Surface Engineering of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys as Orthopedic Implant Materials: Recent Developments and Future Prospects

Magnesium and its alloys are widely used for bone fixation and repair due to their biodegradability. However, their application is limited due to their poor corrosion resistance and rapid degradation rate in the human body. Surface engineering represents an effective approach to modifying the degradation characteristics of magnesium alloys to meet the requirements of biological systems. Constructing bioactive coatings on the surface of substrates is essential to improve their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, representing an effective method of surface modification. This review summarizes the current research on the construction of bioactive coatings on magnesium and its alloys, including inorganic coatings, polymer coatings, and composite coatings, which presents an analysis of their respective research statuses. Furthermore, this review discusses the future developments of biodegradable magnesium and its alloy systems, focusing on achieving satisfactory specifications for clinical trials and implementation. Its goal is to provide critical insights to materials scientists and clinical practitioners involved in the development of applicable biodegradable magnesium alloys.