Mg-based materials are promising for orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular applications but their high degradation rate in vivo (release of Mg ions and debris particles) is cause of great concern. Protective treatments involving fluoride conversion coatings have been proposed in order to reduce corrosion rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate Mg debris biodegradation and its possible cytotoxic effects on osteoblastic cells in situ. Neutral Red dying and Acridine Orange staining techniques were used as endpoints to analyse the cytotoxic effects at 100-2000 μg/mL concentration range. Results showed a marked variation of Mg ion concentration in the culture medium after different exposure periods (1, 2, or 24h). Interestingly, the release rate of magnesium ions was dependent on the presence or absence fluoride treatment. Adverse effects induced by ≥1000 μg/mL MP doses and Mg ion concentrations higher than 480 μg/mL were observed on cells. Results showed significant differences between the concentration of Mg ions in the presence and absence of cells. This fact reveals a dynamic equilibrium mediated by Mg ion input and output in the cells that leads to the change in MP corrosion rates. Fluoride release from conversion coatings did not show cytotoxic effects.
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