In vitro corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of biodegradable magnesium-pearl powder metal matrix composite

Recent studies indicate that there is a high demand to design magnesium alloys with adjustable corrosion rates and suitable biocompatibility. An approach to this challenge might be the application of metal matrix composite (MMC) base on magnesium alloys. Magnesium plays an important role in the body, mediating cell-extracellular matrix interactions and bone apatite structure and density. This study investigated, for the first time the effects of adding pearl powder (PP) as reinforcements to magnesium alloy ZK60 as a matrix for corrosive and cytocompatible properties. Results revealed that PP particles significantly enhanced osteoblast adhesion and proliferation on MMC-PP composites while stabilizing the corrosion rate and exhibited more uniform corrosion attack in the simulated body fluid suitable for biodegradable material applications. Using MTT colorimetric assay, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity study of the samples with osteoblasts (or bone-forming cells) indicated that biodegradable MMC-PP composites are cytocompatible biomaterials with adjustable corrosive properties. This research provides significant evidence of the potential value of the further study of pearl powder particles for numerous implanted biomaterials applications. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.