Zinc-Based Biomaterials for Antimicrobial Therapy and Tissue Regeneration: Design, Mechanisms, and Biomedical Application

Zinc-based biomaterials represent a revolutionary advancement in the field of biodegradable metals for biomedical applications. Their primary use currently lies in orthopedics and dentistry, featuring innovative devices such as the Mg-Ca-Zn alloy screws, presenting a superior alternative to traditional titanium implants due to their biocompatibility, and zinc-based nanoparticles, demonstrating enhanced biodegradation and antibacterial properties tailored for treating dental caries. Zinc is vital for numerous biological functions, including immune response and cellular proliferation. Its high biocompatibility underscores its suitability for clinical use, and zinc alloying has demonstrated promise in promoting bone regenerating activity and exhibiting anti-tumour effects. Nevertheless, challenges like limited mechanical strength and the need for controlled degradation rates remain obstacles to its clinical translation. Designing a zinc-based biomaterial that provides a sustained release of ion sufficient to have antimicrobial effects without reaching cytotoxic thresholds is difficult. Hence, current research efforts focus on developing zinc-based alloys through techniques such hot extrusion and compositional modifications, aiming to enhance zinc’s in vivo performance and expand its biomedical utility.