MAGNESIUM ALLOYS FOR BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANTS: INNOVATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i9s.2026.8001Keywords:
Magnesium Alloy, Biomaterials, Mechanical Properties, Corrosion, BiodegradabilityAbstract [English]
Magnesium (Mg)and its alloys are broadly utilized forbiomedical applications owing to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and potential to avoid the need for secondary surgeries. However, the rapid and non-uniform degradation of Mg alloys in physiological environments remains a challenge, hindering their clinical adoption. Present work examinesadvancements in the development, surface modification, and performance optimization of Mg-based alloys for biomedical applications. The work discusses the effect of synthesis methods and surface treatments on the characteristics of corrosion and mechanical behaviour and biocompatibility of Mg alloys. Additionally, the review highlights the ongoing challenges in controlling the degradation rate of Mg alloys and proposes future research directions aimed at achieving a balance between biodegradability and mechanical stability. These comprehensive analyses of the current state of Mg-based biomaterials offer insights into their potential for next-generation implant technologies and bring out the need for continued innovation to reduce the existing limitations.
References
Agarwal, R., and Garcia, A. J. (2015). Biomaterial Strategies for Engineering Implants for Enhanced Osseointegration and Bone Repair. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 94, 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.013
Agarwal, S., Curtin, J., Duffy, B., and Jaiswal, S. (2016). Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys for Orthopaedic Applications: A Review on Corrosion, Biocompatibility and Surface Modifications. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 68, 948–963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2016.06.020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2016.06.020
Aikin, M., Shalomeev, V., Kukhar, V., Kostryzhev, A., Kuziev, I., Kulynych, V., Dykha, O., Dytyniuk, V., Shapoval, O., Zagorskis, A., Burko, V., Khliestova, O., Titov, V., and Hrushko, O. (2025). Recent Advances in Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys for Medical Implants: Evolution, Innovations, and Clinical Translation. Crystals, 15(8), 671. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080671 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080671
Akbarzadeh, F. Z., Sarraf, M., Ghomi, E. R., Kumar, V. V., Salehi, M., Ramakrishna, S., and Bae, S. (2024). A State-of-the-Art Review on Recent Advances in the Fabrication and Characteristics of Magnesium-Based Alloys in Biomedical Applications. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 12(7), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.06.015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.06.015
Ankit, V. K., Mishra, A., Mohan, S., Singh, K. K., and Mohan, A. (2020). The Effect of Titanium Carbide Particles on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Copper/Graphite Composites Prepared by Flake Powder Metallurgy Route. Materials Today: Proceedings, 26(2), 1140–1144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.02.228 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.02.228
Asghari-Rad, P., Sathiyamoorthi, P., Nguyen, N., Zargaran, A., Kim, T. S., and Kim, H. (2021). A Powder-Metallurgy-Based Fabrication Route Towards Achieving High Tensile Strength with Ultra-High Ductility in High-Entropy Alloy. Scripta Materialia, 190, 69–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2020.08.038 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2020.08.038
Bairagi, D., and Mandal, S. (2022). A Comprehensive Review on Biocompatible Mg-Based Alloys as Temporary Orthopaedic Implants: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 10(3), 627–669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.09.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.09.005
Chávez-Vásconez, R., Auger-Solís, D., Pérez-Soriano, E. M., Arévalo, C., Montealegre, I., Valencia-Valderrama, J., Reyes-Valenzuela, M., Parra, C., Segura-del Río, R., Torres, Y., and Lascano, S. (2024). Integration of Space-Holder Technique and Spark Plasma Sintering: An Innovative Approach for Crafting Radially Graded Porosity Implants. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 118, 228–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2024.03.056 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2024.03.056
Chen, H., Yang, Y., Hu, F., Liu, X., Kong, F., Cui, X., Xie, W., Wei, G., Yang, Y., Peng, X., and Huang, Y. (2023). Improvement of Severe Plastic Deformation Realized by Several Passes Rotary Swaging in the Microstructure and Properties of Mg-0.6Mn-0.5Al-0.5Zn-0.4Ca alloy. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 865, 144629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2023.144629 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2023.144629
Chen, Y., Xu, Z., Smith, C., and Sankar, J. (2014). Recent Advances on the Development of Magnesium Alloys for Biodegradable Implants. Acta Biomaterialia, 10(11), 4561–4573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2014.07.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2014.07.005
Davoodi, E., Montazerian, H., Mirhakimi, A. S., Zhianmanesh, M., Ibhadode, O., Shahabad, S. I., Esmaeilizadeh, R., Sarikhani, E., Toorandaz, S., Sarabi, S. A., Nasiri, R., Zhu, Y., Kadkhodapour, J., Li, B., Khademhosseini, A., and Toyserkani, E. (2022). Additively Manufactured Metallic Biomaterials. Bioactive Materials, 15, 214–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.027 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.027
Imre, B., and Pukánszky, B. (2013). Compatibilization in Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymer Blends. European Polymer Journal, 49(6), 1215–1233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.01.019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.01.019
Jaiswal, S., Dubey, A., and Lahiri, D. (2019). In Vitro Biodegradation and Biocompatibility of Mg-HA-Based Composites for Orthopaedic Applications: A Review. Journal of the Indian Institute of Science, 99(2), 303–327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41745-019-00124-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41745-019-00124-w
Javaid, A., and Czerwinski, F. (2020). Progress in Twin Roll Casting of Magnesium Alloys: A Review. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 9(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2020.10.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2020.10.003
Jiang, P., Blawert, C., and Zheludkevich, M. L. (2020). The Corrosion Performance and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Zn Based Alloys—A Review. Corrosion and Materials Degradation, 1(1), 92–158. https://doi.org/10.3390/cmd1010007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cmd1010007
Kalva, S. N., Ali, F., and Koç, M. (2024). Recent Advances in the Post-Processing of Magnesium-Based Scaffolds for Orthopedic Applications. Next Materials, 6, 100295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nxmate.2024.100295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nxmate.2024.100295
Kumar, V., Mishra, A., Mohan, S., and Mohan, A. (2019). Fabrication of Stir Cast ZA/ZrB2 Reinforced in-situ Composites. Materials Research Express, 6(12), 126555. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab53f2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ab53f2
Kumar, V., Kushwaha, S., Ankit, Sharma, A., and Gautam, G. (2024). Microstructural and Mechanical Analysis of Heat-Treated Zn-Al Alloy and Zn-Al/ZrB2 Composites. Materials Letters, 366, 136573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136573 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136573
Kumar, V., Gautam, G., Ankit, Mohan, A., and Mohan, S. (2023). Correlating Surface Topography of Relaxed Layer of ZA/ZrB2 in Situ Composites to Wear and Friction. Surface Topography: Metrology and Properties, 11(2), 025012. https://doi.org/10.1088/2051-672X/acc881 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/2051-672X/acc881
Li, S., Yan, P., Fan, L., Chen, S., Jiao, L., and Wang, X. (2023). Effect of Cryogenic Machining-Strengthening Process on Enhanced Surface Integrity and Fatigue Properties of ZK61M Magnesium Alloy. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 92, 297–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2023.02.065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2023.02.065
Liao, J., Zhang, J., Li, J., Zeng, Y., Dai, Y., Xiao, T., Xia, Y., Li, Y., Li, D., Zhang, D., and Wen, C. (2024). A Hydrogel Containing Mg2+ with Improved Osteogenesis, Enhanced Endochondral Ossification, and Modulated Inflammation for Bone-Repair Applications. Chemical Engineering Journal, 493, 152762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.152762 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.152762
Niu, W., Bai, C., Qiu, G., and Wang, Q. (2009). Processing and Properties of Porous Titanium Using Space Holder Technique. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 506(1–2), 148–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2008.11.022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2008.11.022
Prasad, S. V. S., Prasad, S. B., Verma, K., Mishra, R. K., Kumar, V., and Singh, S. (2022). The Role and Significance of Magnesium in Modern Day Research—A Review. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 10(1), 1–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.05.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.05.012
Prasadh, S., Raguraman, S., Wong, R., and Gupta, M. (2022). Current Status and Outlook of Temporary Implants (magnesium/zinc) in Cardiovascular Applications. Metals, 12(6), 999. https://doi.org/10.3390/met12060999 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/met12060999
Raabe, D. (2023). The Materials Science Behind Sustainable Metals and Alloys. Chemical Reviews, 123(5), 2436–2608. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00799 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00799
Rajendran, R., and Sreekanth, D. (2017). Insight of Magnesium Alloys and Composites for Orthopedic Implant Applications—A Review. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 5(3), 286–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2017.08.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2017.08.003
Samir, S. A., Ashour, F. H., Hakim, A. A., and Bassyouni, M. (2022). Recent Advances in Biodegradable Polymers for Sustainable Applications. NPJ Materials Degradation, 6(1), 68. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00277-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00277-7
Sekar, P., and Panigrahi, S. K. (2024). Understanding the Corrosion and Bio-Corrosion Behaviour of Magnesium Composites—A Critical Review. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 12(3), 890–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.02.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.02.014
Sezer, N., Evis, Z., Kayhan, S. M., Tahmasebifar, A., and Koç, M. (2018). Review of Magnesium-Based Biomaterials and their Applications. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 6(1), 23–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2018.02.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2018.02.003
Shanmugavadivu, A., Lekhavadhani, S., Babu, S., Suresh, N., and Selvamurugan, N. (2024). Magnesium-Incorporated Biocomposite Scaffolds: A Novel Frontier in Bone Tissue Engineering. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 12(6), 2231–2248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.06.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.06.001
Sharma, S. K., Gajević, S., Sharma, L. K., Pradhan, R., Miladinović, S., Ašonja, A., and Stojanović, B. (2024). Magnesium-Titanium Alloys: A Promising Solution for Biodegradable Biomedical Implants. Materials, 17(21), 5157. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215157 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215157
Sasa, K., Ali, W., Tushar, M., Pañeda, M., and Llorca, J. (2025). Impact of pH and Chloride Content on the Biodegradation of Magnesium Alloys for Medical Implants: An in Vitro and Phase-Field Study. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2503.15700
Tan, J., and Ramakrishna, S. (2021). Applications of Magnesium and its Alloys: A Review. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 6861. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156861 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156861
Thomas, K. K., Zafar, M. N., Pitt, W. G., and Husseini, G. A. (2024). Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Implants: Properties, Challenges, and Surface Modifications with a Focus on Orthopedic Fixation Repair. Applied Sciences, 14(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010010
Trzepieciński, T., Dell’Isola, F., and Lemu, H. G. (2021). Multiphysics Modeling and Numerical Simulation in Computer-Aided Manufacturing Processes. Metals, 11(1), 175. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11010175 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/met11010175
Tsakiris, V., Tardei, C., and Clicinschi, F. M. (2021). Biodegradable Mg Alloys for Orthopedic Implants—A Review. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 9(6), 1884–1905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.06.024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.06.024
Verma, P. K., Singh, S., Kapoor, M., and Singh, S. (2024). A Review on the Surface Topography and Corrosion Behavior of Mg-Alloy Coatings for Biomedical Implants. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 15, 100227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsurfi.2024.100227 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsurfi.2024.100227
Wolff, M., Ebel, T., and Dahms, M. (2010). Sintering of Magnesium. Advanced Engineering Materials, 12(7), 671–676. https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.201000038 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.201000038
Wu, J., Cheng, X., Wu, J., Chen, J., and Pei, X. (2023). The Development of Magnesium-Based Biomaterials in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 112(5), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.35326 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.35326
Xie, J., Zhang, J., You, Z., Liu, S., Guan, K., Wu,R., Wang, J., and Feng, J. (2021). Towards Developing Mg Alloys with Simultaneously Improved Strength and Corrosion Resistance via RE Alloying. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 9(1), 41–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2020.08.016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2020.08.016
Xing, F., Li, S., Yin, D., Xie, J., Rommens, P. M., Xiang, Z., Liu, M., and Ritz, U. (2022). Recent Progress in Mg-Based Alloys as Novel Bioabsorbable Biomaterials for Orthopedic Applications. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 10(6), 1428–1456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2022.02.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2022.02.013
Xu, L., Liu, X., Sun, K., Fu, R., and Wang, G. (2022). Corrosion Behavior in Magnesium-Based Alloys for Biomedical Applications. Materials, 15(7), 2613. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15072613 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15072613
Zerankeshi, M. M., Alizadeh, R., Gerashi, E., Asadollahi, M., and Langdon, T. G. (2022). Effects of Heat Treatment on the Corrosion Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Mg Alloys. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 10(7), 1737–1785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2022.04.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2022.04.010
Zhou, H., Liang, B., Jiang, H., Deng, Z., and Yu, K. (2021). Magnesium-Based Biomaterials as Emerging Agents for Bone Repair and Regeneration: From Mechanism to Application. Journal of Magnesium and Alloys, 9(3), 779–804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.03.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2021.03.004
Zhou, Y., Zhang, A., Wu, J., Guo, S., and Sun, Q. (2024). Application and Perspectives: Magnesium Materials in Bone Regeneration. ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 10(6), 3514–3527. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01713 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01713
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayush Saxenaa, Vaibhav Trivedi, Ankur Goel

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author.
It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.






















