Structural and Biological Assessment of Mg Alloy Surface after Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation in Different Solutions

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a promising method for the development of a new generation of oxide coatings for degradable medical devices made from Mg and its alloys. PEO coatings could protect Mg-based products from fast uncontrolled corrosion and improve biocompatibility. It is still under development the ideal solution that provides a uniform biocompatible and corrosion-resistant layer. Current research investigates the morphology characteristics of silicate and phosphate-based ceramic coatings made by PEO in different modes. PEO in a silicate-based solution leads to the formation of a ceramic layer with a crater-like morphology with uniformly distributed pores and demonstrates high wettability. At the same time, the PEO coating is formed in a phosphate-based solution that characterizes bigger pore size and lower pore distribution. Oxide layer films prevent initial S. aureus adhesion on the surfaces of the specimens. This makes it possible to consider the formed PEO coatings for degradable medical implants.