Magnesium Implants Research Articles

Assessment of Mg(OH)2/TiO2 coating in the Mg‐Ca‐Zn alloy for improved corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance

The high activity of metallic magnesium and alloys limits its potential in biomedical applications; in recent years, extensive efforts have been devoted to modulating this reactivity. In this work, we present Mg(OH) 2 and TiO 2 barrier coatings to reduce the degradation of magnesium alloy (Mg-Ca-Zn) surfaces. These coatings were deposited by the anodization method and the spin-coating technique, respectively. The anodized layer was coated with TiO 2 generated from the hydrolysis of 3% weight of TTIP (Ti[OCH(CH 3 ) 2 ] 4 , Titanium(IV) isopropoxide) in 2-Propanol deposited by the spin-coating method. Studying the degradation in Ringer's solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and OCP revealed a 98% reduction in pittings in uncoated samples after 14 days of immersion. The pH measurements revealed that the TiO 2 coating reduced the alkalization of the physiological environment, keeping the pH at 6.0 values. In vitro studies of two types of bacteria ( E. coli and S. aure us) exhibited zones of inhibition in the agar and activity bactericidal (kill time test). The mechanisms behind the improved degradation resistance and enhanced antibacterial activity are presented and discussed here. Surface modification with Mg(OH) 2 /TiO 2 coatings is a promising strategy to control the biodegradation of magnesium implants for bone regeneration.

Surface Enhancement of Magnesium Implants for Long Term Applications

Mg is a biodegradable metal that possesses excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity, nontoxic degradation products, and unique mechanical properties. These characteristics make it an attractive element to be used as implant material in physiological environments because it biodegrades and has excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. In addition, an excess of magnesium ions does not result in cellular toxicity in the human body, where it is often getting rid along with urine. The most significant disadvantage of magnesium is its uncontrolled quick corrosion rate, which can cause rapid loss in mechanical qualities. As a consequence, this might cause the implant to fail before the tissue has completely healed.The purpose of this research is to improve the surface features of the implant, as well as to control the rate at which magnesium corrodes and, as a result, the concentration of magnesium ions that are released into the surrounding environment. This will be accomplished by coating the implant surface with a composite biodegradable polymer (Polycaprolactone PCL) matrix reinforced with MgO Nano-particles which will act as a protective layer to increase the corrosion resistance of magnesium implants. In addition, a laser surface modification procedure was implemented in order to improve the surface's qualities and make certain that there is a strong adhesion between the coating and the surface of the substrate. In order to increase the surface roughness of the specimen, (Nd: YAG) laser device was utilized to create pulses on the surface of the specimen.

In vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility of magnesium implants coated with poly(methyl methacrylate) - bioactive glass composite

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have proved promising as biodegradable candidates for the repair of bone tissue. Despite the encouraging bio-related properties of Mg, its high corrosion rate in contact with body fluids still presents a major challenge. An efficient approach to address this issue is to provide a protective coating on Mg. The present research evaluates, for the first time, in vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility of a novel multifunctional composite coating based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) biopolymer and bioactive glass (BG) particles on Mg-based implant. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was utilized to obtain this coating from a bi-component suspension. Coatings’ morphological analyses by scanning electron microscopy established that EPD provides a facile route for simultaneous deposition of the biopolymeric matrix and BG in the form of a dense and homogeneous coating on the surface of Mg. Chemical characterizations of the coatings performed by energy-dispersive spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of both PMMA and BG components in the composite film. In vitro acellular bioactivity test in simulated body fluid (SBF) verified bone-like apatite formation on coatings due to the presence of BG particles. Additionally, in vitro cellular cytotoxicity using MTT assay demonstrated cellular viability in contact with the composite coatings. Moreover, the corrosion behavior of the pure Mg vs coated Mg samples in SBF was assessed electrochemically using linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy techniques. A significant increase in the polarization resistance from 65.89 Ω.cm 2 for uncoated Mg to 1365.1 Ω.cm 2 for Mg coated with a composite film (obtained from 45 g/L PMMA and 3.5 g/L BG suspension) was observed. This indicated a reduction of 95.17% in the corrosion rate of Mg substrate by application of a composite coating. The dramatic reduction in Mg substrate corrosion rate accompanied by in vitro bioactivity and cytocompatibility of the developed composite, reflect the high potential of the present strategy in the modification of Mg-based implants for successful bone tissue engineering applications. • Novel bioactive and corrosion-resistant composite coating on Mg biomedical implant • PMMA facilitates bioactive glass deposition via a facile electrophoretic method • Composite coatings were bioactive due to apatite formation in simulated body fluid • 95.17% reduction in corrosion rate in composite-coated Mg vs bare Mg • Coatings supported the growth of MG63 cells and were non-cytotoxic

Comprehensive review of additively manufactured biodegradable magnesium implants for repairing bone defects from biomechanical and biodegradable perspectives.

Bone defect repair is a complicated clinical problem, particularly when the defect is relatively large and the bone is unable to repair itself. Magnesium and its alloys have been introduced as versatile biomaterials to repair bone defects because of their excellent biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, bone-mimicking biomechanical features, and non-toxic and biodegradable properties. Therefore, magnesium alloys have become a popular research topic in the field of implants to treat critical bone defects. This review explores the popular Mg alloy research topics in the field of bone defects. Bibliometric analyses demonstrate that the degradation control and mechanical properties of Mg alloys are the main research focus for the treatment of bone defects. Furthermore, the additive manufacturing (AM) of Mg alloys is a promising approach for treating bone defects using implants with customized structures and functions. This work reviews the state of research on AM-Mg alloys and the current challenges in the field, mainly from the two aspects of controlling the degradation rate and the fabrication of excellent mechanical properties. First, the advantages, current progress, and challenges of the AM of Mg alloys for further application are discussed. The main mechanisms that lead to the rapid degradation of AM-Mg are then highlighted. Next, the typical methods and processing parameters of laser powder bed fusion fabrication on the degradation characteristics of Mg alloys are reviewed. The following section discusses how the above factors affect the mechanical properties of AM-Mg and the recent research progress. Finally, the current status of research on AM-Mg for bone defects is summarized, and some research directions for AM-Mg to drive the application of clinical orthopedic implants are suggested.

PEO/Polymer hybrid coatings on magnesium alloy to improve biodegradation and biocompatibility properties

There is an increasing tendency towards replacing permanent implants with biodegradable magnesium implants in temporary bone applications like screws and pins. This inclination arises from the close mechanical properties and biocompatibility of magnesium (Mg) to bone. Nonetheless, the high degradation rate of Mg can be a reason for implant loosening even in the early weeks after implantation. This study aims to design a multifunctional multilayered coating based on a combination of inorganic and organic layers for controlling the degradation behaviour. An inorganic layer was created on the substrate of magnesium alloy, AZ31B Mg, via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process while an organic layer of elastic poly trimethylene carbonate (PTMC) polymer was deposited by dip coating in the vacuum condition to have open pores of the PEO layer sealed. Subsequently, the coating was functionalized with a biomimetic polydopamine layer. The electrochemical corrosion measurements in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed the resistance against corrosion increases after deposition of the polydopamine functionalized PTMC on the PEO layer. In-vitro investigations in SBF evaluated the bioactivity of the multilayered coating. Moreover, MTT assays did not show cytotoxicity in the coating. Cell culture evaluations helped to determine the cell spreading and adhesion on the multilayered coating. Based on our findings, the fabricated layered composite on the biodegradable AZ31B alloy would add privileges to the sector of temporary implants.

Designing a novel bio-compatible hydroxyapatite (HA)/hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ)-inbuilt polyvinylalcohol (PVA) composite coatings on Mg AZ31 implants via electrospinning and immersion protocols: Smart anti-corrosion and anti-bacterial properties reinforcements

To overcome the magnesium’s high corrosion rate issue, triple polyvinylalcohol (PVA) coatings containing hydroxyapatite (HA) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) were prepared by two different methods of electrospinning and immersion. The formation of HA and Mg(8-HQ)2 layers during exposure to a corrosive medium was indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescent images, respectively. Results showed that the electrospinning coating containing HA and 8-HQ, revealed a significant anti-corrosion performance (Rct = 7891, and 12,680 ohm cm2 in NaCl 3.5 wt.%, and simulated body fluid (SBF), respectively) compared to the same composition immersion samples (Rct = 3231, and 3727 ohm cm2). The increment in anti-corrosion performance is caused by the release of HA and 8-HQ from the nanofibers. The problem of bacterial infections in magnesium implants has been improved (reduction in bacterial-growth percentage = 90% in coating prepared by electrospinning method) by cleverly designing the triple coating containing 8-HQ as an anti-bacterial compound.

Assessing the long-term in vivo degradation behavior of magnesium alloys - a high resolution synchrotron radiation micro computed tomography study

Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) implants are emerging as a potential game changer in implant technology in situations where the implant temporarily supports the bone thereby avoiding secondary surgery for implant removal. However, the consequences of the alteration in the degradation rate to bone healing and the localization of degradation and alloying products in the long term remain unknown. In this study, we present the long-term osseointegration of three different biodegradable Mg alloys, Mg-10Gd, Mg-4Y-3RE and Mg-2Ag, which were implanted into rabbit femur for 6 and 9 months. In addition, we have investigated the effect of blood pre-incubation on the in vivo performance of the aforementioned alloys. Using high-resolution synchrotron radiation based micro computed tomography, the bone implant contact (BIC), bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and implant morphology were studied. The elemental traces have been characterized using micro X-ray fluorescence. Qualitative histological evaluation of the surrounding bone was also performed. Matured bone formed around all three implant types and Ca as well as P which represent parts of the degradation layer were in intimate contact with the bone. Blood pre-incubation prior to implantation significantly improved BIC in Mg-2Ag screws at 9 months. Despite different implant degradation morphologies pointing toward different degradation dynamics, Mg-10Gd, Mg-4Y-3RE and Mg-2Ag induced a similar long-term bone response based on our quantified parameters. Importantly, RE elements Gd and Y used in the alloys remained at the implantation site implying that they might be released later on or might persist in the implantation site forever. As the bone formation was not disturbed by their presence, it might be concluded that Gd and Y are non-deleterious. Consequently, we have shown that short and mid-term in vivo evaluations do not fully represent indicators for long-term osseointegration of Mg-based implants.

Toward understanding in vivo corrosion: Influence of interfacial hydrogen gas build-up on degradation of magnesium alloy implants.

Limited material transport, causing gas cavities formation, is commonly observed during the degradation of magnesium implants, yet its effects on corrosion are not understood. Herein, a bespoke cell was designed, allowing for the incorporation of an additional agarose layer above the corroding magnesium sample. This design replicates the limited material transport in vitro and enables us to understand its influence on corrosion of magnesium alloys. This work investigated the influence of varying thickness of agarose (0-0.9 mm) on the corrosion of Mg-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy maintained at 37°C in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The introduction of agarose slowed transport of material away from the corroding magnesium surface, including the evolved hydrogen forming a gas cavity. It has been found that an initial increase in the agarose thickness (or the reduction in material transport) of 0.3 mm leads to an increase in the corrosion rate of the magnesium alloy by 62%. However, with a further increase in agarose thickness from 0.3 to 0.9 mm, the corrosion rate decreases by 37%. This observation has been attributed to the accumulation of, and competition between, chloride and hydroxide ions near the alloy's surface. In the presence of materials barrier, hydrogen measurement is no longer a reliable method for the measurement of corrosion rates. This study underscores the importance of the consideration of limited material transport during the in vitro corrosion tests of biomedical implants.

The Supplement of Magnesium Element to Inhibit Colorectal Tumor Cells

Magnesium ions are essential elements to the human body, with a daily intake of about 350 mg for an adult. Recently, a meta-analysis reported that magnesium ion intake is related to a reduced risk of colorectal tumors. In addition, implantation of biodegradable magnesium pins after colorectal tumor resection could potentially inhibit the residual tumor cells. These impressive results implied that magnesium ions possess inhibitory properties against colorectal carcinoma. However, this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed by experimental results. In this work, different concentrations of magnesium ions were modulated to investigate their inhibitory effects on cell viability through cell cycle arrest, subsequently inducing apoptosis by activating the caspase-3 pathway. The animal experiments revealed that magnesium injection restricted tumor growth after 3 weeks of treatment compared to the control group. According to the immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy results, the remarkable effect may be attributed to promoting the apoptotic rate of tumor cells. The evidence highlights the potential for the clinical use of magnesium implants to inhibit the growth of residual cells after colorectal tumor surgery.

Comparative Osteogenesis and Degradation Behavior of Magnesium Implant in Epiphysis and Diaphysis of the Long Bone in the Rat Model.

Magnesium (Mg), as a biodegradable material, is a promising candidate for orthopedic surgery. Long-bone fractures usually occur in cancellous-bone-rich epiphysis at each end or the cortical-rich diaphysis in the center, with different bone healing processes. Little is known about the differences in results between the two regions when applying Mg implants. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the biodegradation and osteogenesis of Mg implants in a rat model’s epiphysis and diaphysis of the long bone. Twelve male Sprague Dawley rats underwent Mg rod implantation in the distal femoral epiphyses and tibial diaphyses. Every three weeks for up to twelve weeks, degradation behavior, gas evolution, and new bone formation were measured by micro CT. Histomorphology was analyzed by Hematoxylin and Eosin, Villanueva bone staining, and TRAP staining for osteoclastogenesis evaluations. Micro-CT analysis showed statistically significant higher new bone formation in the epiphysis group than in the diaphysis group, which correlated with a lower gas volume. Histological analysis showed higher osseointegration of Mg implants in the epiphyseal region than in the diaphyseal region. The magnesium implant’s osteoclastogenesis-inhibiting properties were shown in the surrounding areas in both the cortical bone of the diaphysis and the cancellous bone of the epiphysis. Our findings show the differences in the magnesium implant’s osteogenesis and biodegradation in the epiphysis and the diaphysis. These dissimilarities indicate a better response of the epiphyseal region to the Mg implants, a promising biomaterial for orthopedic surgery applications.

The Role of the Sol-Gel Synthesis Process in the Biomedical Field and Its Use to Enhance the Performance of Bioabsorbable Magnesium Implants

In the present day, the increment in life expectancy has led to the necessity of developing new biomaterials for the restoration or substitution of damaged organs that have lost their functionalities. Among all the research about biomaterials, this review paper aimed to expose the main possibilities that the sol-gel synthesis method can provide for the fabrication of materials with interest in the biomedical field, more specifically, when this synthesis method is used to improve the biological properties of different magnesium alloys used as biomaterials. The sol-gel method has been widely studied and used to generate ceramic materials for a wide range of purposes during the last fifty years. Focused on biomedical research, the sol-gel synthesis method allows the generation of different kinds of biomaterials with diverse morphologies and a high potential for the biocompatibility improvement of a wide range of materials commonly used in the biomedical field such as metallic implants, as well as for the generation of drug delivery systems or interesting biomaterials for new tissue engineering therapies.

Magnesium implants in orthopaedic surgery create a diagnostic conundrum: A radiology case series and literature review.

During a routine post-operative orthopaedic radiograph reading session, repeated unusual radiographic soft tissue and bone appearances became evident. It was discovered that these patients had received biodegradable magnesium implants which have recently been introduced into orthopaedic clinical practice. To the untrained eye, the combination of peri-metallic bone resorption with associated soft tissue gas, could easily be mistaken for post-operative infection. The aim of this study is to properly characterise the radiographic post-operative appearances of biodegradable magnesium orthopaedic hardware. We retrospectively evaluated radiographs of all patients who underwent magnesium screw implantation for fractures over a 6 month period. Four patients, mean age of 9.75 (range: 6-15) years who underwent magnesium screw fixation following fracture were included in the study. Follow up duration was 100 days (range: 75-122) with a mean of 2.5 postoperative radiographs being performed per patient during this period. All cases demonstrated post-operative peri-metallic radiolucency which developed around the magnesium screws on x-ray, which subsequently resorbed over time. Peri-metallic soft tissue gas was observed in all patients. In two cases, magnesium implants fractured. As the use of biodegradable metal implants becomes more common, it is important for radiologists to be aware of their imaging characteristics. Prior to reporting a case, it would be prudent to know if biodegradable screws have been utilised and whether there exists a clinical concern for post-operative infection in patients with these particular implants, in which case it would be critical not to dismiss peri-prosthetic radiolucencies and soft tissue gas as merely a sequela of the natural metal degradation process.

Improving the corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys with a focus on AZ91 Mg alloy intended for biomedical application by microstructure modification and coating.

Magnesium alloys such as AZ91 have received much attention due to their attractive properties, including biocompatibility and lightness. Although magnesium is a potential candidate for implant application, due to its rapid degradation in the physiological environment, there are still some challenges to using it as biocompatible implants. In this regard, various techniques such as microstructure modification and coating are utilized to moderate the degradation rate of magnesium alloys. Therefore, efforts are being made to conduct more extensive research to produce magnesium implants with acceptable corrosion resistance. In this literature review, an overview of the history of research on the corrosion behavior, biodegradability, microstructure deformation mechanisms, crystallographic texture in magnesium alloys with a focus on AZ91 Mg alloy, is provided. In addition, the necessity of improving the properties of AZ91 Mg alloy by the two methods of improving microstructure and coating, and existing innovations in these methods are investigated.

Diatomite-based ceramic biocoating for magnesium implants

The current paper presents the results of the experimental and analytical investigation of a new protective coating for orthopedic magnesium implants and its various physicochemical properties. The coating was synthesized via the micro-arc oxidation method (MAO) at various applied voltages. The electrolyte solution was doped with the particles of diatomite – a biogenic siliceous material, consisting almost entirely of the fossilized shells of diatoms. The coating was examined using various methods, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, mechanical testing, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, immersion testing and potentiodynamic polarization. The coating has shown excellent physical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties, compared to the initial magnesium alloy. The corrosion resistance of the coated samples was approximately three orders of magnitude higher than that of an initial Mg alloy sample. Additionally, the MAO coating significantly reduced the in vitro cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cells, which makes it a promising biogenic tool for increasing the biocompatibility of Mg implants.

Bone Tissue Condition during Osteosynthesis of a Femoral Shaft Fracture Using Biodegradable Magnesium Implants with an Anticorrosive Coating in Rats with Experimental Osteoporosis

Today, osteoporosis has become a major global health issues. The World Health Organization declares that 320 billion people have osteoporosis now, and more than 1.5 billion osteoporosis traumatic events occur every year. Bones become fragile and fracture risk is high; thus, it is crucial to choose the right biodegradable implants in order to minimize reoperations of patients with systemic osteoporosis. This investigation aimed to carry out a morphological assessment of the state of bone tissue with osteosynthesis of a femoral fracture in rats, using a model of osteoporosis with the installation of magnesium alloy implants coated with hydroxyapatite and sealed with polytetrafluoroethylene. According to this study, the indicators of angiogenesis and bone formation in experimental animals were significantly higher when an implant coated with hydroxyapatite sealed with polytetrafluoroethylene was used, compared to an implant coated only with hydroxyapatite and in rats without an implant. Based on the data obtained, it is possible to consider a magnesium implant coated with hydroxyapatite and sealed with polytetrafluoroethylene as a promising material for fracture therapy in patients with reduced bone density.

Bioresorbable Magnesium Implants for first in Human surgical fixation of Ankle Fractures: Clinical follow-up and HR-pQCT Assessment of the Implantation Site

Bioresorbable Magnesium Implants for first in Human surgical fixation of Ankle Fractures: Clinical follow-up and HR-pQCT Assessment of the Implantation Site

Ag-incorporated biodegradable Mg alloys

Biodegradable magnesium implants possess excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, which make them suitable candidates to be employed as temporary structures for the bone regeneration purposes. However, there are still important challenges which limit their extensive use in biomedical applications, where the most important ones include implant-associated infection, rapid degradation rate and the need for improved mechanical properties. Silver, which is a strong antimicrobial agent, has been extensively used for improving the mentioned challenges in biodegradable Mg alloys either as alloying element or incorporation in the protective coating. Ag addition has been reported to have substantial effects on mechanical properties, degradation behavior, biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of Mg implants. In this paper, importance and properties of the Ag-incorporated biodegradable Mg alloys, as well as future work directions to broaden their biomedical applications, have been reviewed.

The Corrosion Control of Temporary Magnesium (AZ31 alloy) Implants Using Electrospinning Polycaprolactone-curcumin Nanofiber Coatings

In this article, polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer nanofibers has been used in the presence of curcumin (Cur) to control the corrosion rate of temporary magnesium (alloy AZ31) implants. PCL, PCL-Cur, and sodium alginate (SA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/PCL-Cur polymer coating were produced. The mentioned nanofibers were produced using a simple and cost-effective electrospinning technique. We used different techniques to examine the properties of the produced fibers, and it was demonstrated that the hydrophobic produced nanofibers with contact angle of 135.2 degrees have continuous strands and a diameter of 171.57 nm. The presence of Cur inside PCL nanofiber not only did not have any effect on the PCL nanofiber morphology, but also it increased adhesion of the coating, and 74.59% of Cur was released after 7 days. To investigate the effects of different polymeric coatings on the surface of Mg metal in the simulated body fluid (SBF), SEM, weight measurement tests, pH measurement, Polarization, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) has been used. During the study period there was no degradation in any part of the PCL-Cur hydrophobic polymer coating. For this coating, the percentage of weight loss, pH value, corrosion potential (Ecorr) and corrosion rate (CR) were 0.19%, 8.39, -1.388 V and 0.198 mm/y, respectively, where these values indicate the significant decrease of corrosion rate while using PCL-Cur coating.

Hybrid Plasma Activation Strategy for the Protein‐Coated Magnesium Implants in Orthopedic Applications

AbstractBiodegradable magnesium alloys show superior potential as bone repair implants, which are coated by natural polymers such as biological proteins to reinforce anticorrosion and biocompatibility. Surface pretreatment can facilitate the adhesion force of the organic coating/inorganic metal interface, but potentially causes one or more unfavorable intermediate layers. Herein, hybrid plasma activation is introduced to modify magnesium alloy (MgZnCa), which is directly coated by a natural protein, silk fibroin (i.e., SF), thus achieving a protein/magnesium direct bonding interface. Different plasmas exhibit distinctive physical and chemical performances on magnesium, including cleaning effects, bombardment effects, and modification effects. Due to stronger mechanical interlocking and unique chemical bonding, the optimum O2/N2 hybrid plasma reduces the shedding rate of coating and enhanced the bonding strength by more than ten times that without plasma activation. Meanwhile, the long‐term corrosion resistance is improved by an order of magnitude compared with bare MgZnCa not only because of the effective protection of the SF coating, but also thanks to its tight bonding on substrates. The in vitro and in vivo performances of SF‐coated MgZnCa are confirmed by osteogenic activity and delayed degradation. This hybrid plasma activated coating strategy provides a promising alternative for conventional “sandwich protection systems” in orthopedics.

Impact of degradable magnesium implants on osteocytes in single and triple cultures

In vitro triple cultures of human primary osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts can potentially help to analyze the effect of drugs and degradation products of biomaterials as a model for native bone tissue. In the present study, degradation products of Magnesium (Mg), which has been successfully applied in the biomedical field, were studied with respect to their impact on bone cell morphology and differentiation both in osteocyte single cultures and in the triple culture model. Fluorescence microscopic and gene expression analysis, analysis of osteoclast- and osteoblast-specific enzyme activities as well as osteocalcin protein expression were performed separately for the three cell types after cultivation in triple culture in the presence of extracts, containing 5 and 10 mM Mg2+. All three cell species were viable in the presence of the extracts and did not show morphological changes compared to the Mg-free control. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts did not show significant changes in gene expression of ALPL, BSPII, osteocalcin, TRAP, CTSK and CA2. Likewise on protein level, no significant changes in ALP-, TRAP-, CTSK- and CAII activities were detected. Osteocytes showed a significant downregulation of MEPE, which codes for a protein playing an important role in regulation of phosphate homeostasis by osteocytes. This study is the first to analyze the effects of Mg degradation products on primary osteocytes in vitro, both in single and triple culture. Even if promoting effects on the three examined bone cell species were not found in the applied triple culture setup, it was shown, that Mg degradation products do not interfere with the activity of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes in vitro.