Immunohistochemical analysis of osteogenesis post magnesium ECAP miniplate and screw implantation using collagen-1 and osteocalcin expression

Magnesium is a type of metal with potential as degradable biomaterial. Since it has a high rate of corrosion, ECAP process is done to reduce the rate of degradation and improve its mechanical properties. Nevertheless, biocompatibility is a golden standard of biomaterials and for metals like magnesium relies heavily on corrosion rate. Another necessity for bone implant material is the ability to promote bone formation and accelerate bone healing or fill in bone defects. Due to these reasons, profound understanding on peri-implant osteogenesis and its changes in various period of time becomes very important to be looked into. The purpose of this study is to evaluate osteogenesis after magnesium ECAP miniplate and screw on microscopic preparations of rabbit’s femur using immunohistochemical staining on collagen-1 and osteocalcin in 1, 3, and 5 months interval. The results are calculated using semiquantitative method and the decrease of collagen-1 and osteocalcin marker expression indicates bone-implant surface stabilization and neo-osteogenesis improvements. These outcomes lead to the conclusion that measured from biocompatibility indicators, magnesium ECAP can be considered as conventional implant material alternative.