Comparative in vitro Study on Pure Metals (Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn and W) as Biodegradable Metals

Five pure metals including Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn and W have been investigated on their corrosion behavior and in vitro biocompatibility by electrochemical measurement, static immersion test, contact angle measurement, cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility tests. It is found that the sequence of corrosion rate of five metals in Hank's solution from high to low is: Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > W. Fe, Mg and W show no cytotoxicity to L929 and ECV304 cells, Mn induces significant cytotoxicity to both L929 and ECV304 cells, and Zn has almost no inhibition effect on the metabolic activities of ECV304 while largely reduces the cell viability of L929 cells. The hemolysis percentage of five pure metals is lower than 5% except for Mg and platelets adhered on Zn has been activated and pseudopodia-like structures can be observed while platelets on the other four metals keep normal.