In vitro and in vivo evaluation of osteogenesis and antibacterial activity of Mg[sbnd]Ga alloys

Abstract

MgGa alloys are considered highly potential biodegradable materials, owing to its good mechanical properties and appropriate corrosion resistance. However, it is still far from application due to the lack of biological evaluation. In the present study, biocompatibility, osteogenesis and antibacterial activity of extruded Mg–xGa (x = 1 and 5 wt%) alloys were investigated by in vitro cell culture experiments and in vivo implantation. The cell adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) showed the excellent cytocompatibility of Mg–1Ga and poor cytocompatibility of Mg–5Ga. The osteogenic activity was evaluated and revealed that Ga3+ in the Mg–1Ga extract had the ability to enhance osteogenic differentiation through the facilitation of its early stages. In vivo studies in a rat femoral condyle model revealed that both Mg–1Ga and Mg–5Ga significantly promoted new bone formation without causing any adverse effects. Mg–5Ga exhibited a much higher corrosion rate in vivo than Mg–1Ga. Its osteogenic activity was better due to the rapid release of Mg2+ and Ga3+, but this caused premature structural integrity loss. Mg–1Ga and Mg–5Ga released Ga3+ to inhibit E. coli and S. aureus, with antibacterial rate increasing with Ga content. Our studies demonstrate that Mg–Ga alloys have the potential to be used as osteogenic and antibacterial implant materials. Statement of significanceThis study evaluates the biocompatibility, osteogenesis, and antibacterial activity of Mg–Ga alloys, which are promising biodegradable materials for medical applications. The study finds that Mg–1Ga exhibits excellent cytocompatibility and promotes osteogenic differentiation, facilitating the early stages of osteoblast precursor cell development. In vivo studies in a rat femoral condyle model reveal that Mg–1Ga and Mg–5Ga significantly promote new bone formation without causing any adverse effects. The antibacterial activity of both alloys is evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus, with the inhibition rate increasing with Ga content. These findings suggest that Mg–Ga alloys have the potential to serve as osteogenic and antibacterial implant materials, providing significant insights into the development of novel biomedical implants.