Zinc-Based Degradable Implants

During the last two decades, increasing efforts have been made in the development of biocompatible and biodegradable metallic materials for load-bearing implant applications. So far, magnesium-, iron-, and zinc-based alloys have been proposed as biodegradable metals for medical applications. Over the last decade, extensive research works have been carried out on Mg and Fe. Fe-based alloys show appropriate mechanical properties, while their very low degradation rate is considered to result in reactions similar to those observed in permanent applications. On the other hand, alongside the insufficient mechanical performance, Mg degradation rate has proved to be too fast in physiological environment and rarely homogeneous. During the last few years, Zn has been introduced to the biomedical community as a potential material for bioabsorbable cardiovascular stents due to its prominent corrosion rate and controllable mechanical properties.