Recent advancements in Mg-Zn alloy powders have demonstrated their exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them ideal candidates for biomedical implants. A study published in *Nature Materials* revealed that Mg-3Zn (wt%) alloy powders exhibited a corrosion rate of 0.25 mm/year in simulated body fluid (SBF), significantly lower than pure Mg (0.8 mm/year). This enhanced corrosion resistance is attributed to the formation of a stable Zn-rich oxide layer, which also promotes osteogenesis. In vitro tests showed a 35% increase in osteoblast proliferation compared to control groups, while in vivo studies in rat models demonstrated complete degradation within 12 weeks, with no adverse inflammatory responses. These findings underscore the potential of Mg-Zn alloys for bone fixation devices and scaffolds.
The mechanical properties of Mg-Zn alloy powders have been optimized through advanced powder metallurgy techniques, achieving tensile strengths of up to 280 MPa and elongation rates of 15%. A breakthrough study in *Science Advances* highlighted the use of high-energy ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) to produce ultrafine-grained Mg-5Zn (wt%) alloys with grain sizes below 500 nm. This nanostructuring not only enhanced mechanical strength but also improved fatigue resistance, with the alloy enduring over 10^6 cycles at a stress amplitude of 150 MPa. Such properties are critical for load-bearing applications like cardiovascular stents, where durability and flexibility are paramount.
Surface modification strategies have further expanded the functionality of Mg-Zn alloy powders for biomedical use. Research in *Advanced Functional Materials* demonstrated that coating Mg-4Zn (wt%) powders with polydopamine (PDA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) reduced the corrosion rate to 0.15 mm/year in SBF while enhancing bioactivity. The coated samples exhibited a 50% increase in apatite formation after 14 days, indicating superior osseointegration potential. Additionally, antibacterial tests showed a 99% reduction in *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus* colonies, attributed to the synergistic effects of Zn ions and PDA’s antimicrobial properties. These surface-engineered alloys are promising for infection-resistant orthopedic implants.
The integration of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with Mg-Zn alloy powders has revolutionized the fabrication of patient-specific implants. A study in *Additive Manufacturing* reported that selective laser melting (SLM) of Mg-6Zn (wt%) powders achieved densities exceeding 99% and compressive strengths of 320 MPa, comparable to cortical bone. The SLM process enabled precise control over pore size (200-500 µm) and porosity (30-70%), optimizing scaffold designs for vascularization and tissue ingrowth. In vivo experiments in rabbit models revealed complete bone regeneration within 8 weeks, with no signs of implant failure or toxicity. This highlights the transformative potential of AM-enabled Mg-Zn alloys in personalized medicine.
Emerging research has explored the therapeutic potential of Zn ions released from biodegradable Mg-Zn alloys for cancer treatment. A groundbreaking study in *Biomaterials* found that Mg-2Zn (wt%) powders induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells at Zn concentrations as low as 10 µM, while sparing healthy cells at concentrations up to 50 µM. The localized release of Zn ions from implantable devices reduced tumor volume by 60% in mouse models within 21 days, without systemic toxicity. This dual functionality—biodegradability and anticancer activity—positions Mg-Zn alloys as innovative materials for oncological applications.
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