Effects of magnesium alloys extracts on adult human bone marrow-derived stromal cell viability and osteogenic differentiation

Effects of fluctuant magnesium concentration on phenotype of the primary chondrocytes

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have attracted much research interest as degradable implant materials. Mg ions may enhance phenotype of chondrocytes at optimal concentrations. In this study, we investigated the effects of fluctuant concentrations of Mg ion released from in vitro degradation of pure Mg microspheres on the phenotype of chondrocytes. The chondrocytes were cultured with 250 μg/mL, 500 μg/mL, and 1000 μg/mL of Mg microspheres (75-150 μm) either on tissue culture plates or within alginate hydrogels, with 5, 10, and 20 mM of MgCl2 solution set as the control group. Concentrations of Mg ions and pH values of the culture medium were measured at 3 days' interval. Cytotoxicity was evaluated while glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and gene expression of collagen type I/II/X, aggrecan were quantified. Results showed that peak concentrations of Mg ion reached 10, 20, 30 mM, respectively, at day 3 in groups containing Mg-250 μg/mL, Mg-500 μg/mL, and Mg-1000 μg/mL, respectively, whereas pH values increased mildly to approximately 8 in all experimental groups. No significant cytotoxic effects were found at day 1 and day 3 in all experimental groups. GAG content increased 6% at day 14 in Mg-250 μg/mL group in tissue culture plate, but not in the hydrogel culture. Gene expression of collagen type I/II/X and aggrecan in Mg-1000 μg/mL group decreased significantly when chondrocytes were cultured in cell culture plates. Increase of gene expression of collagen type X in Mg-250 μg/mL group at day 7 was observed. However, gene expressions of collagen type I/II/X and aggrecan in Mg groups increased significantly at day 7 when chondrocytes were cultured in hydrogels. It was concluded that the phenotype of chondrocytes was regulated with dynamic concentration of Mg ions and pH values in a dose- and time-dependant manners. Fine-tuned degradation of Mg microspheres could be used to facilitate layered structures of articular cartilage. Furthermore, it would be cautious to extrapolate from results from 2D chondrocyte cultures.

The influence of biodegradable magnesium alloys on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

The postdegradation effect of pure Mg, Mg-1Y, Mg-5Al, and Mg-2Ca alloys on the differentiation, proliferation and gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was investigated. It was revealed that that Mg(2+) ions result in an increase in cell proliferation. However, we observed a maximum concentration (approximately 8.0 × 10(-4) M) that was favourable to ATP production, above which ATP production began to decrease. In contrast to proliferation, no maximum concentration for osteogenic differentiation was observed, with increasing concentration of Mg(2+) ions resulting in an increase in osteogenic differentiation across the entire tested range. Interestingly, the Mg-2Ca alloy had minimal effect on osteogenic differentiation, with Mg-1Y and pure Mg having a superior effect on the proliferation and differentiation of hMSCs. This was also observed from gene expression data, where these alloys upregulated TGFβ-1, SMAD4, FGF-2, FGF-10, and BMP-2, while SOX-2, SOX-9, and TNF-α were downregulated. Increased expression of TGFβ-1, SMAD4, BMPs, and COLIA1 protein provided further evidence to support osteogenic differentiation and that the influence of the alloying extracts on differentiation may be via the SMAD signaling pathway.

Biodegradation of metallic magnesium elicits an inflammatory response in primary nasal epithelial cells

Resorbable magnesium-based implants hold great promise for various biomedical applications, such as osteosynthesis and coronary stenting. They also offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, but little data is yet available regarding the use of magnesium in the nasal cavity. To model this field of application, primary porcine nasal epithelial cells were used to test the biocompatibility of degrading pure magnesium and investigate whether the degradation products may also affect cellular metabolism. Magnesium specimens did not induce apoptosis and we found no major influence on enzyme activities or protein synthesis, but cell viability was reduced and elevated interleukin 8 secretion indicated proinflammatory reactions. Necrotic damage was most likely due to osmotic stress, and our results suggest that magnesium ion build-up is also involved in the interleukin 8 release. Furthermore, the latter seems to be mediated, at least in part, by the p38 signaling pathway. These effects probably depended on the accumulation of very high concentrations of magnesium ions in the in vitro set-up, which might not be achieved in vivo, although we cannot exclude that further, as yet unknown, factors played a role in the inflammatory response during the degradation process. In conclusion, the biocompatibility of pure magnesium with cells in the immediate vicinity appears less ideal than is often supposed, and this needs to be considered in the evaluation of magnesium materials containing additional alloying elements.

In vitro corrosion and cytocompatibility of ZK60 magnesium alloy coated with hydroxyapatite by a simple chemical conversion process for orthopedic applications

Magnesium and its alloys--a new class of degradable metallic biomaterials-are being increasingly investigated as a promising alternative for medical implant and device applications due to their advantageous mechanical and biological properties. However, the high corrosion rate in physiological environments prevents the clinical application of Mg-based materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on ZK60 magnesium alloy substrates to mediate the rapid degradation of Mg while improving its cytocompatibility for orthopedic applications. A simple chemical conversion process was applied to prepare HA coating on ZK60 magnesium alloy. Surface morphology, elemental compositions, and crystal structures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The corrosion properties of samples were investigated by immersion test and electrochemical test. Murine fibroblast L-929 cells were harvested and cultured with coated and non-coated ZK60 samples to determine cytocompatibility. The degradation results suggested that the HA coatings decreased the degradation of ZK60 alloy. No significant deterioration in compression strength was observed for all the uncoated and coated samples after 2 and 4 weeks' immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). Cytotoxicity test indicated that the coatings, especially HA coating, improved cytocompatibility of ZK60 alloy for L929 cells.

Cellular reactions to biodegradable magnesium alloys on human growth plate chondrocytes and osteoblasts

PURPOSE

In recent decades operative fracture treatment using elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESINs) has mainly taken precedence over conservative alternatives in children. The development of biodegradable materials that could be used for ESINs would be a further step towards treatment improvement. Due to its mechanical and elastic properties, magnesium seems to be an ideal material for biodegradable implant application. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the cellular reaction to biodegradable magnesium implants in vitro.

METHODS

Primary human growth plate chondrocytes and MG63 osteoblasts were used for this study. Viability and metabolic activity in response to the eluate of a rapidly and a slower degrading magnesium alloy were investigated. Furthermore, changes in gene expression were assessed and live cell imaging was performed.

RESULTS

A superior performance of the slower degrading WZ21 alloy's eluate was detected regarding cell viability and metabolic activity, cell proliferation and morphology. However, the ZX50 alloy's eluate induced a favourable up-regulation of osteogenic markers in MG63 osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that magnesium alloys for use in biodegradable implant application are well tolerated in both osteoblasts and growth plate chondrocytes respectively.

Biocompatibility of rapidly solidified magnesium alloy RS66 as a temporary biodegradable metal

Biodegradable magnesium-based alloys are very promising materials for temporary implants. However, the clinical use of magnesium-based alloys is often limited by rapid corrosion and by insufficient mechanical stability. Here we investigated RS66, a magnesium-based alloy with extraordinary physicochemical properties of high tensile strength combined with a high ductility and a homogeneous grain size of ~1 μm which was obtained by rapid solidification processing and reciprocal extrusion. Using a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we analyzed the biodegradation behavior and the biocompatibility of this alloy. In vitro, RS66 had no cytotoxic effects in physiological concentrations on the viability and the proliferation of primary human osteoblasts. In vivo, RS66 cylinders were implanted into femur condyles, under the skin and in the muscle of adult rabbits and were monitored for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks. After explantation, the RS66 cylinders were first analyzed by microtomography to determine the remaining RS66 alloy and calculate the corrosion rates. Then, the implantation sites were examined histologically for healing processes and foreign body reactions. We found that RS66 was corroded fastest subcutaneously followed by intramuscular and bony implantation of the samples. No clinical harm with transient gas cavities during the first 6 weeks in subcutaneous and intramuscular implantation sites was observed. No gas cavities were formed around the implantation site in bone. The corrosion rates in the different anatomical locations correlated well with the local blood flow prior to implantation. A normal foreign body reaction occurred in all tissues. Interestingly, no enhanced bone formation could be observed around the corroding samples in the condyles. These data show that RS66 is biocompatible, and due to its interesting physicochemical properties, this magnesium alloy is a promising material for biodegradable implants.

Enhanced biocorrosion resistance and biocompatibility of degradable Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy by brushite coating

To further improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy (JDBM), a biodegradable calcium phosphate coating (Ca-P coating) with high bonding strength was developed using a novel chemical deposition method. The main composition of the Ca-P coating was brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O). The bonding strength between the coating and the JDBM substrate was measured to be over 10 MPa, and the thickness of the coating layer was about 10-30 μm. The in vitro corrosion tests indicated that the Ca-P treatment improved the corrosion resistance of JDBM alloy in Hank's solution. Ca-P treatment significantly reduced the hemolysis rate of JDBM alloy from 48% to 0.68%, and induced no toxicity to MC3T3-E1 cells. The in vivo implantation experiment in New Zealand's rabbit tibia showed that the degradation rate was reduced obviously by the Ca-P treatment and less gas was produced from Ca-P treated JDBM bone plates and screws in early stage of the implantation, and at least 10weeks degradation time can be prolonged by the present coating techniques. Both Ca-P treated and untreated JDBM Mg alloy induced bone growth. The primary results indicate that the present Ca-P treatment is a promising technique for the degradable Mg-based biomaterials for orthopedic applications.

Magnesium and osteoporosis: current state of knowledge and future research directions

A tight control of magnesium homeostasis seems to be crucial for bone health. On the basis of experimental and epidemiological studies, both low and high magnesium have harmful effects on the bones. Magnesium deficiency contributes to osteoporosis directly by acting on crystal formation and on bone cells and indirectly by impacting on the secretion and the activity of parathyroid hormone and by promoting low grade inflammation. Less is known about the mechanisms responsible for the mineralization defects observed when magnesium is elevated. Overall, controlling and maintaining magnesium homeostasis represents a helpful intervention to maintain bone integrity.

Effect of implantation of biodegradable magnesium alloy on BMP-2 expression in bone of ovariectomized osteoporosis rats

The study was focused on the implantation of a biodegradable AZ31 magnesium alloy into the femoral periosteal of the osteoporosis modeled rats. The experimental results showed that after 4weeks implantation of AZ31 alloy in the osteoporosis modeled rats, the expression of BMP-2 in bone tissues of the rats was much enhanced, even higher than the control group, which should promote the bone formation and be beneficial for reducing the harmful effect of osteoporosis. Results of HE stains showed that the implantation of AZ31 alloy did not have obvious pathological changes on both the liver and kidney of the animal.

Assessment of in vitro temporal corrosion and cytotoxicity of AZ91D alloy

Magnesium alloys represent a valuable option for the production of bioresorbable implantable medical devices aimed to improve the therapeutic approach and minimize the potential risks related to biostable materials. In this regard, the degradation process needs to be carefully evaluated in order to assess the effectiveness of the regenerative support and the eventual toxic effects induced by the released corrosion products. Aluminium is one of the most common alloying element that raised several safety concerns, contributing to shift the investigation toward Al-free alloys. To delve into this issue, a long-term investigation (up to 28 days) was performed using AZ91D alloy, due to its relevant Al content. Immersion tests in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution was performed following the ASTM standards and the corrosion behaviour was evaluated at fixed time points by means of electrochemical techniques. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by culturing human neuroblastoma cells with conditioned medium derived from immersion tests at different dilution degree. An increase in the resistance corrosion with the time was observed. In all the investigated cases the presence of Al in the conditioned media did not induce significant toxic effects directly correlated to its content. A decrease of cell viability was only observed in the case of 50 % dilution of PBS conditioned for the longest immersion period (i.e., 28 days).

Effects of biodegradable Mg–6Zn alloy extracts on cell cycle of intestinal epithelial cells

In this study, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC)-6 were cultured in different concentration extracts of Mg–6Zn alloys for different time periods. We studied the indirect effects of Mg–6Zn alloys on cell cycle of IEC-6 cells. The cell cycle of IEC-6 cells was measured using flow cytometry. And, the cell cycle of IEC-6 cells was evaluated by investigating the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, and P21 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting tests. It was found that the IEC-6 cells displayed better cell functions in 20% extract of the Mg–6Zn alloy extracts, compared to the 100% or 60% extract. The in vitro results indicated that the conspicuous alkaline environment that is a result of rapid corrosion of Mg–6Zn alloys is disadvantageous to cell cycle of IEC-6 cells.

The use of an in vitro-cultured porcine nasal mucosa model for the biocompatibility assessment of biodegradable magnesium

The development of an in vitro-cultured porcine nasal mucosa model is described. The model was subsequently used for the biocompatibility testing of resorbable magnesium-based implants, which are intended for use in the nasal cavity of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Test specimens made from either pure magnesium or titanium were incubated with the mucosal tissue for 48 hours. Afterwards, tissue viability, PGE2, IL-6 and IL-8 release, magnesium ion release, succinate dehydrogenase activity, apoptosis and 14C amino acid incorporation, were determined. The results suggested favourable biocompatibility, even in the case of rapidly-degrading pure magnesium. However, presumed effects on protein synthesis and apoptosis could not be confirmed.

Ex vivo examination of the biocompatibility of biodegradable magnesium via microdialysis in the isolated perfused bovine udder model

PURPOSE

Being biodegradable, magnesium is considered a promising future implant material but very little is known about the biocompatibility for the tissues in direct contact with it. In this study, the degradation of pure magnesium implants in the skin of an isolated bovine udder was examined over a period of five hours.

METHODS

Microdialysis technique was used in order to investigate the reactions at the interface of implant and tissue. Pure titanium implants served as control. Degradation behavior and biocompatibility were evaluated via extracellular magnesium ion concentration and PGE2 and TNF alpha served as indicators of inflammation.

RESULTS

Concentrations of 5.5 mmol/l Mg2+ were detected at the beginning, which decreased to a plateau of about 3.5 mmol/l after approximately two and a half hours. PGE2 and TNF alpha concentrations indicated no major inflammatory tissue response to the degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results give an idea of the ion burden at the implantation site of degrading magnesium and suggest good biocompatibility even at the tissue-implant interface.