Amorphous Magnesium Coating for Achieving Functional Changes from Antibacterial to Osteogenic Activities.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Orthopedic Implants

Background:

• Titanium (Ti) medical devices require antibacterial and osteogenic properties for infection prevention and bone regeneration.
• Surface modification of titanium is crucial for enhancing its biological performance in implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize titanium surfaces using magnetron sputtering with magnesium (Mg) and Mg-Ca alloy.
• To evaluate the antibacterial and osteogenic potential of the modified titanium surfaces over time.

Main Methods:

• Titanium surfaces were modified via magnetron sputtering using pure Mg or Mg-30Ca alloy targets.
• Coated samples (MC0 and MC30) were immersed in cell culture medium and tested for biological activity.
• Antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and cytotoxicity against MC3T3-E1 cells were assessed.

Main Results:

• Both Mg-coated (MC0) and Mg-Ca-coated (MC30) titanium surfaces exhibited rapid dissolution and antibacterial properties.
• The Mg-Ca alloy coating (MC30) demonstrated enhanced osteogenic activity, promoting MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and calcification.
• MC30 coatings showed a transition from antibacterial to osteogenic activity due to calcite deposition after dissolution.

Conclusions:

• Magnetron sputtering with an Mg-30Ca alloy target creates titanium surfaces with dual antibacterial and osteogenic functions.
• This surface modification strategy offers a promising approach for developing advanced Ti-based medical devices for bone reconstruction.
• Mg-based coatings present significant potential for biomedical applications in infection prevention and enhanced bone healing.