Biodegradability and biocompatibility test of Magnesium Carbonate apatite composite implants fabricated by extrusion technique on Sprague Dawley Rats

Background and purpose Magnesium (Mg) has a biomechanical character resembling bone, with mechanical strength exceeding that of ceramics, but has a high corrosion rate. One method to reduce the corrosion level of Mg is to mix it with other materials or coatings. Carbonate apatite (CA) was chosen as a Mg composite mixture because of its good osteoconductivity, and this study aimed to evaluate the biodegradability of MgxCA composite implants made by the extrusion technique in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods This study was a post-test only in vivo experiment in SD rats from July to December 2021. Thirty SD rats were divided into five treatment groups: Mg0CA, Mg5CA, Mg10CA, Mg15CA, and titanium plates. The examination included implant weight changes, postoperative gas formation, and local and systemic histopathological analyses on days 15 and 30. Results There was a significant difference in gas formation on day 15 and implant degeneration between groups (p < 0.05). However, in post-hoc analysis, we found no significant differences in implant weight difference or implant gas production between pre- and post-sacrifice in the MgxCA composites (p > 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed no significant local or systemic inflammatory response differences between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion The combination of magnesium with apatite carbonate from extruded fabrication techniques is a biodegradable implant with biocompatibility and nontoxic properties, either locally or systemically.