Biodegradable magnesium alloys are promising candidates for temporary fracture fixation devices in orthopedics; nevertheless, its fast degradation rate at the initial stage after implantation remains as one of the main challenges to be resolved. ZrO₂-based coatings to reduce the degradation rate of the Mg-implants are an attractive solution since they show high biocompatibility and stability. In this work, the degradation, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial performance of ZrO₂ thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering on a Mg-Zn-Ca alloy was evaluated. Short-term degradation of ZrO₂-coated and uncoated samples was assessed considering electrochemical techniques and H₂ evolution (gas chromatography). Additionally, long term degradation was assessed by mass-loss measurements. The results showed that a 380 nm ZrO₂ coating reduces the degradation rate and H₂ evolution of the alloy during the initial 3 days after immersion but allows the degradation of the bare alloy for the long-term. The ZrO₂ coating does not compromise the biocompatibility of the alloy and permits better cell adhesion and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells directly on its surface, in comparison to the bare alloy. Finally, the ZrO₂ coating prevents the adhesion and biofilm formation of S. aureus.

可生物降解的镁合金是骨科临时骨折固定装置的有希望的候选材料；尽管如此，其在植入后初始阶段的快速降解率仍然是需要解决的主要挑战之一。ZrO ₂基涂层用于降低镁植入物的降解率是一种有吸引力的解决方案，因为它们显示出高生物相容性和稳定性。在这项工作中，评估了通过磁控溅射沉积在 Mg-Zn-Ca 合金上的 ZrO ₂薄膜的降解、细胞毒性和抗菌性能。考虑电化学技术和 H ₂评估ZrO ₂涂层和未涂层​​样品的短期降解演化（气相色谱）。此外，通过质量损失测量来评估长期降解。结果表明，380 nm ZrO ₂涂层在浸入后的最初 3 天内降低了合金的降解速率和 H ₂析出，但允许裸合金长期降解。与裸合金相比，ZrO ₂涂层不会损害合金的生物相容性，并允许间充质干细胞直接在其表面上更好地粘附和增殖。最后，ZrO ₂涂层可防止金黄色葡萄球菌的粘附和生物膜形成。