Magnesium Alloys With Tunable Interfaces as Bone Implant Materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising biodegradable orthopedic implant materials with bone-like mechanical properties.
• Their clinical application is limited by a rapid corrosion rate in physiological environments.
• Surface modification is key to controlling degradation and improving performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current advances in surface engineering of Mg-based biomaterials for biomedical applications.
• To discuss corrosion mechanisms and the necessity of surface functionalization.
• To explore structure-property-performance relationships of coatings.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on surface engineering techniques for Mg alloys.
• Analysis of corrosion mechanisms and biocompatibility enhancement strategies.
• Evaluation of coating approaches including chemical treatments, inorganic coatings (e.g., hydroxyapatite), and hybrid multilayer coatings.

Main Results:

• Surface engineering controls physico-chemical properties like wettability, morphology, and chemistry.
• Chemical treatments provide initial corrosion protection.
• Inorganic coatings (hydroxyapatite) enhance biocompatibility, while multilayer hybrid coatings show promise.

Conclusions:

• Surface engineering is vital for optimizing Mg-based biomaterials for orthopedic implants.
• Multilayer hybrid coatings, combining chemical pretreatment or hydroxyapatite with protein-based polymers, offer a promising route.
• These advanced coatings can significantly improve corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of Mg alloys.