Silane coatings modified with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to enhance the biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of a magnesium alloy

The fast corrosion rate of magnesium alloys has restricted their use as biodegradable implants. Hence developing a practical approach to retard the corrosion rate of the AZ31 magnesium alloy, as well as promoting cell adhesion and proliferation is of great importance. Silane coatings were applied through dip coating, on samples pretreated in hydrofluoric acid. Samples were immersed in simulated body fluid at 37 °C, and the coating performance was assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coating morphologies of samples were investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy and a cell viability/proliferation (MTT) test was performed to evaluate cellular response. A 2.2 μm-thick coating was accomplished, which increased the corrosion resistance to three orders of magnitude higher than that of the bare sample. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were added to the silane coating to improve biocompatibility and facilitate bone formation. Changing the concentration of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles not only helped to optimize the barrier properties of the silane coating but also ameliorated MG-63 osteoblastic cell growth. The findings showed great promise to enhance and maintain the corrosion barrier property and induce high osteoblastic differentiation by employing 1000 mg L(−1) of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.