Surface Modification of Mg Alloys for Controlled Biodegradation Behavior

Mg based materials are in the focus of interest to be used as biodegradable metals, for biomedical applications where the device is only required for a certain time of healing. However, the corrosion behavior of today’s alloys is for many targeted applications too fast. Therefore, in addition to design of novel alloys, research is searching for biocompatible coatings and surface modifications of Mg alloys. The surface modification should at the same time optimize the corrosion behavior and the biological performance.

The presentation will present recents efforts in Mg alloy surface modification. One of the simplest approaches is biomimetic formation of conversion coatings in simulated body fluids. Such layers can significantly slow down dissolution, and can be beneficial for cell adhesion on Mg surfaces.  Other approaches currently under investigation are surface functionalization by protein coatings and control of surface wettability by organic monolayers on morphologically-modified Mg surfaces. In addition, we will discuss the preparation and performance of biodegradable polymer coatings on Mg surfaces. Critical issues such as long-term corrosion protection or coating adhesion will be addressed.