Biocorrosion and Cytotoxicity Studies on Biodegradable Mg-Based Multicomponent Alloys

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Corrosion Science

Background:

• Magnesium (Mg)-based alloys are explored as biodegradable materials for medical implants due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
• Developing Mg alloys with tailored corrosion resistance and biological activity is crucial for successful clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the corrosion behavior and in vitro cytotoxicity of novel Mg-based multicomponent alloys (Mg60, Mg70, Mg80) prepared via disintegrated melt deposition (DMD).
• To assess the potential of these alloys as biodegradable materials for biomedical applications, focusing on corrosion resistance and antitumor activity.

Main Methods:

• Three Mg-based alloys (Mg60, Mg70, Mg80) were fabricated using the disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) technique.
• Corrosion resistance was evaluated in simulated body fluids (SBFs) by measuring corrosion rates and analyzing surface degradation.
• In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using MDA-MB-231 tumor cells to evaluate proliferation and vitality.

Main Results:

• The Mg60 alloy exhibited excellent corrosion resistance with low corrosion rates (~10^-5 mm/year) attributed to a stable Mg(OH)2 film and the Mg32(AlZn)49 phase.
• The Mg80 alloy showed higher corrosion rates and surface degradation due to active intermetallic phases like Al6Mn, Al2CuMg, and Al2Cu.
• The order of corrosion resistance was determined as ASS > HBSS > ABP > PBS.
• The Mg80 alloy demonstrated promising results in cytotoxicity studies, indicating potential antitumor activity and suitability for implants.

Conclusions:

• Mg60 alloy offers superior corrosion resistance among the studied alloys, making it a candidate for applications requiring stability in physiological environments.
• Mg80 alloy, despite its lower corrosion resistance, shows significant potential for orthopedic implants due to its promising antitumor activity and biocompatibility.
• The DMD technique is effective in producing Mg alloys with fine microstructures and minimal porosity, suitable for further biomedical research.