Comparison of crystalline and amorphous versions of a magnesium-based alloy: corrosion and cell response

Mg-Ca-Zn alloys have been identified as potential materials for bioresorbable orthopaedic implants –e.g. for bone fixation. It is important, however, to tailor the resorption rate of the alloy to the healing rate of the bone and the rate at which the metal ion release can be tolerated by the human body. Recent work has shown that bulk metallic glass (or amorphous) alloys corrode more slowly than their conventional crystalline counterparts1, and the rate may be more suited to orthopaedic applications. It has also indicated a slower evolution of hydrogen gas during resorption2. This paper presents an experimental study on the casting of a Mg75-Zn22-Ca5 into bulk amorphous form, and testing of the resultant material in vitrofor corrosion and cytotoxicity.