Characterization, Mechanical Property, Degradation Behavior, and Osteogenic Activity of Zn-Mn Alloy Foam Prepared by Electrodeposition

Zinc (Zn)-based materials show broad application prospects for bone repair due to their biodegradability and good biocompatibility. In particular, Zn metal foam has unique interconnected pore structure that facilitates inward growth of new bone tissue, making it ideal candidates for orthopedic implants. However, pure Zn metal foam shows poor mechanical property, high degradation rate, and unsatisfactory osteogenic activity. Herein, Zinc-manganese (Zn-Mn) alloy foams were electrodeposited in Zn and Mn-containing electrolytes to overcome the concerns. The results showed that Mn could be incorporated into the foams in the form of MnZn₁₃. Zn-Mn alloy foams showed better mechanical property and osteogenic activity as well as moderate degradation rate when compared with pure Zn metal foam. In addition, these properties could also be regulated by preparation process. The peak stress and osteogenic activity increased with deposition current (0.3‒0.5 A) and electrolyte pH (3‒5), but decreased with electrolyte temperature (20‒40 °C), while the degradation rate exhibited opposite tendency, which suggests high deposition current and electrolyte pH and low electrolyte temperature can fabricate Zn-Mn alloy foam with favorable mechanical property, moderate degradation rate, and osteogenic activity. These findings provide a valuable reference for the design and fabrication of novel Zn-based biodegradable materials.