Preparation of a novel antibacterial magnesium carbonate coating on a titanium surface and its in vitro biocompatibility

Magnesium-based coatings have attracted great attention in surface modification of titanium implants due to their superior angiogenic and osteogenic properties. However, their biological effects as a carbonate-based constituent remain unrevealed. In this study, magnesium carbonate coatings were prepared on titanium surfaces under hydrothermal conditions and subsequently treated with hydrogen peroxide. Also, their antibacterial activity and in vitro cell biocompatibility were evaluated. The obtained coatings consisted of nanoparticles without cracks and exhibited excellent adhesion to the substrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated pure magnesium carbonate coatings formed on the Ti surface after hydrothermal treatment. After hydrogen peroxide treatment, the phase composition of the coatings had no obvious change. Compared to the untreated coatings, the hydrogen peroxide-treated coatings showed increased surface roughness and hydrophilicity. Co-culture with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) demonstrated that the obtained coatings had good antibacterial activity. In vitro cell culture results showed that the hydrogen peroxide-treated coatings enhanced the viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). These findings suggest that this MgCO3-based coating exhibits excellent antibacterial performance and osteogenic potential. Based on the above, this study provides a simple method for preparing titanium implants with dual antibacterial and osteogenic capabilities, holding great promise in clinical applications.