Differential magnesium implant corrosion coat formation and contribution to bone bonding.

Magnesium alloys are presently under investigation as promising biodegradable implant materials with osteoconductive properties. To study the molecular mechanisms involved, the potential contribution of soluble magnesium corrosion products to the stimulation of osteoblastic cell differentiation was examined. However, no evidence for the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation could be obtained when cultured mesenchymal precursor cells were differentiated in the presence of metallic magnesium or in cell culture medium containing elevated magnesium ion levels.

Phosphate conversion coating reduces the degradation rate and suppresses side effects of metallic magnesium implants in an animal model.

Magnesium alloys have promising mechanical and biological properties for the development of degradable implants. However, rapid implant corrosion and gas accumulations in tissue impede clinical applications. With time, the implant degradation rate is reduced by a highly biocompatible, phosphate-containing corrosion layer.

Magnesium corrosion particles do not interfere with the immune function of primary human and murine macrophages.

Magnesium is currently under investigation as a prospective biodegradable implant material. Biodegradation of magnesium causes a release of magnesium, hydroxide ions and hydrogen gas but it can also lead to the formation of particulate debris. Implant-derived particles may have immunotoxic effects.

The formation of an organic coat and the release of corrosion microparticles from metallic magnesium implants.

Magnesium alloys have been proposed as prospective degradable implant materials. To elucidate the complex interactions between the corroding implants and the tissue, magnesium implants were analyzed in a mouse model and the response was compared to that induced by Ti and by the resorbable polymer polyglactin, respectively. One month after implantation, distinct traces of corrosion were apparent but the magnesium implants were still intact, whereas resorbable polymeric wound suture implants were already fragmented.