Recent advancements in biodegradable Zn-Li alloys have demonstrated exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility, making them ideal candidates for vascular stents. A study published in *Nature Materials* revealed that Zn-0.8Li alloys exhibit a tensile strength of 350 MPa and an elongation of 25%, surpassing traditional Mg-based alloys. The degradation rate of these alloys in simulated body fluid (SBF) was measured at 0.15 mm/year, ensuring adequate support during the critical healing period while avoiding long-term complications. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays showed >95% cell viability, confirming their safety for endothelial cells. These properties address the limitations of existing materials, such as rapid degradation in Mg alloys and insufficient mechanical strength in pure Zn.
The corrosion behavior of Zn-Li alloys has been extensively studied to optimize their performance in physiological environments. Research in *Science Advances* demonstrated that the addition of 0.5-1.0 wt.% Li significantly enhances corrosion resistance by forming a stable Li2Zn3 passive layer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed a corrosion current density (icorr) of 1.2 µA/cm², which is 40% lower than pure Zn. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of ZnO and Li2O on the alloy surface, contributing to its protective nature. These findings underscore the potential of Zn-Li alloys to maintain structural integrity while gradually degrading in vivo.
In vivo studies have provided compelling evidence for the clinical applicability of Zn-Li stents. A trial published in *Biomaterials* reported that Zn-0.8Li stents implanted in rabbit arteries exhibited complete endothelialization within 28 days, with no signs of inflammation or thrombosis. Histological analysis revealed a neointimal thickness of 80 µm, significantly lower than the 120 µm observed with stainless steel stents. Moreover, the stents degraded uniformly over 12 months, leaving no residual fragments or adverse effects on surrounding tissues. These results highlight the alloy’s ability to promote vascular healing while minimizing long-term risks.
Surface modification techniques have further enhanced the performance of Zn-Li stents by improving endothelial cell adhesion and reducing platelet activation. A study in *Advanced Functional Materials* introduced a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on Zn-0.8Li alloys, resulting in a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.8 µm and a contact angle of 45°. This coating increased endothelial cell proliferation by 30% compared to uncoated samples and reduced platelet adhesion by 50%. The modified surface also exhibited a slower degradation rate (0.10 mm/year), extending the stent’s functional lifespan while maintaining biocompatibility.
Future research directions focus on tailoring the alloy composition and processing methods to achieve site-specific degradation rates and mechanical properties for diverse clinical applications. Recent work in *Acta Biomaterialia* explored the use of hot extrusion to refine grain size to <5 µm, enhancing both strength (400 MPa) and ductility (30%). Computational modeling predicted that adjusting Li content between 0.5-1.2 wt.% could optimize degradation profiles for different vascular regions, such as coronary vs peripheral arteries. These innovations promise to expand the utility of biodegradable Zn-Li stents across cardiovascular interventions.
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