Osteoinduction and Osteoconduction Evaluation of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy Scaffolds in Repairing Large Segmental Defects in Long Bones of Rabbit Models

Magnesium (Mg) alloy scaffolds demonstrate promising potential for clinical applications in the repair of segmental bone defects. However, the specific mechanisms of osteoconduction and osteoinduction facilitated by these scaffolds themselves during the bone reconstruction process remain inadequately defined. This investigation systematically assesses the properties of MAO-coated Mg base implants both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, it elucidates the correlation between scaffold characteristics and bone regeneration in the repair of extensive long-bone defects, measuring up to 20 mm, without the use of additional bone graft materials. Electrochemical measurements and immersion tests conducted in vitro indicate that the MAO coating substantially enhances the corrosion resistance of the underlying Mg alloy. Meanwhile, the application of MAO coatings has been shown to significantly improve cytocompatibility, cellular adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by the CCK-8 assays, ALP activity measurements, Western blot, and RT-qPCR in vitro. At 24 weeks postimplantation with the MAO-coated Mg alloy scaffold, the large segmental defects were effectively repaired concerning both integrity and continuity. The Micro-CT gradual replacement of old bone with new bone on the implant surface was observed by X-ray and Micro-CT. Meanwhile, the histological results indicated that the MAO-coated Mg alloy scaffold maintained a robust osteogenic response. In summary, the MAO-coated Mg alloy scaffold independently exhibits effective osteoconduction and osteoinduction, playing a significant role in bone repair function without the need for additional bone graft materials.