7 and 10 was determined by immersion tests, potentiodynamic measurements and by monitoring the pH value evolution during corrosion. The surfaces of the corroded alloys were investigated by SEM, energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that a maximum strength and elongation of 150MPa and 2%, respectively, were achieved at Mg contents of approximately 1wt.%. These mechanical properties are discussed in relation to the structural features of the alloys. The corrosion rates of the Zn-Mg alloys were determined to be significantly lower than those of Mg and AZ91HP alloys. The former alloys corroded at rates of the order of tens of microns per year, whereas the corrosion rates of the latter were of the order of hundreds of microns per year. Possible zinc doses and toxicity were estimated from the corrosion behavior of the zinc alloys. It was found that these doses are negligible compared with the tolerable biological daily limit of zinc.