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Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Direct and Indirect Culture Methods for Studying Biodegradable Implant Materials In Vitro
Published on: April 15, 2022
Interaction of different cell types with magnesium modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation
Monica Echeverry-Rendon1, Felix Echeverria2, Martin C Harmsen3
1Centro de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo de Materiales CIDEMAT, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Hanzeplein 1, EA11, NL-9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) modifies magnesium (Mg) implants to improve biocompatibility. While PEO-coated Mg supports adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) for vascular repair, it shows some toxicity to vascular cells, requiring further in vivo study.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Magnesium (Mg) is a biodegradable material suitable for temporary implants.
- Mg's reactivity and hydrogen gas release pose challenges for biomedical applications.
- Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) can create protective MgO/Mg(OH)2 surface layers on Mg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological response of cells to Mg modified by PEO with different electrolytes.
- To assess the impact of PEO-coated Mg on vascular cells, immune cells, and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs).
- To evaluate the potential of PEO-coated Mg for vascular tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Commercial pure Mg (c.p Mg) samples were treated using PEO with various electrolytes.
- Biological activity was assessed using vascular cells, immune cells, and ASCs.
- In vitro assays included cell proliferation, wound closure, and endothelial tube formation.
Main Results:
- ASCs showed supported proliferation on all PEO-coated Mg surfaces.
- Vascular cells were more sensitive to released compounds from coated Mg than ASCs.
- While wound closure in fibroblasts was delayed, it was not blocked; endothelial tubes were vulnerable, but supporting ASCs were not.
Conclusions:
- PEO surface coatings on Mg can enhance cell adhesion and support the delivery of therapeutic cells like ASCs.
- The observed vulnerability of vascular cells to compounds released from coated Mg necessitates further in vivo investigation.
- PEO-modified Mg shows promise for vascular repair applications, but careful material selection and further safety evaluations are crucial.

