In vivo and in vitro performances of chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Zr–Gd–Ca alloys as bone biodegradable materials in rat models

Mg alloys have attracted significant attention as promising biomedical materials, specifically as fixation materials for promoting fracture healing. However, their unsatisfactory corrosion resistances hinder further clinical applications and thus require attention. This study aims to determine the performance of novel chitosan-coated Mg–1Zn–0.3Zr–2Gd–1Ca alloy and its ability to promote the healing of osteoporotic fractures. Moreover, its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility were assessed. Performance degradations of the samples were measured via electrochemical tests, weight loss test and morphological analysis, and the uncoated and chitosan-coated fixations were compared based on their effects on biocompatibility via the cytotoxicity test, X-rays, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The effect of bone growth and healing was investigated via immunohistochemical test. Results of the electrochemical tests indicated that compared with the bare body, chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr–Gd alloys improved by one order of magnitude. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and weight loss test demonstrated that the corrosion resistance of the chitosan-coated Mg alloy is better than that of the uncoated alloy. In addition, cytotoxicity analysis indicated that the viability and morphology of the chitosan-coated alloy groups were superior to the uncoated groups in vitro. During in vivo analysis, chitosan-coated and uncoated Mg–1Zn–0.3Zr–2Gd–1Ca alloys were implanted into ovariectomized SD female rats with osteoporotic fractures for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. No displacement and shedding were observed through X-rays, and pathological analyses proved that the material was not harmful for liver and kidney tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr–Gd alloy material contributed to the healing of osteoporotic fractures in the SD rat models. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr–Gd alloys have improved corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Moreover, the alloy was found to accelerate the healing of osteoporotic fractures in SD rat models. Therefore, it has significant potential as a fixation material for osteoporotic fractures.