The effect of surface modification of zinc-based biodegradable alloys on their biological and corrosion properties in medical implants: A review
Source abstract
Abstract
The clinical demand for temporary metallic implants that degrade safely in the body has led to growing interest in zinc-based biodegradable alloys. Zinc possesses a moderate degradation rate and favorable biocompatibility; however, its intrinsic mechanical weakness and uncontrolled Zn2+ ion release compromise its effectiveness as a standalone biomaterial. This review critically explores the limitations of pure zinc and evaluates advanced strategies developed to enhance its performance. Alloying with elements such as Mg, Sr, Cu, and Ti has significantly improved its mechanical integrity, while surface modification techniques—such as anodization to produce nanotubes and plasma treatments—have been shown to regulate its degradation and support cellular interactions. This review emphasizes the synergistic role of alloy design and surface engineering in reducing cytotoxicity and promoting osteointegration. Furthermore, the integration of drug delivery systems into surface structures adds multifunctionality, opening pathways for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pro-regenerative implant functions. These findings provide a roadmap for the rational development of next-generation zinc-based biomaterials suitable for clinical translation.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials · Magnesium Alloys: Properties and Applications · Titanium Alloys Microstructure and Properties
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Biomedical Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University 1 , Tehran,
Department of Materials Engineering, Sav.C., Islamic Azad University 2 , Saveh,
References (69)
Show source-provided references
1. Orthopedic implants and devices for bone fractures and defects: Past, present and perspective10.1016/j.engreg.2020.05.003 ↗
2. Bioactive calcium phosphate materials and applications in bone regeneration10.1186/s40824-018-0149-3 ↗
3. Mg bone implant: Features, developments and perspectives10.1016/j.matdes.2019.108259 ↗
4. Micro-/nanotopography on bioresorbable zinc dictates cytocompatibility, bone cell differentiation, and macrophage polarization10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c01448 ↗
5. Bone grafts and biomaterials substitutes for bone defect repair: A review10.1016/j.bioactmat.2017.05.007 ↗
6. 2018 · 135
7. Review of bone graft and bone substitutes with an emphasis on fracture surgeries10.1186/s40824-019-0157-y ↗
8. Biomaterials for bone tissue engineering scaffolds: A review10.1039/c9ra05214c ↗
9. Metallic biomaterials: Current challenges and opportunities10.3390/ma10080884 ↗
10. Opportunities and challenges for the biodegradable magnesium alloys as next-generation biomaterials10.1093/rb/rbw003 ↗
11. Biodegradable metals for bone fracture repair in animal models: A systematic review10.1093/rb/rbaa047 ↗
12. The influence of alloying and fabrication techniques on the mechanical properties, biodegradability and biocompatibility of zinc: A comprehensive review10.1016/j.actbio.2019.01.035 ↗
13. Biodegradable magnesium-based implants in orthopedics—A general review and perspectives10.1002/advs.201902443 ↗
14. Fabrication and evaluation of bioresorbable scaffolds for interventional cardiology application with sufficient drug release10.22038/IJBMS.2022.62759.13889 ↗
15. Biodegradable metals as biomaterials for clinical practice: Iron-based materials10.1007/978-3-319-68025-5_9 ↗
16. A novel approach to temporary stenting: Degradable cardiovascular stents produced from corrodible metal-results 6–18 months after implantation into New Zealand white rabbits10.1136/heart.86.5.563 ↗
17. In vivo biological safety evaluation of an iron-based bioresorbable drug-eluting stent10.1007/s10534-020-00244-2 ↗
18. Development of a novel biodegradable porous iron-based implant for bone replacement10.1038/s41598-020-66289-y ↗
19. The effect of the third element on corrosion behavior and phase structure of Fe35Mn alloy fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS)
20. Anodic growth of hierarchically structured nanotubular ZnO architectures on zinc surfaces using a sulfide based electrolyte10.1016/j.elecom.2013.04.020 ↗
21. Controlled degradability of PCL-ZnO nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and their antibacterial activity10.1016/j.msec.2018.08.009 ↗
22. Amphiphilic TiO2 nanotube arrays: An actively controllable drug delivery system10.1021/ja810130h ↗
23. TiO2 nanotubes, nanochannels and mesosponge: Self-organized formation and applications10.1016/j.nantod.2013.04.010 ↗
24. Li · 2020
25. Biodegradable metals for cardiovascular stents: From clinical concerns to recent Zn-alloys10.1002/adhm.201501019 ↗
26. Recent research and progress of biodegradable zinc alloys and composites for biomedical applications: Biomechanical and biocorrosion perspectives10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.09.013 ↗
27. Mechanical alloying and fabrication of Zn–4Mn fragments produced by SPS method for using in short-term implants
28. Enhanced corrosion resistance via phosphate conversion coating on pure Zn for medical applications10.1016/j.corsci.2020.108602 ↗
29. Cellular responses of osteoblast-like cells to 17 elemental metals10.1002/jbm.a.35895 ↗
30. In-vitro evaluation of Zn–42Mg–4Ca alloy fabricated by powder metallurgy as a biodegradable biomaterial10.37118/ijdr.20924.01.2021 ↗
31. Zinc alloys as prospective materials for biodegradable medical devices10.21062/mft.2020.113 ↗
32. Biodegradable Zn–Cu alloys show antibacterial activity against MRSA bone infection by inhibiting pathogen adhesion and biofilm formation10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.041 ↗
33. Appropriately adapted properties of hot-extruded Zn–0.5Cu–xFe alloys aimed for biodegradable guided bone regeneration membrane application10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.09.019 ↗
34. The effect of Zr addition on microstructures and hardness properties of Zn–Zr alloys for biodegradable orthopaedic implant applications10.1088/1757-899x/833/1/012065 ↗
35. Microstructure, mechanical properties and creep behaviour of extruded Zn–xLi (x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4) alloys for biodegradable vascular stent applications10.1016/j.msea.2020.139082 ↗
36. Z. Yin , “Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Zn–Ti alloys for biodegradable stent applications,” M.S. thesis (Michigan Technological University, 2017).10.37099/mtu.dc.etdr/553
37. Binary Zn–Ti alloys for orthopedic applications: Corrosion and degradation behaviors, friction and wear performance, and cytotoxicity10.1016/j.jmst.2020.10.031 ↗
38. In vivo study of the efficacy, biosafety, and degradation of a zinc alloy osteosynthesis system10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.001 ↗
39. Novel zinc alloys for biodegradable surgical staples10.12998/wjcc.v8.i3.504 ↗
40. Preclinical in vivo evaluation and screening of zinc-based degradable metals for endovascular stents10.1007/s11837-019-03371-5 ↗
41. In vitro and in vivo testing of zinc as a biodegradable material for stents fabricated by photo-chemical etching10.3390/app9214503 ↗
42. Analysis of vascular inflammation against bioresorbable Zn–Ag–based alloys10.1021/acsabm.0c00740 ↗
43. Alloying design of biodegradable zinc as promising bone implants for load-bearing applications10.1038/s41467-019-14153-7 ↗
44. In vitro and in vivo studies on zinc-hydroxyapatite composites as novel biodegradable metal matrix composite for orthopedic applications10.1016/j.actbio.2018.03.007 ↗
45. Evaluation of wrought Zn–Al alloys (1, 3, and 5 wt.% Al) through mechanical and in vivo testing for stent applications10.1002/jbm.b.33850 ↗
46. Evolution of the degradation mechanism of pure zinc stent in the one-year study of rabbit abdominal aorta model10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.08.022 ↗
47. Inorganic micro-and nanostructured implants for tissue engineering10.1016/B978-0-323-42862-0.00009-2 ↗
48. A biomimetic zinc alloy scaffold coated with brushite for enhanced cranial bone regeneration10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01895 ↗
49. Enhanced cytocompatibility and antibacterial property of zinc phosphate coating on biodegradable zinc materials10.1016/j.actbio.2019.03.055 ↗
50. Eco-friendly indigo carmine-loaded chitosan coatings for improved anti-corrosion protection of zinc substrates10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.03.077 ↗
51. Preparation of superhydrophobic coatings on zinc as effective corrosion barriers10.1021/am900100q ↗
52. Anodization of magnesium (Mg) alloys to improve corrosion resistance10.1533/9780857098962.2.197 ↗
53. The effect of nanotubes on the shape memory alloy surface and biological properties of nickel-titanium (nitinol) in orthopaedic implants (A review paper)10.22034/ijos.2022.318568.1015 ↗
54. Fabrication of ZnO nanotube layer on Zn and evaluation of corrosion behavior and bioactivity in view of biodegradable applications10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.07.165 ↗
55. Hierarchical ZnO nanotube/graphene oxide nanostructures endow pure Zn implant with synergistic bactericidal activity and osteogenicity10.1021/acs.iecr.9b02986 ↗
56. Model of anodized layers formation in Zn–Al (Zamak) aiming to corrosion resistance10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.03.027 ↗
57. Controllable biodegradation and enhanced osseointegration of ZrO2-nanofilm coated Zn–Li alloy: In vitro and in vivo studies10.1016/j.actbio.2020.01.022 ↗
58. In-vitro corrosion and bioactivity behavior of tailored calcium phosphate-containing zinc oxide coating prepared by plasma electrolytic oxidation10.1016/j.corsci.2020.108781 ↗
59. Development and in vitro biodegradation of biomimetic zwitterionic phosphorylcholine chitosan coating on Zn1Mg alloy10.1021/acsami.0c16662 ↗
60. In vitro and in vivo studies on biodegradable Zn porous scaffolds with a drug-loaded coating for the treatment of infected bone defect10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100885 ↗
61. Cellular level biocompatibility and biosafety of ZnO nanowires10.1021/jp808878p ↗
62. A strategy for ZnO nanorod mediated multi-mode cancer treatment10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.11.027 ↗
63. Electrically responsive ZnO nanotubes for controlled release of biomolecules10.1016/j.ceramint.2017.05.299 ↗
64. Electrophoretic deposition of gentamicin-loaded ZnHNTs-chitosan on titanium10.3390/coatings10100944 ↗
65. Zinc-based alloys for degradable vascular stent applications10.1016/j.actbio.2018.03.005 ↗
66. Characterization of nanostructured biodegradable Zn–Mn alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.11.155 ↗
67. The prospects of zinc as a structural material for biodegradable implants—A review paper10.3390/met7100402 ↗
68. Mechanical and corrosion properties of newly developed biodegradable Zn-based alloys for bone fixation10.1016/j.actbio.2011.05.008 ↗
69. Novel Zn-based alloys for biodegradable stent applications: Design, development and in vitro degradation10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.03.018 ↗