Magnesium alloys have attracted significant attention in the biomedical field due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength. However, their rapid corrosion in physiological environments and associated alkaline stresses have limited their widespread medical application. Surface modifications, such as the biomimetic process, allow us to tackle this issue.

The biomimetic process, based on chemical immersion techniques, serves not only as a straightforward method to generate a CaP coating on a substrate but also facilitates the incorporation of other biocompatible ions into the CaP coating. The kinetics of biomineralization, influenced by the anodic dissolution of the Mg-based substrate and the composition of the immersed media, result in the formation of a poorly crystalline Mg coating containing hydroxyapatite on the surface [1]. Hence, the selection of the immersion environment and condition are fundamental aspects in biomimetic processes [2]. Cell culture media, such as Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), closely mimic physiological conditions. In addition to inorganic salts, as present in simulated body fluid (SBF), they include amino acids and vitamins, thereby establishing a more compatible environment for in vitro surface modification. This environment significantly influences the electrochemical biocorrosion behavior of Mg [3].

The present study focuses on the WE43 magnesium alloy, which is widely used in medical applications [4]. It explores how a protective coating, developed during immersion in DMEM, affects its biocorrosion resistance and biocompatibility.

References

[1] Y.F. Zheng, X.N. Gu, F. Witte; Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports, 2014, 77, 1-34.

[2] V. Wagener, S. Virtanen; Materials Science and Engineering: C, 2016, 63, 341-351.

[3] R. Willumeit, J. Fischer, F. Feyerabend, N. Hort, U. Bismayer, S. Heidrich, B. Mihailova; Acta biomaterialia, 2011, 7, 2704-2715.

[4] M.Hoehlinger, S. Heise, V. Wagener, A.R. Boccaccini, S. Virtanen; Applied Surface Science, 2017, 405, 441-448.