In vitro and in vivo studies on degradation and bone response of Mg-Sr alloy for treatment of bone defect

AbstractMg-Sr alloy is considered as a promising biodegradable bone repair material. However, its poor corrosion resistance limits its clinical application. In this study, the corrosion rate of Mg-Sr alloy was greatly improved through the heat treatment. Both in vitro and in vivo corrosion tests (immersion and electrochemical test) showed that corrosion resistance of Mg-Sr alloy was enhanced. In the animal test (New Zealand rabbit), both micro-CT analysis and Van Gieson staining demonstrated that the treated Mg-Sr alloy implant exhibited better osteogenesis and osteointegration ability, which accelerate the healing of bone defect. The results indicate that the treated Mg-Sr alloy has great possibility and potential for application as a new bone repair material.