Challenges in the use of zinc and its alloys as biodegradable metals: Perspective from biomechanical compatibility

Recent research and progress of biodegradable zinc alloys and composites for biomedical applications: Biomechanical and biocorrosion perspectives

“…Hence, Zn, its alloys and composites are emerging as a new class of BMs and are considered promising alternatives to Mg-based and Fe-based BMs for biomedical applications, particularly orthopedic regeneration, and cardiovascular therapy [ 68 , [72] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] ]. This is mainly because Zn-based BMs exhibit more suitable degradation rates than those of Mg-based and Fe-based BMs, and their degradation products are fully bioresorbable without evolving excessive H 2 gas [ [78] , [79] , [80] ]. In addition to the appropriate degradation rate, the importance of Zn as nutrient in the human body has been reported in several studies.…”

“…Nevertheless, pure Zn exhibits inadequate mechanical properties, such as poor σ UTS (20–30 MPa), ε (0.25%), and H (37 HV) [ 94 ], and so it cannot be used for most clinical applications such as stents and orthopedic fixation devices. In addition, the relatively low fatigue strength and creep resistance, low-temperature recrystallization, and high susceptibility to natural aging of Zn and Zn alloys may lead to failure of medical devices during storage at room temperature (RT) and during utilization in the body [ 80 ].…”

“…The mechanical properties of Zn alloys can be enhanced by tailoring their microstructures via alloying and special fabrication techniques followed by several post treatment [ 37 , [101] , [102] , [103] ]. In the past few years, several studies have reported advancements in the development of Zn-based BMs [ 36 , 37 , 68 , 79 , 80 , 88 , 89 ]. Zn-based materials can be used for a variety of biomedical applications, such as wound closure devices (biodegradable staples, surgical tacks, plugs, microclips, and rivets), orthopedic fixation devices (fixative plates, screws, and porous scaffolds), cardiovascular stents, and bone implants.…”

Additively manufactured functionally graded biodegradable porous zinc

“…Given the fact that both topological design and material category significantly affect both the static and dynamic mechanical behaviors of AM porous metallic biomaterials, [53][54][55][56] there is a need for a thorough study on the dynamic mechanical responses of these porous structures. 57…”

Microstructure, biodegradable behavior in different simulated body fluids, antibacterial effect on different bacteria and cytotoxicity of rolled Zn–Li–Ag alloy

“…The corrosion rate of zinc is appropriate, but the mechanical properties of cast pure Zn are poor, and the tensile strength is less than 20 MPa, which is far lower than the biomedical standards [6]. The mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of pure zinc can be improved through alloying and plastic deformation to meet the requirements of medical implantable materials [7].…”