Improved biodegradation resistance by grain refinement of novel antibacterial ZK30-Cu alloys produced via selective laser melting

Cu-containing Mg alloys are a novel type of antibacterial biomaterial based on biodegradation of Mg and antibacterial functions of Cu. However, fast degradation limits their clinical application. For the first time, this work utilizes the synergistic effects of biodegradation of ZK30, antibacterial function of Cu and grain refinement by selective laser melting (SLM) to prepare high-performance antibacterial ZK30-Cu alloys. The obtained alloys have an improved biodegradation resistance, which is attributed to remarkable grain refinement by SLM. Furthermore, the alloys exhibit good antibacterial ability and cytocompatibility.