Abstract
Cytocompatibility has a priority in primary screening tests of biocompatibility providing information on the cell biology sensitivity for further analysis. The purpose of biodegradable implants is to support tissue regeneration and healing by material degradation and a concurrent implant replacement through the surrounding tissue.
Biodegradable metals as magnesium have an advantage over existing biodegradable materials in load bearing applications. In particular, metals which consist of human body trace elements are promising candidates for temporary implant materials.
An improvement in mechanical properties and in corrosion resistance of Mg is necessary to ensure a good integrity of temporary implants. These requirements can be fulfilled by means of a proper composition of an Mg alloy and by the treatment leading to nano-sized precipitation structure.
Mg alloys envisaged for biodegradable implants are soluble or degradable in bio-solutions, for example in cell cultivation media.