Effects of bovine serum albumin on the corrosion behavior of biodegradable Zn–Cu alloy under dynamic flowing conditions

Abstract

In vitro experimental evaluation of biodegradable materials must consider the dynamic effects of body fluids and blood in the physiological environment, as biomedical implants are frequently in contact with body fluids and protein adsorption impacts the degradation process. However, little research has been done on the effects of proteins on the corrosion properties of zinc-based alloys under non-static conditions. Herein, the corrosion behavior of the Zn–Cu alloy in Hanks' solution under flowing conditions is examined in relation to the impacts of different bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations. Although BSA retards corrosion, the effects of smaller protein concentrations are more significant during the early stage of metal degradation. The corrosion rate of the Zn–Cu alloy decreases with BSA concentrations during immersion before stabilizing. Based on this, a numerical model for the corrosion process of Zn–Cu alloy under dynamic flowing conditions is established. Between the corrosion rates (CR) of Zn–Cu alloy and BSA concentrations (CB) of Hanks’ solution matched a linear connection of the formula CR=α∙CB+β. The results of this research have important significance for the development and application of biodegradable zinc-based biomedical implants.