Cytocompatibility assessment of MgZnCa alloys

The global orthopedic device market is expected to grow by 9% annually, which will equate to US$50 billion by 2015, necessitating innovation in medical devices that improve the quality of life. The first step in the creation of a foundation of knowledge and technology to improve these implant devices is through the creation of new materials with the capabilities of biodegradation and bioabsorption without a toxicity effect that will pass through Food and Drug Administration regulatory procedures. Magnesium and its alloys have gained attention as biomedical implant materials based on biocompatibility and biodegradability. The objective of this study is to investigate the cytocompatibility effects of adding zinc to a magnesium–calcium system through in-direct cell culture assays utilizing MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast mouse cells. Cell culture assays indicate that there is a level of cytotoxicity that develops from adding zinc to a magnesium–calcium system, but descriptive evidence suggests that solution heat treatment may reduce these cytotoxic effects.