A study of cytocompatibility and degradation of iron-based biodegradable materials

Biodegradable metallic implants are of significant importance in the replacement of bones or the repair of bone defects. Iron-phosphate-coated carbonyl iron powder (Fe/P) was prepared by the phosphating method. Moreover, Fe/P–Mn alloy was produced by sintering the Fe/P powder mixed with manganese powder. Bare carbonyl iron samples and the Fe/P and Fe/P–Mn sintered samples were evaluated for their microstructure, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility. The microstructure of the sintered samples was examined using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscopic analysis. Corrosion behavior was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization in Hank’s solution. The in vitro biocompatibilities were investigated by cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests. The results obtained demonstrate that the addition of Mn resulted in higher surface inhomogeneity, porosity and roughness as well as in increased cytotoxicity. The phosphate coating has a moderately negative effect on the cytotoxicity. The corrosion rates determined from Tafel diagrams were ordered in the following sequence: Fe/P–Mn, Fe, Fe/P from high to low. The hemocompatibility of experimental samples was ordered in the following sequence: Fe/P, Fe/P–Mn, Fe from high to low. All samples were found to be hemocompatible.