Abstract: Objective To investigate the attachment and proliferation of osteoblasts from bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) on the surface of Mg-Mn-Zn alloy. Methods Rabbit BMSCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugation method and amplified in the flasks, using the osteogenic inducing conditions (OGC) as the culture media. The osteogenic potential of BMSCs was investigated by means of Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, collogenⅠimmunohistochemisty technology , scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscope(TEM). Besides, induced osteoblasts were seeded on the surface of Mg-Mn-Zn alloy and pure Ti by 1×10SUP>5/SUP>/ml. Scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy were carried out to observe cell morphology and growth at 1, 3 and 5 days under co-culture condition. Results Rabbit BMSCs growed in a great number and in the form of cell spheroids and the cells outgrew in all directions firstly. These cells were then induced into osteoblasts which could adhere to the surface of Mg-Mn-Zn and connected with each other to form lamellar substances. Conclusion Osteoblasts from BMSCs have good adhesion and growth capability on the surface of Mg-Mn-Zn indicating that magnesium alloy posses good bone induction function.

Key words: Mg-Mn-Zn alloy, Bone marrow stromal stem cell, Ti, Scanning electron microscopy, Laser scanning confocal microscopy, Rabbit