Design and characterization of magnesium, manganese, and calcium alloyed zinc alloys for enhanced bone repair applications

Biodegradable zinc-based alloys have emerged as promising candidates for bone repair because they combine biodegradability, biocompatibility, and osteogenic properties. Nevertheless, their relatively limited mechanical strength and excessively rapid degradation behavior remain major challenges for load-bearing applications. In this study, three novel zinc-based alloys, namely Zn-0.1Mg, Zn-0.1Mg-0.1Mn, and Zn-0.1Mg-0.1Mn-0.1Ca, were designed to improve both mechanical performance and bioactivity for bone repair applications. The incorporation of magnesium, manganese, and calcium markedly promoted grain refinement, increased dislocation density, and strengthened the alloys, while simultaneously regulating the corrosion rate to achieve appropriate degradation. In addition, the synergistic release of metal ions (Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Ca²⁺) facilitated osteogenic differentiation, thereby supporting bone matrix formation and mineralization. Comprehensive characterization, including microstructural analysis, mechanical testing, corrosion studies, and biological evaluations, confirmed the potential of these alloys as effective materials for bone regeneration. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive strategy for the development of advanced zinc-based alloys with tailored properties for orthopedic applications and underscores the critical contribution of alloying elements to enhanced material performance and osteoinductive activity.