In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis of the Mg-Ca-Zn Biodegradable Alloys

Abstract

The objective of this work was to analyze the in vitro and in vivo tests of a novel Mg-based biodegradable alloy—Mg-0.5%Ca—with various amounts of Zn (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 wt.%). In terms of in vitro biocompatibility, MTT and Calcein-AM cell viability assays, performed on the MG-63 cell line through the extract method, revealed that all five alloy extracts are non-cytotoxic at an extraction ratio of 0.025 g alloy per mL of cell culture medium. In the in vivo histological analysis, Mg-0.5Ca-1.5Zn demonstrated exceptional potential for stimulating bone remodeling and showed excellent biocompatibility. It was observed that Mg-0.5Ca-0.5Zn, Mg-0.5Ca-1.5Zn, and Mg-0.5Ca-3Zn displayed good biocompatibility. Furthermore, the histological examination highlighted the differentiation of periosteal cells into chondrocytes and subsequent bone tissue replacement through endochondral ossification. This process highlighted the importance of the initial implant’s integrity and the role of the periosteum. In summary, Mg-0.5Ca-1.5Zn stands out as a promising candidate for bone regeneration and osseointegration, supported by both in vitro and in vivo findings.