In-vitro cytotoxicity and in-vivo biocompatibility of as-extruded Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy

In this paper, the in-vitro cytotoxicity and the in-vivo compatibility of Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy are studied. The cytotoxicity of Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy is examined by MTT method on osteoblast cells. The in-vivo behavior of Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy is investigated on rabbits. It has been found that Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy extract has no cytotoxicity on osteoblast cells. Three months after in-vivo experiment, about 35–38% magnesium alloy implant has been degraded and a degradation layer which is composed of Ca, P, O and Mg has been formed on the magnesium alloy implants. Histological analysis showed that new bone is observed around magnesium implant without inflammation reaction. In-vitro and in-vivo test indicated that the Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy has good biocompatibility.

► The cytotoxicity of Mg–4.0Zn–0.2Ca alloy is examined successfully by MTT method on osteoblast cells.
► After 3 months implantation, about 35–38% magnesium alloy implant has been degraded.
► The degradation layer has been formed on the surface of magnesium alloy implants, and is composed of Ca, P, O and Mg.
► After 3 months implantation, new bone formation is observed around magnesium implant without inflammation reaction.