Evaluation of in vitro corrosion resistance and in vivo osseointegration properties of a FeMnSiCa alloy as potential degradable implant biomaterial

Abstract

In vitro electrochemical characterization and in vivo implantation in an animal model were employed to evaluate the degradation behaviour and the biological activity of FeMnSi and FeMnSiCa alloys obtained using UltraCast (Ar atmosphere) melting. Electrochemical characterization was based on open circuit potential measurement, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques while the alloys were immersed in Ringer's solution at 37 °C for 7 days. Higher corrosion rates were measured for the Ca-containing material, resulting from inefficient passivation of the metal surface by oxy-hydroxide products. In vivo osseointegration was investigated on a tibia implant model in rabbits by referring to a standard control ( AISI 316 L ) stainless steel using standard biochemical, histological and radiological methods of investigation. Changes in the biochemical parameters were related to the main stages of the bone defect repair, whereas implantation of the alloys in rabbit's tibia provided the necessary mechanical support to the injured bone area and facilitated the growth of the newly connective tissue, as well as osteoid formation and mineralization, as revealed by either histological sections or computed tomography reconstructed images and validated by the bone morphometric indices. The present study highlighted that the FeMnSiCa alloy promotes better osteoinduction and osseconduction processes when compared to the base FeMnSi alloy or with AISI 316 L , and in vivo degradation rates correlate well with corrosion resistance measurements in Ringer's solution. • Addition of 1 wt.% Ca to Fe10Mn6Si using a vacuum induction furnace • Higher corrosion rates for FeMnSiCa than FeMnSi due to inefficient passivation. • More negative open circuit potentials and smaller electrochemical impedance values for the Ca-containing material • Enhanced osteoinduction of FeMnSiCa specimen in a tibia rabbit model • Good correlation between degradation rates from corrosion tests and in vivo implants.