Corrosion is generally an undesirable phenomenon in engineering applications. However, in the field of biomedical applications, bioresorbable implants are highly attractive. Their use not only eliminates the need for surgical removal but also avoids the long-term adverse effects associated with permanent implants.
In this context, magnesium and its alloys represent promising biodegradable materials. However, their corrosion is accompanied by hydrogen evolution, which poses a significant challenge in many biomedical applications, particularly when hydrogen is released rapidly above acceptable levels. While the degradation rate—and consequently hydrogen evolution—of Mg alloys can be controlled only to a limited extent, our coated Mg alloys offer a solution by slowing their dissolution. This results in more controlled degradation and consequently a reduced rate of hydrogen and other degradation product release.
Importantly, the proposed project introduces a novel concept of magnetic microstructuring, aimed at addressing another major challenge—poor endothelialization of Mg alloy-based vascular stents. To achieve this, we propose a unique surface structuring approach based on magnetic-field-guided alignment of anisotropic magnetic particles.
This approach involves the fixation of aligned anisotropic magnetic particles within a hybrid coating, achieved through dip-coating of Mg alloy substrates in a biocompatible sol–gel system composed of an interconnected silica network and polylactic acid. The method enables straightforward control of coating thickness and is applicable to complex geometries, including hollow cylindrical structures such as vascular stents.
The process allows rapid microstructuring, as anisotropic magnetic particles are aligned immediately before the sol–gel coating solidifies. Overall, the proposed project introduces several innovative strategies that address key limitations of current Mg-based vascular stents in clinical use, namely rapid degradation and insufficient endothelialization.
