Fabrication and characterization of biodegradable zinc matrix composites reinforced by uniformly dispersed beta-tricalcium phosphate via graphene oxide-assisted hetero-agglomeration

Fabrication and performance of Zinc-based biodegradable metals: From conventional processes to laser powder bed fusion

Zinc (Zn)-based biodegradable metals (BMs) fabricated through conventional manufacturing methods exhibit adequate mechanical strength, moderate degradation behavior, acceptable biocompatibility, and bioactive functions. Consequently, they are recognized as a new generation of bioactive metals and show promise in several applications. However, conventional manufacturing processes face formidable limitations for the fabrication of customized implants, such as porous scaffolds for tissue engineering, which are future direction towards precise medicine. As a metal additive manufacturing technology, laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has the advantages of design freedom and formation precision by using fine powder particles to reliably fabricate metallic implants with customized structures according to patient-specific needs. The combination of Zn-based BMs and L-PBF has become a prominent research focus in the fields of biomaterials as well as biofabrication. Substantial progresses have been made in this interdisciplinary field recently. This work reviewed the current research status of Zn-based BMs manufactured by L-PBF, covering critical issues including powder particles, structure design, processing optimization, chemical compositions, surface modification, microstructure, mechanical properties, degradation behaviors, biocompatibility, and bioactive functions, and meanwhile clarified the influence mechanism of powder particle composition, structure design, and surface modification on the biodegradable performance of L-PBF Zn-based BM implants. Eventually, it was closed with the future perspectives of L-PBF of Zn-based BMs, putting forward based on state-of-the-art development and practical clinical needs.

Zinc-based biomaterials for bone repair and regeneration: mechanism and applications

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important trace elements in the human body and plays a key role in various physiological processes, especially in bone metabolism. Zn-containing materials have been reported to enhance bone repair through promoting cell proliferation, osteogenic activity, angiogenesis, and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Therefore, Zn-based biomaterials are potential substitutes for traditional bone grafts. In this review, the specific mechanisms of bone formation promotion by Zn-based biomaterials were discussed, and recent developments in their application in bone tissue engineering were summarized. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives of Zn-based biomaterials were concluded, revealing their attractive potential and development directions in the future.

A Comprehensive Review of the Current Research Status of Biodegradable Zinc Alloys and Composites for Biomedical Applications

Zinc (Zn)-based biodegradable materials show moderate degradation rates in comparison with other biodegradable materials (Fe and Mg). Biocompatibility and non-toxicity also make them a viable option for implant applications. Furthermore, Pure Zn has poor mechanical behavior, with a tensile strength of around 100-150 MPa and an elongation of 0.3-2%, which is far from reaching the strength required as an orthopedic implant material (tensile strength is more than 300 MPa, elongation more than 15%). Alloy and composite fabrication have proven to be excellent ways to improve the mechanical performance of Zn. Therefore, their alloys and composites have emerged as an innovative category of biodegradable materials. This paper summarizes the most important recent research results on the mechanical and biological characteristics of biodegradable Zn-based implants for orthopedic applications and the most commonly added components in Zn alloys and composites.