Toward Tailoring the Degradation Rate of Magnesium-Based Biomaterials for Various Medical Applications: Assessing Corrosion, Cytocompatibility and Immunological Effects

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg)-based biomaterials hold considerable promise for applications in regenerative medicine. However, the degradation of Mg needs to be reduced to control toxicity caused by its rapid natural corrosion. In the process of developing new Mg alloys with various surface modifications, an efficient assessment of the relevant properties is essential. In the present study, a WE43 Mg alloy with a plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)-generated surface was investigated. Surface microstructure, hydrogen gas evolution in immersion tests and cytocompatibility were assessed. In addition, a novel in vitro immunological test using primary human lymphocytes was introduced. On PEO-treated WE43, a larger number of pores and microcracks, as well as increased roughness, were observed compared to untreated WE43. Hydrogen gas evolution after two weeks was reduced by 40.7% through PEO treatment, indicating a significantly reduced corrosion rate. In contrast to untreated WE43, PEO-treated WE43 exhibited excellent cytocompatibility. After incubation for three days, untreated WE43 killed over 90% of lymphocytes while more than 80% of the cells were still vital after incubation with the PEO-treated WE43. PEO-treated WE43 slightly stimulated the activation, proliferation and toxin (perforin and granzyme B) expression of CD8+ T cells. This study demonstrates that the combined assessment of corrosion, cytocompatibility and immunological effects on primary human lymphocytes provide a comprehensive and effective procedure for characterizing Mg variants with tailorable degradation and other features. PEO-treated WE43 is a promising candidate for further development as a degradable biomaterial.

In Silico Biomechanical Evaluation of WE43 Magnesium Plates for Mandibular Fracture Fixation

“…Nevertheless, the clinical use of magnesium in fracture fixation was not possible for many years due to its high reactivity in vivo , resulting in rapid hydrogen gas formation in bone and soft tissues during degradation by corrosion and, consequently, wound healing disorders and fixation failure ( Witte, 2010 ). Recently, however, less reactive alloys, like WE43, and, more importantly, surface modification via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) ( Arrabal et al, 2008 ; Simchen et al, 2020 ; Hartjen et al, 2021 ; Rendenbach et al, 2021 ) have been introduced. In particular, PEO-coated WE43 alloy showed improved cytocompatibility, cell viability, and corrosion resistance compared to the corresponding non-coated alloys ( Hartjen et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Recently, however, less reactive alloys, like WE43, and, more importantly, surface modification via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) ( Arrabal et al, 2008 ; Simchen et al, 2020 ; Hartjen et al, 2021 ; Rendenbach et al, 2021 ) have been introduced. In particular, PEO-coated WE43 alloy showed improved cytocompatibility, cell viability, and corrosion resistance compared to the corresponding non-coated alloys ( Hartjen et al, 2021 ). Therefore, magnesium regained relevance for clinical use in load-bearing applications of reconstructive and trauma surgery.…”

Manufactures of bio‐degradable and bio‐based polymers for bio‐materials in the pharmaceutical field

“…This shows a combined assessment of corrosion, cell compatibility, and immunological effects on primary human lymphocytes. PEO‐treated WE43 is found a promising candidate for a degradable biomaterial 147,148 . Solazzo et al were working on biomaterials polymers as an emerging segment of material that manufactures the scaffolds for biosensors and tissue engineering.…”

Roles of the micro‐arc oxidation coating on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of extruded Mg–2Zn–0.5Zr–1.5Dy (mass%) alloy

“…[13][14][15] It has been proved by many researchers that MAO coating can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys and has no adverse effect on the human body. [16][17][18][19][20] Furthermore, the effect of MAO coating on the mechanical properties of the biodegradable magnesium alloys in the corrosive medium is also the direction to focus on, which is of great significance for the assessments of the practical application of the alloys. In this paper, MAO coatings with different morphologies and thicknesses were prepared on the surface of extruded Mg-2Zn-0.5Zr-1.5Dy (mass%) alloy by controlling the oxidation time of the MAO process.…”