The in vitro indirect cytotoxicity test and in vivo interface bioactivity evaluation of biodegradable FHA coated Mg–Zn alloys

A kind of biodegradable fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) coating was prepared on Mg–Zn alloy to improve the interface bioactivity in bone healing via electrodeposition method. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of the ions released during degradation was taken. No toxicity was shown and even higher cells’ viability appeared on the 7th day compared with the normal culture case (negative control). In vivo implantation was carried out in the femoral condyle of adult New Zealand rabbits. The cross section showed by Micro-CT scan confirmed that the better interface contacts happened in the coated group after one month implantation. Also the coating left can still be normally observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a little degradation. As a result, the FHA coating may be a promising candidate to enhance interface bioactivity for biodegradable Mg alloys in orthopaedics.