Enhancing magnesium bioactivity for biomedical applications

Magnesium and its alloys, valued for their lightweight and durable characteristics, have garnered increasing attention for biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability. This work introduces a comparison of advanced and basic methods—laser texturing and sandblasting—on magnesium surfaces to enhance bioactivity for biomedical applications. Employing a comprehensive analysis spanning surface morphology, hardness, wettability, tribological performance, and corrosion behavior, this study elucidates the intricate relationship between varied surface treatments and magnesium’s performance. Findings reveal that both laser texturing and sandblasting induce grain refinement. Notably, sandblasting, particularly with a duration of 2 s, demonstrates superior wear resistance and reduced corrosion rates compared to untreated magnesium, thereby emerging as a promising approach for enhancing magnesium bioactivity in biomedical contexts. This investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of the nuanced interactions between diverse surface treatments and their implications for magnesium implants in chloride-rich environments, offering valuable insights for prospective biomedical applications.