In vitro and in vivo corrosion measurements of Mg–6Zn alloys in the bile

Mg–6Zn alloy was studied as candidate biodegradable metallic implants for the common bile duct (CBD) in terms of its in vitro corrosion and in vivo corrosion. Electrochemical measurements, immersion tests and hydrogen evolution were performed in the bile and Hanksʹ solution to evaluate the in vitro degradation behavior of Mg–6Zn alloy. The results showed that the degradation rate and hydrogen evolution were higher when Mg–6Zn alloy immersed in the bile than in the Hanksʹ solution. The polarization resistance of the samples in the Hanksʹ solution was about 1.5 times to that in the bile. In the in vivo experiment, Mg–6Zn alloy stents were inserted in CBD of 42 rabbits, and CT scans, the value of total bilirubin (TB) and in vivo corrosion rate were determined. From the results of CT images and the fluctuations of TB values, it can be seen that the stent was degraded gradually in CBD. After 1 week post-implantation, the majority of the Mg–6Zn alloy sample remained in the CBD. Usually the required support time for CBD stent was approximately 7–10 days, thus the Mg–6Zn alloy stent was very close to the clinical requirement for CBD support materials. After three weeks, the residual weight of the Mg–6Zn alloy was only 9% of the original weight. The in vivo corrosion rate of Mg–6Zn alloy was ~ 0.107 mm·year− 1, which was much lower than that calculated in vitro (~ 0.72 mm·year− 1 by electrochemical test). Based on our research, there is promising for the Mg–6Zn alloy in CBD applications.