In vitro degradation and corrosion evaluation of Mg-Ca alloys for biomedical applications

The ability to adjust degradation rate of magnesium alloys is critical for the successful development of new biodegradable trauma implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biodegradability of an Mg0.8Ca alloy in different simulated biological medium by immersion tests and corrosion resistance testing using electrochemical measurements. The degradation of the experimental magnesium alloy was investigated by immersion tests in two different simulated medium (Simulated Body Fluid-SBF and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium-DMEM) for 3, 5, 7 and 10 days at 37°C. The evaluation of corrosion resistance was performed using electrochemical measurements in the same simulated mediums for 1 hour, at 37°C. The surface morphology of the experimental sample after both tests was investigated using scanning electron microscopy - SEM. The experimental results showed that the experimental magnesium alloy Mg0.8Ca appear to be a promising biomaterial for biodegradable trauma implants but their biodegradation rate must be improved using different techniques like coatings.