Two different coatings, Mg-Al hydrotalcite and aragonite (CaCO(3)), were produced on die-cast AZ91D Mg alloy (Mg-9wt.%Al-1wt.%Zn) through environmentally clean methods. The corrosion resistance and human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion properties of the coatings on AZ91D were investigated. Results showed that through environmentally clean methods, both Mg-Al hydrotalcite and aragonite CaCO(3) surface coatings could be produced on AZ91D surfaces. These coatings increased the corrosion potential and polarization resistance and decreased the corrosion rate of AZ91D in simulated body fluid. Both surface coatings also improved stem cell spreading and interaction in culture. Further long-term animal testing is suggested before these surface coatings can be recommended for use in clinical applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.