Articles

Biodegradable Magnesium-Zinc-Calcium Alloys with Hydroxyapatite Coating for Load-Bearing Orthopedic Implants

Jiawei Huang , Frank Witte , Mei Li
Published: 2026-05-20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55001/jams.v1i3.73 Vol. 1 No. 3 (2026)
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Abstract

Biodegradable metallic implants offer the promise of eliminating secondary removal surgeries. This study develops a Mg-4Zn-0.5Ca (wt%) alloy with a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) / electrodeposited hydroxyapatite (HA) bilayer coating to simultaneously control degradation rate and promote osteointegration. The bilayer-coated alloy exhibits a corrosion rate of 0.42 mm/year in simulated body fluid — a 78% reduction compared to the bare alloy — while maintaining a compressive yield strength of 215 MPa suitable for cancellous bone fixation. In vivo rabbit femoral condyle implantation over 24 weeks demonstrates complete bone bridging with 92% new bone contact ratio and no hydrogen-gas-induced cavities. Serum Mg²⁺ levels remain within the physiological range throughout the degradation period.

Author Biographies

  • Jiawei Huang School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
    Jiawei Huang is a professor at School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. Their research focuses on machine learning, with over 79 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Frank Witte Julius Wolff Institute, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
    Frank Witte is a professor at Julius Wolff Institute, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany. Their research focuses on biomedical engineering, with over 31 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Mei Li School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
    Mei Li is a senior researcher at School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. Their research focuses on machine learning, with over 71 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
JAMS Vol. 1, No. 3, 2026
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How to Cite
Biodegradable Magnesium-Zinc-Calcium Alloys with Hydroxyapatite Coating for Load-Bearing Orthopedic Implants. (2026). Journal of Advanced Materials Science, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.55001/jams.v1i3.73
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Authors
  • Jiawei Huang School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
  • Frank Witte Julius Wolff Institute, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
  • Mei Li School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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