ABSTRACT: In the present work, magnesium (Mg) AZ31 alloy was coated with a
multifunctional membrane layer composed of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) embedded
in a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. We aimed to produce a stable coating that
would be used to control the degradation rate of the Mg alloy and promote a local
antibacterial activity. ZnO NPs were dispersed at 5 and 10 wt % in a PLA solution
anddip-coatedontotheAZ31substrate. Surface topography, chemical
composition, thickness, electrochemical corrosion performance, mass variation,
antibacterial activity, adhesion performance, and cytotoxicity of an uncoated control
and coated alloys were investigated. The results indicated that the incorporation of
ZnO NPs at various concentrations affords a dramatic control over surface
topography and degradation rates under in vitro and in vivo environmental
conditions when compared to the uncoated Mg alloy control. In addition, the
results confirmed that the coated layer exerts antibacterial properties and supports
cell growth, indicating this system may have utility for bone tissue engineering
applications.