Preparation of vancomycin-loaded alginate hydrogel coating on magnesium alloy with enhanced anticorrosion and antibacterial properties

Abstract In this study, vancomycin (Van)-loaded sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel coating was fabricated on micro-arc oxidation (MAO)-treated magnesium alloy (MgA) surface via the electrostatic interaction between polyethyleneimine and SA to enhance anticorrosion, hemocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of MgA substrate. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the modified MgA substrate were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed the successful preparation of Van-loaded SA hydrogel coating on MgA/MAO substrate. Furthermore, the anticorrosion property of the coated MgA in simulated body fluids was also evaluated. The potentiodynamic polarization test indicated that corrosion resistance of MgA coated with the Van-loaded SA hydrogel was significantly improved. Biocompatibility of the modified MgA substrates was investigated by in vitro platelets adhesion assay, hemolysis ratio test, and dynamic coagulation time test. The results indicated that the modified MgA exhibited excellent antibacterial property and hemocompatibility. This study may provide an alternative pathway for surface modification of MgA implants to enhance their corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.