Development of a novel micro-textured surface using duplex surface modification for biomedical Mg alloy applications

Abstract A duplex surface-modification technique that combines ultrasonic-assisted etching and the fluoride-conversion method was successively applied on the surface of a Mg alloy, and was called the MagNest surface. The results showed that the MagNest surface possessed bowl-like nest structures about 15–35 µm in diameter and 2–5 µm in depth. Electrochemical testing verified that the corrosion resistance was increased, indicating that corrosion was effectively inhibited by the surface modification. The MagNest surface also exhibited non-cytotoxicity for MG63 osteoblast-like cells, with most adhered MG63 cells rapidly extending their cell membrane and filopodia. This demonstrates the excellent cytocompatibility of this surface modification, and so constitutes a promising biodegradable material.