In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) coatings were prepared on the surface of high purity magnesium (HPMs), respectively, and electrochemical and dynamic degradation tests were used to investigate the degradation behaviors of these polymer-coated HPMs. The experimental results indicated that two uniform and smooth polymer films with thicknesses between 15 and 20 µm were successfully prepared on the HPMs. Electrochemical tests showed that both PCL-coated and PLA-coated HPMs had higher free corrosion potentials (Ecorr) and smaller corrosion currents (Icorr) in the modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) at 37 °C, compared to those of the uncoated HPMs. Dynamic degradation tests simulating the flow conditions in coronary arteries were carried out on a specific test platform. The weight of the specimens and the pH over the tests were recorded to characterize the corrosion performance of those samples. The surfaces of the specimens after the dynamic degradation tests were also examined. The data implied that there was a special interaction between HPM and its polymer coatings during the dynamic degradation tests, which undermined the corrosion resistance of the coated HPMs. A model was proposed to illustrate the interaction between the polymer coatings and HPM. This study also suggested that this reciprocity may also exist on the implanted magnesium stents coated with biodegradable polymers, which is a potential obstacle for the further development of drug-eluting magnesium stents.

A magnesium-zinc alloy rod was implanted into the marrow cavity of the distal femur in New Zealand rabbits. The femur with the implanted alloy was compared with the contralateral femur in which a bone tunnel without implant was formed as a control. Degradation of the magnesium-zinc alloy was analyzed via X-ray, scanning electron microscopy, and element energy spectrum analysis. Serum magnesium, liver and kidney function tests, and myocardial enzymes were measured. Heart, liver, kidney and spleen were sectioned for pathological analysis, and the effects of the implanted material on the histology and function of important organs were analyzed. Magnesium-zinc alloy was resorbed from the bone marrow cavity of the femur; 87% of the alloy was degraded within 14 weeks after the surgery. There were no significant differences in serum magnesium, liver or kidney function tests, or myocardial enzymes before the surgery and after degradation of the magnesium-zinc alloy. Histology of the heart, liver, kidney, and spleen did not change. This study demonstrated that magnesium-zinc alloy can be resorbed in bone, and that the degradation products have good biocompatibility with heart, liver, kidney, and spleen.

Hydrogen has been used to suppress tumor growth with considerable efficacy. Inhalation of hydrogen gas and oral ingestion of hydrogen-rich saline are two common systemic routes of hydrogen administration. We have developed a topical delivery method of hydrogen at targeted sites through the degradation of magnesium-based biomaterials. However, the underlying mechanism of hydrogen's role in cancer treatment remains ambiguous. Here, we investigate the mechanism of tumor cell apoptosis triggered by the hydrogen released from magnesium-based biomaterials. We find that the localized release of hydrogen increases the expression level of P53 tumor suppressor proteins, as demonstrated by the in vitro RNA sequencing and protein expression analysis. Then, the P53 proteins disrupt the membrane potential of mitochondria, activate autophagy, suppress the reactive oxygen species in cancer cells, and finally result in tumor suppression. The anti-tumor efficacy of magnesium-based biomaterials is further validated in vivo by inserting magnesium wire into the subcutaneous tumor in a mouse. We also discovered that the minimal hydrogen concentration from magnesium wires to trigger substantial tumor apoptosis is 91.2 μL/mm³ per day, which is much lower than that required for hydrogen inhalation. Taken together, these findings reveal the release of H₂ from magnesium-based biomaterial exerts its anti-tumoral activity by activating the P53-mediated lysosome-mitochondria apoptosis signaling pathway, which strengthens the therapeutic potential of this biomaterial as localized anti-tumor treatment.