Fabrication and Evaluation of a Bioactive Sr-Ca-P Contained Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating on Magnesium Strontium Alloy for Bone Repair Application

Considering the compatibility between degradation and bioactivity of magnesium-based implants for bone repair, micro-arc oxidation is used to modify the magnesium alloy surface in aqueous electrolytes, allowing strontium, calcium, and phosphorus to be incorporated into the coating. The thickness, composition, morphology and phase of this Sr-Ca-P containing coating are characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray diffraction. The in vitro and in vivo degradation of the coating is evaluated by immersion test, electrochemical test and implantation test. Moreover, the cytocompatibility is tested with osteoblast cell according to ISO 10993. The results show that Sr, Ca and P elements are incorporated into the oxide coating, and a refined structure with tiny discharging micro-pores is observed on the surface of the coating. The Sr-Ca-P coating possesses a better corrosion resistance in vitro and retards the degradation in vivo. Such coating is expected to have significant medical applications on orthopedic implants and bone repair materials.