Surface modification of magnesium alloy via cathodic plasma electrolysis and its influence on corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility

• Cathodic plasma electrolysis was used to construct ZrO2 coating on magnesium alloy.
• Corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy was significantly improved.
• Surface functionalization of magnesium alloy via this process was beneficial for cell growth.

To improve corrosion resistance and enhance biocompatibility of magnesium alloy, cathodic plasma electrolysis (CPE), a liquid phase plasma technique, was used to fabricate zirconia (ZrO2) coatings onto WE43 magnesium alloy substrate. Surface morphology and phase composition of the coatings on magnesium alloy substrates were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The potentiodynamic polarization test in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicated that corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy was significantly improved by this CPE treatment. The results of cytocompatibility including osteoblasts adhesion and viability suggested that surface modification of magnesium alloy with ZrO2 coating fo’rmed via CPE technique is beneficial for cell proliferation and differentiation. The approach presented here should be an attractive way for surface modification of magnesium-based implants to improve anticorrosion and bone osseointegration.

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