In vitro Degradation and Biocompatibility of Ca-P Coated Magnesium Alloy

Calcium-phosphate compounds(Ca-P) coating was prepared on an Mg-Al alloy(AZ60). Biodegradation of Ca-P coated magnesium alloy was evaluated in simulated body fluid(SBF) by examining the changes in magnesium ion concentration and pH value, which indicated that the Ca-P coating on magnesium alloy strongly affected the corrosion of magnesium alloy. Osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were utilized to investigate the cellular cytocompatibility. The cytocompatibility was measured by carrying out a series of tests, such as cholecystokinin-octapeptide(CCK-8) test, alkaline phosphatase activity(ALP) test, cellular morphology of hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and the induction of apoptosis. It was found that the cell function showed better in the Ca-P coated Mg-alloy extract than in the uncoated magnesium alloy extract. In summary, the results indicate that the Ca-P coating can improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy and elevate cellular proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells.