A Review of Additive Manufacturing of Biodegradable Fe and Zn Alloys for Medical Implants Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

1. Introduction

1.1. Context and Background

Biodegradable metals have been defined as “metals expected to corrode gradually in vivo, with an appropriate host response elicited by released corrosion products, and dissolve completely upon fulfilling their role to assist with tissue healing, leaving no implant residues” [1]. Therefore, biodegradable metals must be composed of essential metallic elements that can be metabolized by the human body while demonstrating appropriate degradation rates and modes [1].

Research on biodegradable metals has primarily focused on magnesium alloys, with several commercial devices already available [2,3]. However, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) have emerged as particularly promising alternatives for resorbable implants due to their unique combination of mechanical properties, corrosion rates, and biological functions. Both Fe and Zn are essential elements involved in physiological processes, enhancing their suitability for medical applications such as cardiovascular stents, bone fracture fixation, and bone defect scaffolds. Table 1 presents the average amount present in the human body, blood serum levels, and daily allowances of Fe, Zn and Mg, along with their mechanical properties and in vitro corrosion rates. Their ability to degrade in biological conditions, along with favorable mechanical properties, makes Fe and Zn promising candidates for biodegradable medical devices used in cardiovascular treatments, bone fractures, and bone defect repairs [4,5]. Fe´s high modulus and strength make it ideal for applications requiring load-bearing properties, while Zn´s intermediate corrosion rate and biocompatibility offer significant advantages in vascular and bone healing contexts.

Bioresorbable metals hold significant potential for enhancing the properties of current permanent implants and resolving their long-term complications. Applications of such metals include cardiovascular stents, internal fracture fixation implants, and scaffolds for bone defect regeneration.

For cardiovascular stents (Figure 1a), which support the inner walls of blood vessels to treat obstructions, the need for a permanent implant is unnecessary as the support function is required for only about six months. Permanent stents can cause complications like late-stage thrombosis and chronic inflammatory reactions [6,7]. By contrast, resorbable stents can degrade after serving their purpose, thus avoiding long-term complications. These biodegradable stents must maintain radial force during the healing process, typically between 23 kPa and 40 kPa [8]. Furthermore, the degradation must be uniform and complete, without accumulating corrosion products or triggering cytotoxic effects [9].

For internal fracture fixation (Figure 1b), resorbable implants offer an alternative to permanent devices, which often require removal due to long-term issues like hypersensitivity, chemical carcinogenesis, and stress-shielding [4,10,11]. Resorbable osteosynthesis devices eliminate the need for removal surgeries while maintaining stability during bone healing. The degradation of such devices must be predictable and synchronized with the healing process to avoid adverse reactions [4].

Bone defect restoration (Figure 1c) also benefits from resorbable implants, as bone grafting with permanent materials may impede full regeneration [5]. In this context, bioresorbable metals-based scaffolds can provide the necessary mechanical strength and biocompatibility to support osteoconduction and bone healing without causing long-term issues associated with inert materials [12].

Fe-based materials have shown promise, especially for stents, given their high modulus, strength, and ductility, which make them suitable for wire fabrication. Nevertheless, Fe-based implants are still in the animal testing stage [16]. Zn, on the other hand, has attracted attention due to its corrosion rate, which lies between Fe and Mg, making it suitable for cardiovascular and bone applications. While Zn shows great promise, further in vivo studies are necessary for both Fe and Zn to progress to clinical trials [16].

A critical factor influencing the performance of biodegradable implants is the microstructure, which is dictated by both the alloy composition and manufacturing processes. Conventional manufacturing techniques for metallic implants such as casting, machining and powder metallurgy [13,17], often fall short in producing patient-specific designs or intricate geometries required for personalized medicine. Additive Manufacturing (AM) addresses these limitations by enabling the fabrication of complex, patient-specific geometries with high precision and cost efficiency [18].

AM is a group of techniques which consists in the fabrication layer by layer of tridimensional parts from a previous design [19]. This kind of manufacturing allows the obtaining of complex pieces without an increment in the costs [18], which is not possible for most of the conventional processing techniques [20]. Moreover, AM can lead to near net shape parts without the needing of molds and waste of material [21], which also prevents the increments in costs. These advantages are important for the fabrication of personalized products, which is relevant for the biomedical sector [22]. AM, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), is already widely used in the medical industry to produce implants from bioinert materials like titanium, stainless steel, and CoCr alloys [17,23,24]. AM makes possible the fabrication of stents that fit the curvatures and sizes of blood vessels, screws and plates that are conformed to the bone contour of the patient or scaffolds with complex geometrical design that mimic the structure of bone [13,17].

Applying AM to biodegradable metals introduces new challenges, particularly in controlling the microstructure and ensuring the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior meet clinical requirements. This review focuses on the advancements in AM, with a particular emphasis on LPBF, for processing Fe and Zn biodegradable alloys. It explores how LPBF can optimize the microstructure, mechanical performance and corrosion behavior of these materials to meet clinical requirements. The review also examines the biocompatibility of Fe and Zn alloys in both in vitro and in vivo settings, aiming to advance their development as next-generation bioresorbable implants for medical applications.

1.2. PRISMA

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was adopted for this study. The methodology consists of four systematic steps: (i) identification; (ii) screening; (iii) eligibility; and (iv) qualitative synthesis. These steps are summarized in Figure 2. Based on PRISMA guidelines, the identification process in this study focused on publications (articles, proceedings and reviews) from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. The final search was performed in September 2024, with the time frame set to include publications up to March 2024. Since the technologies under investigation are relatively recent, no initial time constraint was set.

In both queries, the search string included the following search terms and Boolean operators: (Fe OR Zn OR Iron OR Zinc) AND (Additive Manufacturing or SLM or LPBF) AND (Biomaterial). The results obtained were 214 for the WoS and 81 from Scopus, with 28 duplicates. An initial screening was then conducted, removing non-relevant articles. Articles that focused on theoretical mechanical evaluations, oxides, chemical compounds of the metals, or were not related to biomaterials were excluded from the dataset.

This was followed by a second screening process, which involved a more detailed analysis of the abstracts (225 remaining articles). The articles were then categorized based on their primary subject. The final dataset contained 94 documents, which were then used to synthesize this review.

1.3. Additive Manufacturing – Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Powder Bed Fusion techniques involve the deposition of a layer of powder, which is spread across a powder bed and subsequently melted or sintered using a laser or an electron beam [26]. This family of processes is the most complex among additive manufacturing techniques due to the large number of manufacturing parameters, the advanced technology of the printer, and the overall complexity of the manufacturing process.

With this technology, it is possible to print parts with complex geometries, but at much slower speeds compared to other additive manufacturing processes, such as Direct Energy Deposition (DED). The Powder Bed Fusion family includes techniques such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) [27,28] or Electron Beam Melting (EBM) [29], which differ from each other based on the energy source used to process the metal powder or the effect they have on it.

Regarding the use of LPBF in medical devices, this technique has been applied to several inert metals for the fabrication of biomaterials (e.g., Ti6Al4V, 316L stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, etc.). Compared to other additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, such as Direct Energy Deposition (DED), LPBF is capable of fabricating more complex geometries, which is important for the personalization required in such applications. Additionally, porous biomaterials, which are crucial in the field of biomaterials, can be easily fabricated using LPBF.

In the LPBF technique, the energy source used is a laser that melts the metal powder distributed over a bed of the same material, performing layer by layer, melting and remelting of the metal. This technique allows the manufacture of parts with shapes close to those of the final parts (near-net-shape), with high densities, complex geometries, and excellent mechanical properties. However, it involves controlling a large number of parameters, such as scan speed, build direction, angle of rotation of the laser scan between layers, (also known as the infill angle), laser power, and the possibility to overlap each layer´s edge, among others.

The laser is a crucial tool in this type of manufacturing and is classified into three main types: diode lasers, fiber lasers, and CO₂ lasers. This review examines scientific studies that utilized one of these three laser types. Diode lasers offer several advantages, including low cost, minimal maintenance, low energy consumption, homogeneous beam intensity distribution, and high absorptivity for metals. However, their beam has low optical quality, which limits the laser's focusing ability and prevents the production of highly detailed structures [30]. Fiber lasers, on the other hand, are the most widely used in laser powder bed fusion techniques. Their gain medium is a rare-earth-doped optical fiber that emits in the near-infrared range. These lasers are known for their high beam quality, which stems from their optical components and fiber-based gain medium. Additionally, they are robust against environmental disturbances and feature compact systems. Their high efficiency allows for the production of parts with fewer defects compared to other types of lasers [31]. Lastly, CO₂ lasers have been the most commonly used industrial lasers for years. These lasers operate by electrically pumping a gas with direct or alternating current to induce the population inversion needed for lasing. CO₂ lasers provide high efficiency (20%) and output power ranging from 0.1 to 20 kW. They are relatively simple, reliable, and cost-effective, making them suitable for applications such as cutting, welding, marking, and surface modification. However, their primary drawback is their emission wavelength of 10.6 μm, which is more difficult to control. This results in beams with greater divergence and a larger focal spot size [32]. Additionally, CO₂ lasers have low absorptivity by many metals [31]. Moreover, the light in these lasers travels through a path made of mirrors, which results in power losses and reduces the energy delivered to the powder.

The atmosphere is another important factor to control in metal 3D printers. Some metals used in the biomedical sector have very low vapor pressures, which can lead to sublimation. Magnesium and zinc are the most common biometals affected by this phenomenon. To prevent this issue, LPBF equipment must have precise atmospheric control to ensure proper pressure inside the printer. Printers such as EOS or Acconity are equipped with systems that regulate pressure, making them suitable for fabricating metals like Zn.

Other parameters that should be considered to optimize the manufacturing process of parts are the intrinsic properties of the material. Table 2 summarizes the properties of pure resorbable metals (Zn, Fe and Mg) related to LPBF processing. Absorptivity, melting point, and specific heat should be taken into account to conduct a thorough parameter study and to link processing variables with material properties. Depending on the values of these parameters, the material´s energy absorption can be increased or decreased. For example, materials with low melting points or high absorptivity are more susceptible to defects caused by excessive energy input. Therefore, it is important to control the energy input received by the metal by calculating it from the manufacturing parameters. High energy input can lead to defects such as vaporization of the molten metal or the formation of cracks during solidification. Conversely, low energy input can result in defects related to lack of fusion [34].

LPBF systems have a large number of manufacturing parameters that can be controlled. The principal ones are described in the following paragraphs. Most of these parameters are related to the laser, which is the key element in this type of fabrication.

Power: Laser power is an intrinsic parameter that depends on the type of laser used during fabrication. Although laser power can be adjusted within a certain range, some materials have a narrow working window due to their low vapor pressure, meaning that high power can cause sublimation of the material. On the other hand, low laser power can lead to defects caused by insufficient energy during printing, such as pores, unmelted particles and lacks of fusion [34]. Certain types of lasers, such as CO₂ lasers, have low absorption by metals, whereas fiber lasers offer better absorption.

Scan speed: Scan speed is a more flexible parameter than power, making it one of the most studied for optimizing the fabrication of different metals. In general, scan speed refers to the velocity at which the laser sweeps across the powder bed. Scan speed significantly affects the energy input to the metal. A high scan speed results in low energy contribution to the powder bed, leading to defects like voids. A lower scan speed can reduce these defects, but it must be carefully controlled to avoid problems such as metal sublimation or hot cracking [34]. Scan speed is usually expressed in millimeters per second (mm/s).

Layer height: An important step in LPBF fabrication is moving the powder bed each time a new layer is spread. Since the laser focus is fixed, the powder bed needs to move down when a new layer is added to keep the focus on the previous layer. A key decision is the layer height, which refers to the distance the powder bed moves to maintain the laser focus on the powder bed. Depending on the material and its relation to other parameters, the layer height typically ranges from 20 to 60 µm.

Hatch distance: This parameter is the distance between the focal point of the laser track and the closest focal point of the next track within the same layer. It is linked to the overlap between adjacent scanning tracks and plays a significant role in the densification of the metal [35]. A larger hatch distance can lead to defects, such as lack of fusion, with unmelted particles appearing in the final part. Hatch distance is usually around 100 µm, and reducing this parameter improves densification. A diagram of the effects of different hatch distances can be seen in Figure 3.

Beam radius: The beam radius refers to the area where the laser is fully focused on the powder bed. This parameter must be carefully studied to establish a good relationship between it and other parameters, such as hatch distance, to ensure an optimal combination of both.

The parameters of the LPBF technique influence the relative density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the materials. These parameters are constrained by the performance of the equipment, as technical factors such as laser power, hatch distance and scanning speed can vary.

The energy equation governing the process is:

$$E_v={\displaystyle \frac{P}{h\times v\times z}}$$

(1)

where E_v is the volumetric energy density, P is the power (W), h is the hatch distance, v is the scanning speed, and z is the layer thickness. The energy input into the material powder significantly influences the microstructure and densification.

Depending on the energy input, the manufactured parts can have different types of defects. When the energy input is lower than necessary, one of the resulting problems is the presence of voids, which can be classified into two groups. The first group is porosity, caused by gas entrapment during the solidification of the molten metal. The origin of this gas can vary, ranging from the atmosphere used during printing to gas previously trapped in the starting metal, particularly in the case of powders. The second group is lack of fusion, which occurs due to insufficient applied energy on the starting metal. Another defect caused by insufficient energy is delamination, which involves poor welding between layers. This can result in the loss of integrity, with the final part separating into several sublayers. Poor welding can also lead to weak joints between the part and the printer base, potentially causing the part to detach. On the other hand, when energy inputs are too high, the primary issue is material vaporization, particularly due to the low vapor pressure of certain materials.

2. Additive Manufacturing of Iron Based Alloys

Iron (Fe) is an essential trace element for human life and has attracted considerable research interest in the development of biodegradable implants over the past two decades. Its main advantages are its higher mechanical properties and ease of formability compared to other metals used in biodegradable medical applications, such as magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn). Additionally, Fe demonstrates reasonable biocompatibility, but it has a very low corrosion rate, which is often insufficient for vascular and bone applications. Various strategies have been addressed to increase the degradation rate of pure Fe, including alloying with other elements [37], addition of secondary phases [38], or microstructure refinement [39], which in turn are carried out with several processing techniques [40].

Among Fe alloys, FeMn, containing varying proportions of manganese (Mn), has likely generated the most interest [41,42] and some alloys even include additional elements such as carbon (C) and palladium (Pd) [43]. The addition of Mn increases the corrosion rate and enhances the mechanical properties of Fe, particularly strength and elongation. Mn also helps stabilize non-ferromagnetic phases, which is relevant for the use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. However, Mn may pose toxicity risks [44].

The in vivo biocompatibility of Fe and Fe alloys has been demonstrated in various animal models [42,45]. However, in vitro biocompatibility results remain inconsistent. Eluted tests indicate acceptable biocompatibility, whereas cytotoxicity is observed in direct-contact assays [46]. Corrosion products of Fe and its alloys are poorly soluble in saline solutions, which can negatively impact cell culture tests due to the static conditions involved.

Regarding applications, most research is focused on the cardiovascular field, particularly on stents [3,46]. Fe´s high elastic modulus reduces elastic recoil, and its combination of high strength and elongation enables the design of stents with thinner struts than polymeric or Mg counterparts, achieving comparable mechanical performance. Thinner struts help minimize arterial wall injury during deployment, improve hemodynamics, and reduce the release of corrosion products. Notably, ultrathin strut (≈70 mm) Fe-based stents have shown promising in vivo results [47,48]. For bone applications, research on Fe alloys is primarily focused on developing scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration using traditional powder metallurgy techniques [49] and, more recently, advanced techniques like additive manufacturing [50]. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to fully assess the feasibility of Fe for this application.

2.1. Linking Processing Parameters and Energy Density to Densification

In most studies on additive manufacturing of Fe, fiber lasers are used, with energy densities ranging from 10 to 2500 J/mm³ [51,52] for pure iron and lower energy densities, between 10 and 113 J/mm³, for its alloys [53,54,55]. Figure 4 shows additive manufactured Fe-based parts, including dense parts (a and b) and scaffolds (c-e). Figure 5 illuastrates part quality in relation to process energy density, the types of alloys used and laser working modes, continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave (PW) mode. Blue indicates typical defects from low energy density, green represents high quality parts and red indicates defects caused by excessive energy. The consideration of these colors was taken in accordance with the conclusions of the authors. The energy density (J/mm³) for CW mode was calculated using Equation 1, while PW mode energy density was calculated using Equation 2.

$$E_v={\displaystyle \frac{P\times t_{on}}{d_p\times h\times z}}$$

(2)

where P is the laser power (W), v is the scan speed (mm/s), h is the hatch distance (mm), z is the layer thickness (mm), t_on is the pulse duration (s) and d_p is the point distance (mm).

Palousek et al. [56] studied the process parameters for producing dense, pure iron parts. The parameters included laser power (100-400 W), laser scanning speed (0.2-1.4 m/s) and hatch distance (90-150 µm), while keeping the layer thickness constant at 50µm. The energy density range used in this work is represented by triangles (▲) in Figure 5. Slower scanning speeds (0.2 and 0.5 m/s) resulted in parts with high relative densities (80 – 99 %), whereas higher scanning speeds (0.8 and 1.4 m/s) produced parts with lower relative densities (approximately 45-97 %). These results are shown in Figure 6, which displays the porosity analysis as a function of scan speed and laser power at a constant hatch distance (90 µm). However, their goal was to identify a process window that balanced quality with cost. Since lower scan speeds increase manufacturing time and thus the cost of each part, these speeds were excluded from further analysis. The optimal process window was established between 0.5 and 0.8 m/s and 400 W of laser power, with 400 W and 0.75 m/s chosen to maximize productivity.

Song et al. (represented in Figure 5 as squares) [51] investigated different parameters for pure iron, with energy densities ranging from 20 to 2500 J/mm³. They varied the laser power (60, 80 and 100 W) and scan speed (0.02-1.4 m/s) while keeping hatch distance (40 µm) and layer heigh (50 µm) constant. Figure 7.a shows the parameters and resulting part quality in Song et al.´s study, while Figure 7b represents the part´s density according to laser power and scan speed. Their findings showed that high dense parts (nearly 100 % of density) were achieved only with a laser power of 100W and a scan speed between 0.1 and 0.4m/s. Lower laser powers (60 and 80 W) or higher scan speeds (0.4 – 1.4 m/s) led to defects such as delamination, brittle fractures and high porosity [51]. Conversely, using high laser power (100 W) with low scan speeds (0.02 – 0.1 m/s) introduced excessive energy, resulting in high thermal stress and part deformation.

Shuai et al [55] fabricated high-density Fe and Fe25Mn scaffolds in CW mode, using the same parameters for both materials. Their parameters included a laser power of 120 W, a scan speed of 3 m/s, a layer thickness of 50 µm and a hatch distance of 40 µm. The energy density used in this study (20 J/mm³) was approximately ten times lower than that used by Song et al. as represented by circles in Figure 5. With these parameters, Shuai et al. successfully fabricated parts with no significant pores or cracks, indicating a high level of densification.

Carluccio et al [52,53,54] worked in PW mode, fabricating dense pure iron parts and scaffolds of pure iron and Fe35Mn alloy. The energy density of both type of pieces is represented in Figure 5 as a right-facing triangle (►). For dense pure iron parts, a density of 99.2% was achieved with a laser power of 200 W, a pulse duration of 100 µs, a point distance of 60 µm, a hatch distance of 100 µm and a layer thickness of 50 µm. The energy density for the dense parts was 67 J/mm³. For the scaffolds, the study varied the laser power (100-150 W), pulse duration (40-60 µs), and hatch and point distances (40-60 μm), while keeping the layer thickness constant at 50µm. The highest quality of scaffolds was achieved with a laser power of 150 W, a pulse duration of 60 µs, and a hatch and point distance of 50 µm for pure Fe. The optimum parameters for Fe35Mn were a laser power of 125 W, a pulse duration of 50 µs and a hatch and point distance of 45 µm. They attributed the difference in the parameters (energy density of 72 and 62 J/mm³, respectively), to the higher melting point (T_m) of pure Fe, which made it more difficult to process into scaffolds compared to Fe-35 Mn.

From a general perspective, the optimal energy density range for iron and its FeMn alloys is not clearly defined, but the fabrication of scaffolds requires lower energy densities than the fabrication of dense parts. The choice of parameters appears to be crucial: a minimum laser power of 100W seems effective for both dense parts and scaffolds, in both, CW and PW modes. Additionally, scaffolds can be manufactured with higher scan speeds (0.8 - 1m/s) compared to dense parts (0.1 – 0.6m/s). In the case of dense parts, using high energy densities (600 – 2500 J/mm³) results in thermal stress, leading to sample deformation, while for lattice parts, high input energy (89 – 113 J/mm³) reduces the designed porosity by forming larger melt pools and thicker struts [51,54]. On the other hand, using low energy densities (20 – 100 J/mm³) in dense parts leads to poorly formed zones with defects like delamination, brittle fracture, high porosity, or even failure to form parts. For scaffolds (32–60 J/mm³), low energy densities result in pores typical of partial powder fusion [51].

2.2. Influence of Microstructure on the Hardness

In the LPBF process, the resulting microstructure typically consists of columnar grains that grow preferentially in the build direction, primarily due to the thermal gradient [57]. However, in the case of pure iron, some researchers have observed a microstructure predominantly composed of equiaxed grains, with only a few elongated columnar grains [54,52]. This can be attributed to the fact that the final α-ferrite grains seen in the microstructure are formed from two preceding solid phases. During cooling, the liquid phase first solidifies into delta iron, which subsequently transforms into austenite, and finally, the ferrite grains are formed (L → δ → γ → α) [54,52]. Song et al. [51] further noted that grain size decreases progressively with increasing scanning speed at a constant laser power.

In the case of FeMn alloys, different results have been observed depending on the Mn content. Carluccio et al. reported that the microstructure of Fe35Mn differs from that of pure Fe. They found that the addition of 35wt% Mn stabilizes the γ-austenite phase and preserves the solidified microstructure produced during LPBF (L → γ). This results in a microstructure of large columnar γ grains, with each γ-grain consisting of a network of individual cells. Figure 8 illustrates that Fe35Mn grains are finer than pure Fe grains [53,54].

Shuai et al. manufactured a bone scaffold using LPBF with an Fe25Mn alloy. Their results showed a microstructure characterized by uniform equiaxed grains containing α-Fe, a martensitic phase, and an austenitic phase, along with smaller grain sizes compared to pure iron parts printed under identical conditions [55]. Figure 8 further highlights the microstructural differences between pure iron and Fe35Mn.

In terms of hardness, Carluccio et al. [54] noted that, in accordance with the Hall-Petch relationship [58], the hardness of a polycrystalline metal increases as grain size decreases. Consequently, the α-ferrite in pure Fe is softer than the austenite in Fe35Mn, resulting in a lower overall hardness of 150 ± 6.5 Hv for pure Fe compared to 163 ± 4 Hv for austenitic Fe35Mn. Table 3 compares the microhardness values of materials from the Carluccio et al. study with the Fe-based biocompatible alloy AISI 316 L and other biodegradable metals such as Zn and Mg. The hardness values for the LPBF-processed materials are also compared with those produced via other manufacturing methods with human bone. The authors concluded that pure Fe and Fe35Mn alloy fabricated by additive manufacturing exhibited characteristics comparable to rolled mild steel, as their hardness surpassed that of LPBF-produced pure Zn and pure Mg.

2.3. Mechanical Properties of Dense Structures and Scaffolds

The mechanical properties of pieces fabricated by LPBF, including both dense structures and scaffolds, have been tested by various authors, with results summarized in Table 4 and Table 5. Table 4 highlights the mechanical properties of dense Fe and FeMn alloys, comparing them to human cortical bone and cast Fe and FeMn alloys. Table 5 presents the mechanical properties of Fe and FeMn alloy scaffolds.

Song et al. [51] observed that, for dense pure iron, increasing the laser scan speed (i.e, decreasing the energy density) led to an increase in yield strength and tensile strength. They reported a yield strength of 245.87 MPa for an energy density of 185 J/mm³, and 305.37 MPa for an energy density of 125 J/mm³. This effect was attributed to grain size, as smaller grains were obtained with higher scan speeds. Carluccio et al [52] using a lower energy density of 67 J/mm³ than Song et al., achieved an even higher yield strength of 421 MPa. These findings indicate that the LPBF process produces higher yield strength compared to casting. This suggests that the manufacturing process plays a critical role in determining yield stress. Song et al. [51] proposed that the overall strength of α-Fe can be contributed to:

$$\sigma ={∆\sigma }_{gr}+{∆\sigma }_{wh}+{∆\sigma }_{ps}$$

(3)

where Δσ_gr is the yield strength due to grain refinement, Δσ_wh is the yield strength due to work hardening, and Δσ_ps is the yield strength due to secondary phase precipitation, being the grain refinement the most significant factor, followed by work hardening. The Hall–Petch relation states that the yield strength contribution from grain refinement is inversely proportional to the grain size [59]. A finer microstructure restricts dislocation motion due to the higher number of grain boundaries. The contribution to overall strength from work hardening is proportional to the dislocation density, which is further enhanced by the high cooling rates characteristic of the LPBF process. Both Song et al. and Carluccio et al. concluded that grain refinement is the most significant strengthening mechanism, followed by work hardening. Carluccio et al. quantified the contributions to overall strength, estimating that grain refinement accounts for approximately 87.5%, work hardening 12.25% and secondary phase precipitation 0.25%.

Regarding scaffolds manufactured by LPBF, Li et al. [60] studied various types of structures: a uniform structure with a 0.2 mm strut thickness (S0.2), a functionally graded porous structure with a strut thickness increasing from 0.2 mm at the periphery to 0.4 mm at the center (Dense-in), a functionally graded porous structure with a strut thickness decreasing from 0.4 mm at the periphery to 0.2 mm at the center (Dense-out), and a uniform porous structure with a 0.4 mm strut thickness (S0.4). Figure 9 shows the top and longitudinal views of these Fe scaffolds. The highest yield strength (53 MPa) was observed for the scaffold with a 0.4 mm strut thickness, while the lowest yield strength (10.7 MPa) corresponded to the 0.2 mm strut thickness. The functionally graded scaffolds, Dense-in and Dense-out, exhibited similar yield strength values of 33 MPa and 30.5 MPa, respectively.

Shuai et al. [55] manufactured pure iron and Fe25Mn scaffolds using the same energy density and conducted compression tests to evaluate their mechanical properties. They observed that the FeMn alloy exhibited a higher yield strength (137 MPa) and ultimate strength (221.7 MPa) compared to the pure iron scaffolds (70.3 MPa and 135 MPa, respectively). This led them to conclude that alloying with Mn significantly enhances the compressive properties of the material.

Carluccio et al. [53] also studied the mechanical properties of Fe35Mn scaffolds through compression tests. They recorded a yield strength of 89.2 MPa and concluded that LPBF-manufactured Fe35Mn scaffolds exhibit suitable mechanical properties, particularly for highly loaded bone scaffold applications such as the mandible; which has been shown to have higher compressive strength than bones in other areas [61].

These investigations demonstrate that scaffolds generally achieve lower yield strength than dense samples. For dense parts, both yield strength and ultimate strength increase as energy density decreases. In the case of scaffolds, Fe25Mn and Fe35Mn alloys both exhibit higher yield strength than pure iron scaffolds, though Fe25Mn achieves a higher yield strength than Fe35Mn alloy. This suggests that there may not be a direct correlation between yield strength and Mn content.

Higher yield strength and ductility are desirable for biomedical implants, as the mechanical properties degrade along with the implant [1]. During degradation, it is critical that the implant continues to provide support to the healing tissue. This is particularly important for porous medical implants like bone scaffolds, where high porosity can significantly reduce strength, further exacerbated by higher degradation rates [52].

2.4. Corrosion Behavior

The corrosion rate of pure Fe is significantly lower compared to other biodegradable metals such as Mg and Zn. In general, when pure Fe is used in the manufacture of biodegradable devices, various treatments and strategies are employed to increase its degradation rate, making the material more suitable for the intended medical treatment duration. Thus, many studies have been carried out with the aim of increasing its degradation rate [62]. In the scientific literature, the in vitro corrosion behavior of Fe is typically assessed in terms of biodegradability, mass loss, and electrochemical properties, using an electrolyte that simulates biological conditions as the corroding medium. Investigations that have performed corrosion studies of LPBF-manufactured Fe parts and its alloys are summarized in Table 6 and are compared with iron pieces fabricated by other manufacturing methods. Conditions of the corrosion tests and the corrosion rate obtained from these studies are also shown in that table. Figure 10 shows the corrosion rates, in millimeters per year, of the samples evaluated in these studies, obtained through different tests. The corrosion rates from electrochemical tests are depicted in orange, while the corrosion rates from mass loss of the samples immersed in the simulated body fluid (SBF) electrolyte, simulating biological conditions, are shown in blue. Furthermore, the filled symbols correspond to dense parts and empty symbols correspond to scaffolds. The authors of the studies and the duration of the tests appear in the legend. In the case of Li et al. [63] and Carluccio et al. [53] two durations of time are indicated, the first time is for the electrochemical test and the second time is for the immersion test. Carluccio et al [52] compared the corrosion properties of LPBF pure dense iron and cast iron, and they also worked with Fe35Mn scaffolds obtained by LPBF [53]. Figure 11a represents the equivalent circuit proposed by Carluccio et al. for the SLM pure dense iron and cast iron. In the equivalent model proposed, Rs represents the resistance of the electrolyte, CPEdl represents the double layer capacitance, and Rp the polarization resistance. A constant phase element (CPE) was used to represent the non-ideal dielectric behavior of the working electrode due to the possible presence of a non-homogenous surface coating, impurities, dislocations, and grain boundaries. In Table 6, lower values of current density and corrosion rate, and higher polarization resistance (Rp) are shown for the cast iron samples compared to the values obtained for the pure dense iron samples fabricated by LPBF, indicating slightly higher corrosion resistance of the cast iron samples compared to that obtained by LPBF.

Figure 11b represents the equivalent circuit for Fe35Mn scaffold. The circuit consists of Randles circuit to describe the reactions occurring at the metal-liquid interface where: Rs represents the resistance of the Hank’s solution, CPEdl represents the double layer capacitance and Rct the resistance to charge transfer. The secondary circuit represents the oxide layer and consists of CPEox that is associated with the oxide layer capacitance, Rox is the resistance of the oxide layer, and L is associated with the inductive response of the oxide layer. The use of constant phase elements (CPE) models non- ideal dielectric behavior possibly caused by non-uniform coatings, dislocations, impurities, and other defects. Comparing the corrosion rate from the immersion test of pure iron and Fe35Mn scaffolds it is noted that Fe35Mn scaffolds present a higher corrosion rate (0.42 mm/year) than pure iron scaffold (0.09 mm/year). Carluccio et al. associated all these differences with a combination of the effect of the manufacturing method, the effect of the addition of Mn and the design of the scaffold, all of which can increase the corrosion rate [53].

Shuai et al. [55] compared the corrosion behavior of pure iron and Fe25Mn in scaffold form. Two tests were carried out: electrochemical test and immersion test. The results of electrochemical test showed that pure Fe scaffold had less electronegative open circuit corrosion potential (-0.61 ± 0.04 V) and smaller corrosion current density (7.38 ± 3.21 μA cm⁻²) than Fe25Mn scaffold (-0.74 ± 0.06 V and 51.25 ± 7.52 μA cm⁻² respectively). More electronegative corrosion potential indicated a weakened corrosion resistance of the surface, while a higher corrosion current density revealed an accelerated corrosion rate. These results indicated the lower stability of Fe25Mn in SBF solution. The immersion test presented similar results as Fe scaffolds presented a lower corrosion rate (0.09 mm/year) than Fe25Mn scaffold (0.23 mm/year). Authors explained this result due to the potential difference between different phases formed in Fe25Mn which led to galvanic corrosion, thus accelerating the corrosion rate.

Li et al. [63] performed electrochemical and immersion test of pure iron scaffolds and the results were compared with cold rolled iron. The electrochemical results showed that LPBF iron exhibited higher corrosion current densities (102.8 µA/cm²) compared to cold rolled iron (8.6 µA/cm²), also a significantly higher corrosion rate was obtained for the LPBF iron sample compared to the cold rolled iron sample (1.18 and 0.1 mm/year, respectively). From the immersion test, the corrosion rate of the scaffolds was 0.03 mm/year. They suggested that this slow corrosion rate of the LPBF iron scaffold in the immersion test is due to different corrosion mechanisms operating from the periphery to the center of the scaffolds. At the periphery, degradation took place quite fast, as evidenced by the formation of a brownish layer and in the center of the scaffolds, there were no brownish corrosion products even after 28 days, so they observed that r-SBF attacked the struts on the periphery of the samples and exposed the grains on their surfaces, so the struts in the center of the samples, stayed almost intact. Another reason for the low weight loss measured here may be related to the limitations of the weight loss measurement and sample cleaning. In the case of highly porous scaffolds, however, it is difficult to remove all the corrosion products, especially those in the center of the scaffolds.

Li et al. [60] also studied the degradation behavior of functionally graded porous iron. They carried out dynamic biodegradation tests for 28 days in a custom-built bioreactor in r-SBF at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min to mimic moderate physiological fluid movement in bone. Four types of scaffolds were studied and are represented in Figure 9. The results showed that the specimens of the S0.2 group exhibited a weight loss of 16.7% (i.e, a corrosion rate above 0.194 mm/year), which was the highest among all the experimental groups and the specimens of the group S0.4 had the lowest values of weight loss 5.1% (above 0.125 mm/year). In the case of Dense-in and Dense-out groups, the Dense-out specimens showed somewhat a higher value of weight loss 10.3% (above 0.1713 mm/year) than the Dense-in specimens 8.9% (above 0.1389 mm/year). They also determined in this study that different biodegradation rates were found in the center of the AM porous iron specimens with and without functional gradients, even though they had the same local geometry. Their results suggest that topological design and functional gradients can be used as an important tool for adjusting the biodegradation behavior of AM porous metallic biomaterials.

Nie et al. [64] investigated the degradation behavior of pure iron and Fe30Mn by electrochemical test in simulated physiological environments. As shown in Table 6, the corrosion current of the Fe30Mn scaffold (11.91 μA/cm²) was higher than that of the iron scaffold (4.20 μA/cm²), so the corrosion rate of the solid Fe30Mn sample (0.142 mm/year) was higher than that of the solid Fe sample (0.049 mm/year).

In Figure 10 it can be observed that dense parts fabricated by additive manufacturing present similar corrosion rate as iron parts fabricated by conventional methods. In general, scaffolds show a higher corrosion rate than the dense parts and it has been studied by two types of assays: electrochemical and immersion test. The electrochemical test seems to obtain higher corrosion rate than immersion test for the same material and the same scaffold design. The authors attribute this difference to the difficulty of thoroughly cleaning the scaffold and removing all the corrosion products generated during immersion in the simulated body fluid. Also, Figure 10 shows that, in general, iron alloy scaffolds show higher corrosion rate than pure iron scaffolds. For FeMn alloys, results indicated that the electrochemical stability of Fe matrix decreased after alloying with Mn, which could be deduced from the obtained electrochemical parameters as the higher current densities or the more electronegative corrosion potential values for the Fe alloys [55].

Using LPBF, a hierarchical porous architecture can be achieved, which increases the surface area of the metal exposed to the environment and, consequently, raises the degradation rate. Furthermore, the high cooling rates and the complex heat inputs, typical of LPBF, impart high levels of internal defects, dislocations, and residual stresses into the scaffold. This can cause local destabilization of the passive film, creating small cathodic sites resulting in localized corrosion and thus an overall increased corrosion rate. Previous studies have shown that additions of Mn can further change the dielectric behavior of the oxide layer due to the structural mismatch between the Fe and Mn oxide films, allowing for greater transport through the oxide layer and thus increasing the surface corrosion rate [53,65].

2.5. In Vitro Cytocompatibility

Iron is indispensable for life because it plays a crucial role in a wide range of vital biochemical activities. These activities include oxygen sensing, transport, short-term oxygen storage, catalysis, electron transfer and energy generation [66]. There are limited excretion pathways for the iron ions released from a bioabsorbable implant. However, when the body’s optimal iron levels are exceeded, the body can self-regulate. Most of the absorbed iron will reach plasma, while the protein ferritin provides safe storage of the iron fraction retained by the cell. When the lifespan of the erythrocyte ends, it is shed through the gastrointestinal tract together with any remaining stored iron. This represents a significant mode of iron release and loss from the body. Other mechanisms of iron release involve sweating, bleeding, and excretion through the epidermis. These alternative mechanisms are important as there are no regulated processes for iron excretion through the liver or kidney in humans. In the case of biodegradable materials, there is a need to consider the biocompatibility not only of iron implants but also their corrosion products [62]. Table 7 summarizes the in vitro cytocompatibility tests of iron and FeMn alloys.

In vitro tests were carried out on scaffolds based on iron alloys. Two cell lines have been studied, MG-63 osteoblastic cell line [55,63] and MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell line [53,64] for direct and indirect cytocompatibility tests. For the indirect test, different time periods were studied (3 and 7 days) [53,55,63,64]. In general, all results show good cytocompatibility and no cytotoxic response. For direct assays, only two studies were found: for Fe for 1 day [63] and for Fe30Mn for 7 days [64]. For pure Fe, the direct test reported substantial and almost instant cytotoxicity in static cell culture [63]. For Fe30Mn scaffolds results showed many live cells and only a few dead cells in contact with the sample. Moreover, live cells exhibited fusiform or polygonal shape, indicative of proper cell adhesion [64].

2.6. In Vivo Studies

Table 8 shows the in vivo tests for iron-based alloys. Two materials were studied: Fe30Mn [64] and Fe35Mn [53]. Fe30Mn scaffolds were implanted in lateral femoral condyle of rabbits for 48 weeks and Fe35Mn scaffolds were implanted in rat´s cranium for 4 weeks. In both cases, the results showed good biocompatibility and osseointegration at 4 and 48 weeks. Nie et al. [64] also studied the mechanical properties of the Fe30Mn alloy, which is a critical parameter for osteosynthesis applications, because it is necessary that the implanted material provides continuous mechanical support during the healing process, including scaffold degradation and bone regeneration. The results of the mechanical properties showed continuous mechanical support during long-term degradation and dynamic bone remodeling.

All the biological characterization, both in vitro and in vivo, were performed for Fe and FeMn scaffolds manufactured by LPBF process and not in dense parts. In the case of in vitro assays, different cellular lines were used, and direct and indirect tests were carried out (Table 7 and Table 8). In most cases, the results showed good cytocompatibility in in vitro tests [53,55,60,63,64]. Li et al. emphasized the importance of scaffold design since the results showed greater cell growth on scaffolds with a certain porosity [60]. In in vivo studies, only FeMn alloys were studied, and rats [53] and rabbits [64] were employed. The results showed good compatibility and good osseointegration.

The excellent biocompatibility of iron alloys and their high strength and ductility compared to magnesium and zinc alloys make iron one of the best potential materials for creating biodegradable metallic stents since the beginning of the 21st century. Due to its mechanical properties and workability, it could be used to create lighter and smaller scaffolds. The problem encountered by researchers working with iron is the slow corrosion time in in vivo conditions, which prevents the recognition of iron as fully biodegradable. The challenge will be to create new iron-based materials that, without losing their advantages, present a higher corrosion rate. For this purpose, research is carried out on alloy additions, the use of various manufacturing techniques to modify the structure and surface morphology of the material or the use of additional materials as a coating to influence the course of corrosion [62]. Advancements in AM technologies now enable the direct fabrication of fully functional parts. LPBF offers the opportunity to customize implants at a lower cost due to its ability to produce parts with complex and intricate designs tailored to individual patients. [67].

3. Additive Manufacturing of Zn Based Alloys

Zinc is most abundantly present in the human body in muscles and bones. It is essential for the regulatory function of several metalloenzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and for the proper functioning of human cells [68]. Zn²⁺ ions play a significant role in bone metabolism by stimulating the growth and differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and inducing osteogenesis [69]. Furthermore, zinc contributes to endothelial cell metabolism and helps prevent physiological disorders in the inner walls of arteries, capillaries and veins [70]. Given these physiological properties, Zn is being explored for cardiovascular and bone implants.

The biodegradation process of zinc is more appealing than that of magnesium (Mg) or iron (Fe). Zinc´s corrosion rate is intermediate – faster than Fe but slower than Mg. Unlike Mg, Zn does not generate hydrogen gas in physiological environments and opposed to Fe, its biodegradation products do not accumulate and are biocompatible [71]. However, the mechanical properties of pure Zn are less attractive compared to Mg or Fe. Pure cast Zn has an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 30 - 40 MPa and exhibits non-uniform deformation, which are drawbacks for its use in medical devices [72]. Therefore, the main challenge in utilizing Zn lies in designing strategies to develop alloys with higher strength and uniform elongation.

The addition of alloying elements and thermomechanical refinement of the microstructure are the most common strategies to improve the mechanical performance of Zinc. Alloying zinc with lithium (Li) or magnesium (Mg) improves its ultimate tensile strength. Adding elements such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) enhances both uniform elongation and fracture elongation, while alloying with strontium (Sr) improves uniform elongation, and zirconium (Zr) increases fracture elongation. Based on mechanical properties, biodegradable zinc alloys can be categorized into three groups: high strength and low uniform elongation (ZnLi), medium strength and uniform elongation (ZnMg) and low strength and high elongation (ZnCu, ZnMn, ZnAg) [72].

For applications in cardiovascular disease treatment or bone regeneration, specific mechanical properties are required. Uniform elongation is critical for stent applications, while high to medium strength is preferable for orthopedic implants. The in vivo biocompatibility of various Zn alloys has already been demonstrated. For instance, hot-extruded binary alloys such as ZnMg, ZnCa and ZnSr have shown biocompatibility and the ability to promote bone regeneration in animal studies [73]. Pure Zn wires have been proven biocompatible with arterial tissue, promoting regeneration [74]. Laser-cut ZnCu stents implanted in porcine coronary arteries have provided adequate structural support and suitable degradation rates [9].

The potential of zinc-based biodegradable implants is immense, particularly with the possibility of leveraging additive manufacturing techniques. This section focuses on the state of research into additive manufacturing of zinc using Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

3.1. Linking Processing Parameters and Energy Density to Densification

The first study to explore the production of Zn parts using LPBF was presented in 2016 at the World Powder Metallurgy Congress and Exhibition (PM2016) by Lietaert et. al [75]. The research team from 3D Systems and KU Leuven utilized a customized ProX DMP 320 machine from 3D Systems featuring a 500 W laser and modifications to the assist gas flow. They began by determining a stable linear energy density (0.25 J/mm) through single track (1D) scans. Subsequently, they optimized the track overlap and minimized smoke formation in 2D experiments by adjusting the hatch spacing, ultimately setting it at 100 µm. Further refinement was achieved in 3D experiments by setting the layer thickness to 30 µm, enabling the production of cubes with a relative density higher than 99.70 %. Less than a year later, in 2017, Montani et. al. [76] published a study investigating the processability of Zn using an unmodified LPBF machine. They produced porous structures with a relative density of 88%, attributing the high porosity to metal vaporization during manufacturing. This work highlighted the necessity of modifying the processing chamber to reduce porosity in the final parts. Since then, various studies have explored alternative strategies and parameters to achieve fully dense Zn parts.

Figure 12 illustrates the volumetric energy density (E_v) ranges explored by researchers printing Zn and Zn alloys via LPBF. Demir et al. [77] examined the influence of E_v on the density of Zinc parts using coarse (D₅₀: 15 µm) and fine (D₅₀:9 µm) powders. As shown in Figure 13, samples printed with fine powders, consistently exhibited porosity levels below 95%, and the process was unviable at energy values above 72 J/mm³. In contrast, high density parts (above 99%) were achieved with coarse powders working within an optimal E_v range of 40 - 115 J/mm³, depicted as green squares in Figure 12. Red squares in the same figure indicate higher energy values, which resulted in parts with density below 95%, while blue squares represent insufficient energy levels that caused incomplete melting or missing parts. Demir et al. also investigated the impact of the processing atmosphere – specifically argon (Ar) and nitrogen (N₂) - within the chamber, under gas jets, and in ambient air in an open chamber. They concluded that a stable processing environment was achieved using an open chamber with an Ar jet.

Wen et al. [78] investigated the effect of processing parameters on the densification of Zn samples using a LPBF machine (ACONITY) equipped with a specially designed gas circulation system to mitigate detrimental effects, such as Zn evaporation. Although they did not explicitly use the energy density (Ev) to describe processing conditions, Ev values were calculated based on input variables, including laser spot diameter (75 µm), layer thickness (30 µm), laser power (P: 60 -120 W), hatch spacing (h: 60 - 120 µm) and scanning speed (v: 400 - 1200 mm/s). These values are shown as circles in Figure 12. A density above 99% was achieved for Ev values ranging from 33 to 167 J/mm³ (green circles). Blue circles represent insufficient energy (Ev < 30 J/mm³) resulting in lack of fusion and densities values below 95%. In further work, Wen et al. [33] explored the relationship between E_v and sample density under varying laser powers and scanning speeds. By fixing the laser spot diameter (75 µm), layer thickness (30 µm) and hatch spacing (70 µm), they adjusted laser power and scanning speed to achieve E_v values between 20 and 200 J/mm³. The optimal E_v range for producing high-density parts with porosity below 0.5% was identified as 60 - 135 J/mm³, represented by green triangles in Figure 12. Blue triangles correspond to insufficient energy, causing lack of fusion and irregular cavities, while red triangles indicate excessive energy, leading to Zn evaporation and gas entrapment.

Subsequent research on LPBF of Zn has leveraged Wen et al.´s [33] optimized E_v range to fabricate high-density parts and scaffolds. For instance, Zn porous scaffolds were printed using E_v = 95.2 J/mm³, achieving strut densities exceeding 99.8 % as verified through industrial CT analysis [79]. Bulk Zn parts with relative densities above 99.5% have been produced by varying the scanning speed from 300 to 700 mm/s, corresponding to E_v values of 54.4 J/mm³ - 126.9 J/mm³ (green diamonds in Figure 12).

Some studies on LPBF of Zn alloys have adapted the optimized parameters for pure Zn but often require preliminary adjustments to achieve high density. For example, Qin et al. [80] fabricated Zn-xWE43 (x = 2, 5, 8 wt%) bulk samples and porous scaffolds using processing parameters developed for pure Zn. Their optimal E_v range (54.4 – 126.9 J/mm³) is indicated by left-pointing triangles in Figure 12, with densities exceeding 99%. However, as shown in Figure 14, increasing the WE43 content to 8 wt% reduced relative density to below 99.5%, whereas pure Zn and Zn-2WE43 samples achieved densities above 99.9% [80].

Shuai et al. [81] investigated the fabrication of Zn-2Al parts by varying laser power (60 – 160 W) and scanning velocity (200 – 500 mm/s) to determine optimal processing parameters for high-density parts. The hatch spacing and layer thickness were fixed at 70 µm and 50 µm, respectively. The energy density (Ev) values that stabilized the process and formed continuous, smooth tracks are represented as green right-pointing triangles in Figure 12, ranging from 76.19 J/mm³ to 133.33 J/mm³. Lower Ev values (blue right-pointing triangles) caused defects, including lack of fusion (E_v < 45.7 J/mm³) and balling effect (E_v between 57.14 and 71.42 J/mm³). Excessively high Ev values (red right-pointing triangles, E_v >152.38 J/mm³) led to significant powder evaporation. Relative densities achieved within the optimal E_v range varied from 80% (E_v = 76.19 J/mm³) to 98.3% (E_v = 114.28 J/mm³).

Yang et al. [82] printed Zn alloys containing 1, 2 and 3 wt% cerium (Ce), using E_v = 55.55 J/mm³ with a laser power of 50 W, scanning speed of 300 mm/s, layer thickness of 50 µm and hatch spacing of 60 µm. All samples achieved densities exceeding 98%. Zinc alloys with magnesium (Mg) have been produced as both bulk parts [83] and porous scaffolds [84]. Yang et al. [83] fabricated Zn-xMg (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt%) bulk parts using fine Zn and Mg powders with mean diameters of 5 µm and 10 µm, respectively. After conducting preliminary optimization studies, the parameters were fixed at P = 200 W, v = 200 mm/s, h = 80 µm and t = 100 µm, resulting in E_v = 125 J/mm³ (green hexagon in Figure 12). Under these conditions, the highest relative density (98.2%) was achieved with 3 wt% Mg, while Zn2Mg samples showed the lowest density (96.6%). Pure Zn had a relative density of 97.4%. [83]. Qin et al. [84] fabricated porous Zn-Mg scaffolds using pre-alloyed Zn-xMg ( x = 1, 2, 5 wt.%) powders with mean sizes of 19.5 - 20.9 µm. They employed optimized parameters for pure Zn (P = 60 W, v = 400 mm/s, h = 50 µm and t = 30 µm) achieving E_v = 100 J/mm³ (green star in Figure 12). The struts exhibited relative densities exceeding 99.5%.

Qin et al. [85] studied processing optimization for additively manufactured Zn-0.7Li. By varying laser power (40 – 120 W) and scan speed (200 – 1000 mm/s), while setting layer thickness to 70 µm and hatch spacing to 20 µm, they identified a narrow processing window. The optimum condition, represented as a green sphere in Figure 12 (Ev = 35.7 J/mm³), was achieved with P = 400 W and v = 800 mm/s, resulting in a relative density above 99.5%. Excessively high Ev values (Ev ≥ 47.6 J/mm³) caused pore defects due to excessive energy input, while insufficient energy (Ev ≤ 28.6 J/mm³) prevented full melting. Samples collapsed when laser power exceeded 100 W.

Advancements in LPBF for zinc (Zn) and its alloys have demonstrated significant progress in optimizing processing parameters to achieve high-density parts and scaffolds. The studies reviewed underscore the critical role of energy density (Ev) in balancing key factors such as fusion, porosity, and evaporation, with optimal Ev ranges varying based on material composition and part geometry. Researchers have effectively tackled challenges like Zn evaporation and porosity through tailored machine configurations, refined gas circulation systems, and precise parameter adjustments. While pure Zn has achieved relative densities exceeding 99.5%, alloying with elements such as Mg, Al, and Li has required further parameter fine-tuning to ensure similar or improved densification. These findings not only establish a solid foundation for additive manufacturing of Zn-based materials but also highlight the need for ongoing research to expand applications in areas such as biomedical implants, where material properties and process reliability are paramount.

3.2. Influence of the Microstructure on the Hardness

In laser additive manufacturing, processing parameters play a crucial role in determining the microstructure, densification, and overall quality of the final part. The microstructure, along with inherent material properties such as composition and alloying elements, defines the performance of the final part for specific applications. In particular, the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are strongly influenced by the microstructure of the material.

The microstructure of laser additive manufactured Zn parts is characterized by a strong texture, consisting of columnar grains aligned along the build direction, spanning multiple layers. The average grain size in LPBF Zn parts is finer than in cast, extruded, or hot rolled Zn parts [33]. For instance, cast Zn typically exhibits equiaxed grains with average sizes ranging from 100 μm to 1 mm, while the smallest average grain size in extruded and hot-rolled Zn can reach 20 μm [33]. In contrast, LPBF Zn parts exhibit columnar grains with reported average widths ranging from 5 μm [33] to 9 μm [79,82].

The finer grains produced during the laser additive manufacturing process result in higher microhardness values compared to rolled or cast Zn [77]. However, the degree of densification significantly influences the hardness of the parts. For example, Zn parts with relative densities below 95% show an average hardness of 30 HV, which is lower than that of rolled Zn (35 HV). Figure 15 illustrates the microhardness of high-density Zn and Zn alloy parts manufactured via LPBF, in comparison with cast and rolled Zn. High density LPBF pure Zn parts (>99% relative density) achieve hardness values ranging from 40 HV to 45 HV, surpassing the microhardness of cast and rolled Zn [33,77].

The addition of alloying elements further enhances hardness through mechanisms such as the dilution of added elements in the Zn matrix, the precipitation of new phases, and the refinement of columnar grains. For instance, Shuai et.al. [81] investigated the effect of laser energy density (Ev) on the hardness of Zn2Al parts. Using Ev values ranging from 76.19 to 133.33 J/mm³, they produced parts with varying grain size distributions and relative densities. The average grain size was coarser with increasing laser energy density but also the parts were less porous. Figure 15 shows by right-facing triangles the values of Zn2Al microhardness. Hardness increased from 48 HV to 64.5 HV with moderate energy input (76.2 J/mm³ - 114.3 J/mm³) due to the densification of the parts. Higher energy input (133.3 J/mm³) reduces the hardness to 56.5 HV. Zn-2Al parts manufactured with a low Ev (76.2 J/mm³) exhibited the smallest grain size (2.21 μm), but also the lowest densification reaching lower hardness than the cast alloy. At the highest Ev (133.3 J/mm³) the densification is optimum, but the grain size is bigger (6.62 μm) reducing the hardness of the alloy.

Considerable increments in hardness are achieved by alloying Zn with lithium (Li) and magnesium (Mg). For instance, alloying Zn with 0.7% of Li increases the hardness to 113.4 HV (represented as a sphere in Figure 15) [85]. Hardness values exceeding 100 HV can also be achieved by alloying Zn with WE43 [80]. Figure 15 displays the microhardness of Zn-xWE43 alloys (indicated by left-facing triangles), with hardness ranging from 114 HV for a WE43 content of 2wt.% to 170 HV for a WE43 content of 8 wt.%. Qin et al. [84] reported hardness values ranging from 120 to 200.4 HV by increasing the Mg content from 1 wt% to 5wt% (depicted as stars in Figure 15).

Densification is a key factor influencing hardness, with high-density parts (>99% relative density) exhibiting superior hardness values. Additionally, the incorporation of alloying elements such as lithium, magnesium, and aluminum, further enhances the hardness of Zn parts through grain refinement and phase precipitation. This highlights the importance of carefully optimizing both processing parameters and alloy compositions to achieve desired mechanical properties and performance in Zn parts for specific applications.

3.3. Mechanical Properties of Dense Structures and Scaffolds

In addition to hardness, tensile performance can also be enhanced by adjusting processing parameters and adding alloying elements. Table 9 summarizes the tensile mechanical properties of LPBF dense parts made of Zn and Zn alloys. Alloying Zn with WE43 significantly increases the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the printed part but reduces its elongation [80]. In contrast, Yang et al. [83] improved the elongation of Zn by alloying it with Mg, achieving values as high as 7.2%. Yield strength and UTS were also considerably increased by adding 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt.% of Mg, with the best results obtained for the Zn3Mg alloy, as shown in Table 9. Alloying with Ce also enhanced the elongation of Zn to 7.5% and the yield strength and UTS reached 180 MPa and 247 MPa, respectively, with a 2% Ce content [82]. Shuai et al. [81] studied the effect of laser energy density on the tensile properties of Zn2Al samples. Increasing the energy density (Ev) up to 114.28 J/mm³ resulted in less porous samples with higher yield strength, UTS, and elongation. However, further increases in energy input led to a decrease in strength and elongation of the Zn alloy.

Tensile properties of LPBF Zn parts vary depending on processing parameters and fabrication strategy. As shown in Table 9, the ultimate tensile strength of pure Zn varies from 61.3 MPa [83] to 134 MPa [80], while the elongation of Zn ranges from 1.7% [83] to 12% [86].

The mechanical properties of Zn depend on the building direction. The anisotropy of LPBF Zn parts has been studied by Qin et al. [87] and Lietaert et al. [86], who examined the tensile properties of samples manufactured in two directions: parallel to the building direction (vertical) and perpendicular to the building direction (horizontal). Both studies found that vertically built samples exhibited higher strength than horizontally built ones. Qin et al. further investigated the relationship between scanning speed and the yield strength, UTS, and ductility of the samples [87]. For vertical samples, increasing the scanning speed strengthened the sample and increased its ductility. For horizontal samples increasing scanning speed improved ductility, while strength remained similar (See Table 9).

The mechanical properties of lattice-shaped Zn samples depend on several factors, in addition to processing parameters and alloying elements. Structural porosity, pore size and geometry play a major role in the compressive performance of the scaffold. Table 10 shows the compressive mechanical properties of Zn and Zn alloy scaffolds fabricated by LPBF. Li et al. [60] studied the effect of the topological design of Zn scaffolds on their mechanical performance under compression. Samples with the lowest structural porosity and pore size exhibited the highest yield strength and elastic modulus. The selection of an appropriate unit cell is crucial for the mechanical properties of porous LPBF Zn parts. Figure 16 shows scanning electron microscopy images of Zn scaffolds with different unit cells. According to Lietaert et al. [86], scaffolds with Kagome unit cells exhibited the highest compressive strength. The elastic modulus, ultimate compressive strength and yield strength increased with the alloying content in ZnxWE43 scaffolds [80]. However, in ZnxMg scaffolds, higher Mg content resulted in lower strength and modulus [84]. The compressive strength and modulus of Zn0.7Li scaffolds, with 80% structural porosity and pores larger than 800 μm, reached 18.2 MPa and 298 MPa, respectively [85].

The mechanical properties of LPBF Zn and Zn alloy parts, including hardness, tensile strength, and compressive performance, are significantly influenced by processing parameters, alloying elements, and the design of the part. Adjusting processing parameters such as energy density and scanning speed can improve tensile performance, with alloying elements like WE43, Mg, Ce and Li further enhancing strength and elongation. The anisotropy of LPBF Zn parts also plays a key role, with vertical samples generally exhibiting higher strength than horizontal ones. For lattice-shaped Zn samples, structural porosity, pore size, and unit cell design are crucial in determining compressive strength, with scaffolds featuring Kagome unit cells showing the highest compressive strength. Additionally, alloying Zn with elements such as WE43 increases the elastic modulus and strength, while excessive Mg content can lower the mechanical properties. Optimizing processing parameters and selecting appropriate alloying elements and structural designs are essential for achieving the desired mechanical properties in LPBF Zn and Zn alloy parts.

3.4. Corrosion Behavior

Corrosion behavior is a key factor in determining the suitability of a metal as a base material for manufacturing biodegradable implants. In the literature, this behavior is commonly evaluated through electrochemical tests and immersion studies. Among resorbable metals, the corrosion rate of Zn and its alloys is particularly promising for biodegradable implants, as it is generally higher than that of Fe (0.08 mm/year) but lower than that of Mg (1.58 mm/year) [81]. While alloying elements are intentionally added to Fe to modify its corrosion rate, alloying elements in Zn are not primarily intended to alter its degradation rate. Nevertheless, they do influence its corrosion behavior, making it worthwhile to study the degradation rates of Zn alloys. Table 11 presents data from corrosion studies of additively manufactured Zn alloys, including results from both electrochemical and immersion tests. Corrosion rate values marked with an asterisk (*) have been calculated using the following equations:

$$C_R=K_1{\displaystyle \frac{i_{corr}}{\rho }}$$

(4)

$$EW={\displaystyle \frac{1}{\sum \frac{n_i{f}_i}{W_i}}}$$

(5)

where C_R is the corrosion rate in mm/year, K₁ is a constat parameter with value 3.27x10^-3 mm·g/μA·cm·year, i_corr is the value of the corrosion current density given in μA/cm² reported in each reference, ρ is the density of the alloy in g/cm³. The equivalent weight (EW) is calculated with the valence of each element in the alloy (n_i), the mass fraction of each element in the alloy (f_i) and the atomic weight of each element in the alloy (W_i).

Figure 17 illustrates the corrosion rates from these studies in mm/year, obtained through electrochemical tests (orange) and immersion tests (blue). Results for dense parts and scaffolds are represented by filled and empty symbols, respectively. The corrosion rate of additively manufactured Zn and Zn alloy dense samples ranges from 0.02 mm/year to 0.21 mm/year. For scaffolds, some studies report corrosion rates similar to those of dense parts, while others indicate higher rates, around 0.7 mm/year. The required degradation rate for a biodegradable implant must align with the healing time of human bone. Since hard tissues take between 3 months and 1 year in repair, some authors suggest that the degradation rate of a resorbable implant should be slower than 0.5 mm/year [83], while others propose a suitable degradation rate of 0.2 mm/year [81]. The degradation rate is influenced by the type of test performed (electrochemical or immersion), alloying elements in Zn, processing parameters such as energy density, sample porosity, and surface roughness.

Yang et al. [83] conducted electrochemical and immersion tests on dense ZnxMg parts, confirming that alloying Zn with Mg improves the corrosion resistance of this metal. Current densities decreased from 9.24 μA/cm² to 3.62 μA/cm², while corrosion rates determined by weight loss ranged from 0.18 ± 0.03 mm/year to 0.10 ± 0.02 mm/year. The Zn3Mg alloy exhibited the lowest current density and corrosion rate. The authors attributed this behavior to the increased grain boundary density caused by grain refinement due to Mg alloying, or the formation of simonkolleite, which is more protective than the corrosion products of pure Zn, promoted by the release of Mg ions.

However, a different effect was observed in ZnxMg scaffolds. Qin et al. [84] found that higher Mg content increased the corrosion rate of Zn in scaffolds. This was attributed to the precipitation of Mg₂Zn₁₁ and MgZn₂ phases, with have higher potentials than alpha-Zn, making galvanic corrosion the dominant corrosion mechanism for ZnxMg scaffolds.

In ZnxAg alloys, galvanic corrosion also accelerates Zn´s corrosion rate due to the presence of AgZn₃ phase on the sample surface [88]. These results are true for immersion tests in SBF for 27 days. Electrochemical tests showed that corrosion current density decreases from 7.76 μA/cm² in Zn to 1.47 μA/cm² in Zn4Ag alloy, but higher Ag contents increased the i_corr above the value for pure Zinc. The divergences may be due to the differing timeframes of the two test methods.

Yang et. al. [82] demonstrated that alloying Zn with Ce improves corrosion resistance. The i_corr decreased from 9 μA/cm² in Zn to 6.97 μA/cm² in Zn3Ce alloy. The authors used an equivalent circuit (Figure 18) to quantitatively characterize the impedance spectra. R_s represented SBF resistance, R₁ represented thin film resistance, and C described the capacitance of the corrosion product. R₂ denoted charge transfer resistance and CPE represented the constant phase element of the double layer at the Zn matrix – SBF interface. Results showed that R₁ increased with Ce content, indicating that Ce promotes the formation of a protective film.

Shuai et al. studied the effect of volumetric energy density (Ev) on the corrosion rate of Zn2Al alloys [81]. They conducted electrochemical and immersion tests in SBF, and results from both tests showed that the corrosion rate decreased as Ev increased, attributed to improved densification of the dense parts with higher Ev. Qin et al. [85] compared the corrosion rates of three different additively manufactured Zn0.7Li samples: bulk samples with as built and polished surfaces and scaffolds with 80% of porosity. The i_corr of the sample with the as-built surface was approximately five times higher than that of the polished sample (101 ± 4.1 μA/cm² vs 28.5 ± 1.6 μA/cm²) and similar to that of the scaffold (111.2 ± 12.2 μA/cm²). Corrosion rates of porous samples, as calculated from immersion tests, were lower than those of dense samples with as built surfaces. However, the mass loss of scaffolds was higher than that of dense samples. According to the authors, this discrepancy arose because the surface area of dense samples with as-built surfaces was underestimated, leading to an overestimation of the corrosion rate. The addition of Li improved Zn´s corrosion resistance by forming a passive layer of Li-rich corrosion products on the surface, which reduced the corrosion rate [89].

Li et al. investigated the corrosion rates of Zn scaffolds under dynamic and static conditions [90,91]. Static immersion degradation tests resulted in lower corrosion rates compared to dynamic immersion tests. Under static conditions, samples with varying porosity exhibited similar corrosion rates. However, under dynamic conditions the porosity and topological design of scaffolds influenced the degradation rate, with higher porosity leading to increased corrosion rates [90].

The corrosion behavior of Zn and its alloys plays a critical role in determining their suitability for biodegradable implants. Factors such as alloying elements, processing parameters, surface properties, and porosity significantly influence degradation rates. Studies show that alloying Zn with elements like Mg, Ag, Ce, and Li alters its corrosion behavior, either enhancing its resistance or, in some cases, accelerating degradation due to galvanic effects. Processing parameters, such as volumetric energy density, improve densification and reduce corrosion rates, while surface finishing and scaffold designs introduce variability in behavior, particularly under dynamic conditions. Dynamic immersion tests generally reveal higher corrosion rates compared to static conditions, with porosity and topology playing crucial roles. This complex interplay of factors underscores the importance of optimizing composition, processing, and design to achieve desired degradation rates tailored to the healing times of human bone.

3.5. In Vitro Cytocompatibility

The cytocompatibility of additively manufactured Zn and Zn alloys has been evaluated in in vitro conditions using direct and indirect tests with different cell lines. The available information on this topic is reported on Table 12. Commonly used cell lines include human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells, MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase mesenchymal stem cells (hTERT-MSCs). The preferred culture medium is Dulbecco´s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), supplemented with fetal bovine serum and antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin. Cell viability depends on several factors, including the type of cytocompatibility evaluation test (direct or indirect), the alloying elements, the duration of the test, the culture medium and the porosity of the material.

Studies have been conducted on both dense samples and scaffolds, with scaffolds generally showing better cell viability and adhesion than dense samples. Qin et al. [85] studied the cell adhesion of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts on Zn0.7Li bulk and scaffold samples. They observed poor cytocompatibility in dense samples, where cells shrank, assumed spherical morphology, and detached from the surface. However, cell adhesion was only monitored for 2 hours, which is a short duration for comprehensive evaluation. In contrast, cells spread within scaffolds and exhibited healthier morphology with stretched pseudopods. Human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells remained viable and attached to the surface of Zn scaffolds after 24 hours of culture in DMEM, with only a few cells showing compromised membrane integrity [90,91]. However, Zn scaffolds showed poor cytocompatibility in longer-term direct studies. Lietaert et.al. reported that hTERT-MSCs cells did not attach or grow on Zn scaffolds after 14 days in DMEM medium [86]. The differences in cell viability may also be due to varying test durations and cell types. Indirect tests using extracts generally show better cytocompatibility than direct tests, which typically report lower cell viability. However, extract concentration should be considered for a more accurate assessment of indirect cytocompatibility.

Li et. al. [90] studied the cell viability of MG-63 cells cultured on Zn scaffolds and found that viability increased from 70% in direct tests to 95% in indirect tests using extracts prepared at 0.2 g Zn/ml in DMEM for 72 hours. A similar 95% viability was observed in another study [91] for MG-63 cells cultured in Zn scaffold extracts for 24 and 48 hours, although viability decreased to 85% after 72 hours. Xia et al. found that 100% extracts from Zn scaffolds were cytotoxic to MC3T3-E1 cells [92], with a viability below 75% after 1 day. However, cell viability improved above 75% after 3 and 5 days, particularly when extracts were diluted to 50% and 10%.

Yang et. al. studied the effect of Mg content (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) and extract concentration (100% and 50%) on the viability of MG-63 cells cultured in extracts from ZnxMg alloys [83]. Figure 19 shows the evolution of cell viability results for each extract concentration and each material with culture time. They found that Mg content increased cell viability, with pure Zn showing 91.3% viability after 5 days and Zn3Mg showing 123.2% viability. Cell viability increased with culture time and decreased extract concentration. The viability of MG-63 cells in 100% extracts after 1 day ranged from 65.5 to 78.3%, while in 50% extracts, viability increased to over 85% after 1 day and above 120% after 5 days. The presence of Mg in Zn not only proved non-cytotoxic but also promoted cell growth. In contrast, the addition of Ce in Zn had a slightly negative effect on cell viability. In indirect studies using bulk samples, the cell viability of MG-63 cells decreased slightly due to the presence of Ce in a Zn2Ce alloy compared to pure Zn [82], with Zn showing 83.75% viability and Zn2Ce showing 80.63%. Since cell viability was above 75%, the degradation products of Zn2Ce were not considered cytotoxic according to ISO 10993-5 standards [93]. Shuai et al. found that the presence of Al in additively manufactured Zn dense parts negatively affected the viability of MG-63 cells [81]. Only 67.5% of cells cultured in 100% extracts from Zn2Al alloy remained viable after 1 day, and it was necessary to dilute the extracts to 50% to achieve over 80% viability after 1 day. Cell viability improved with longer culture durations.

The biocompatibility of Zn alloys for stent applications has been studied. Yang et. al. performed hemolysis tests on LPBF Zn2Ce, using extracts prepared at a ratio of 1:3 ml/cm² [82]. The tests were performed according to ISO 10993-4:2002 standard [94]. In this study, human blood was exposed to the extracts obtained from each material. Results showed hemolysis percentages for Zn and Zn2Ce lower than 5%, indicating good blood compatibility. Zn2Ce exhibited a hemolysis percentage of 3.82%, slightly higher than pure Zn (2.73%), indicating a minor reduction in blood compatibility due to the presence of Ce.

The cytocompatibility of additively manufactured Zn and Zn alloys varies depending on factors such as alloy composition, test methodology, and duration. Scaffolds generally exhibit better cell viability and adhesion compared to dense samples, likely due to their enhanced porosity and structure, which support cell attachment and growth. The presence of Mg in Zn alloys has been shown to promote cell viability and growth, while the inclusion of elements such as Ce and Al can negatively impact cytocompatibility, particularly in undiluted extract concentrations. Indirect cytotoxivity tests often yield more favorable results than direct tests, emphasizing the importance of test conditions and extract concentration in assessing biocompatibility. Hemolysis studies on Zn and Zn2Ce alloys confirm good blood compatibility, with hemolysis percentages well below the threshold for biocompatible materials. Overall, Zn alloys demonstrate potential as biomaterials, particularly in scaffold forms and with appropriate alloying and processing, although further research is needed to optimize their long-term biocompatibility.

3.6. In Vivo Studies

In vitro results cannot be directly compared to the behavior of materials in vivo, as the degradation processes differ significantly between these two environments. A material that exhibits cytotoxicity in in vitro tests will not necessarily be cytotoxic when implanted in vivo [92]. A deeper understanding of a material´s biocompatibility is typically achieved through in vivo experiments. Despite the importance of such studies to assess the degradation process of implants in complex biological environments, research on the in-vivo performance of additively manufactured Zn implants remains limited.

The osteogenic capacity and degradation behavior of Zn scaffolds fabricated by LPBF have been investigated in vivo by implanting scaffolds into predrilled defects in the femurs of New Zealand rabbits [83,92]. Qin et al. [83] conducted a 12 week study, while Xia et al. [92] extended their observations to 24 weeks. Both studies reported the formation of fibrous connective tissue between the scaffolds and bone tissue as part of the host response, which initially impeded direct bone-scaffold contact [83]. Over time, the tissue became thinner, and by 24 weeks, new bone was integrated into the scaffolds [92]. The presence of Mg in Zn1Mg scaffolds improved osseointegration, with full integration into surrounding tissue achieved after just 12 weeks [83].

The in vivo performance of Zn stents fabricated by additive manufacturing has not yet been studied. However, investigations of Zn stents produced using other fabrication techniques provide insights. For example, Zhou et al. [9] implanted a Zn0.8Cu stent into porcine coronary arteries in a 2-year study. The stent demonstrated sufficient structural support, an appropriate degradation rate, and retained its integrity for up to 6 months. Furthermore, the corrosion process was uniform, without the accumulation of corrosion products.

In vivo studies are essential to comprehensively evaluate the biocompatibility and degradation behavior of Zn-based implants, as in vitro results cannot fully replicate complex biological environments. Although research on the in vivo performance of additively manufactured Zn implants is limited, existing studies demonstrate promising outcomes for Zn scaffolds, including osseointegration and controlled degradation over time. The presence of alloying elements like Mg further enhances scaffold integration. While the in vivo performance of additively manufactured Zn stents remains unexplored, studies on Zn stents fabricated by other techniques indicate their potential for adequate structural support, uniform corrosion, and favorable degradation rates, highlighting the need for further investigation into these innovative biomaterials.

4. Discussion

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) alloys offer distinct advantages and limitations for biodegradable medical implants, particularly in bone and cardiovascular applications. Iron-based alloys excel in mechanical strength and structural support, making them ideal for applications like stents and high-load implants. However, their inherently low corrosion rate limits biodegradability, necessitating alloying or structural modifications. FeMn alloys, for instance, enhance both corrosion and mechanical properties but may introduce toxicity risks. In contrast, zinc-based alloys strike a balance between biodegradation rate and biocompatibility, with corrosion products that are naturally metabolized by the body. However, their lower mechanical strength compared to iron requires alloying with elements like magnesium or lithium to meet the demands of load-bearing applications.

From a manufacturing perspective, Fe alloys present challenges due to their higher melting points, necessitating higher energy densities in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes. Studies show that precise parameter optimization, such as balancing laser power and scanning speed, enables dense and defect-free parts. Zn alloys, on the other hand, have lower melting points, which reduces energy requirements but increases risks of vaporization and porosity. Innovations like optimized gas circulation systems have mitigated these challenges, enabling the fabrication of dense Zn components. However, the narrower processing windows for Zn alloys highlight the need for stringent control during manufacturing.

Microstructurally, Fe and FeMn alloys exhibit excellent hardness and strength due to grain refinement and the stabilization of austenitic phases. This refinement is especially pronounced in Fe35Mn, which combines small grain sizes with high hardness. Conversely, Zn alloys achieve superior hardness and strength through alloying elements like Mg and Al, which enhance grain refinement and phase precipitation. Fe alloys offer a hardness comparable to mild steel. Zn alloys have demonstrated increased microhardness in LPBF parts, making them competitive for applications requiring moderate mechanical strength and flexibility.

Corrosion behavior marks a key distinction between the two material classes. Iron´s slow corrosion is a disadvantage for biodegradability, though alloying with Mn accelerates degradation while maintaining structural integrity. Scaffold designs further enhance corrosion rates due to increased surface area. Zn alloys, in contrast, degrade at rates more suitable for bone healing and vascular applications, with less risk of harmful accumulation. Alloying Zn with elements like Mg improves corrosion resistance and forms protective layers, but excessive Mg or Ag content can lead to galvanic corrosion. Porous scaffold designs amplify these effects, offering tailored degradation rates to match specific clinical needs.

Biocompatibility studies further highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each material. Fe alloys show good in vivo performance, supporting bone remodeling and vascular integration. However, pure iron exhibits cytotoxicity in some in vitro assays, whereas FeMn alloys promote better cell adhesion. Zn alloys, on the other hand, show exceptional cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential, with promising in vivo results for osseointegration. The lower hemolysis and toxicity rates of Zn alloys further enhance their suitability for stents and scaffolds. Nevertheless, more research is needed to fully optimize both materials for their respective applications, ensuring consistent long-term performance.

Fe and Zn alloys represent complementary options for biodegradable implants, with Fe alloys offering superior mechanical strength and Zn alloys excelling in biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their success in additive manufacturing hinges on material-specific optimizations in processing parameters, alloy design, and structural engineering. While challenges remain – such as managing iron´s slow degradation and optimizing Zn´s mechanical properties – ongoing research is paving the way for more effective, patient-specific biomedical implants.

5. Conclusions

Iron-based and zinc-based alloys hold immense promise for biodegradable medical implants due to their unique properties and potential for customization though advanced manufacturing techniques like Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Iron alloys, particularly FeMn variants, exhibit high mechanical strength and biocompatibility, making them suitable for cardiovascular and orthopedic applications. However, their slow corrosion rates pose challenges, prompting the use of alloying, microstructural refinement, and scaffold design to accelerate degradation and improve performance. Meanwhile, LPBF processing parameters critically influence material properties, as optimal energy density and alloy compositions are necessary to balance density, mechanical strength, and biodegradation rates. Advancements in LPBF have enabled the fabrication of dense iron and FeMn parts with customizable porosity, significantly enhancing their applicability in tissue scaffolds and stents.

Similarly, zinc and its alloys have emerged as excellent candidates for biodegradable implants due to their biocompatibility, intermediate corrosion rates, and favorable mechanical properties. LPBF techniques have been instrumental in overcoming the limitations of pure zinc, such as low tensile strength, by introducing alloying elements like magnesium and lithium. These alloys offer improved strength and controlled biodegradation, aligning with the healing timelines of bone and vascular tissues. However, challenges such as porosity, Zn evaporation, and localized corrosion persist, requiring meticulous optimization of processing parameters and scaffold designs. Both iron and zinc alloys demonstrate great potential for advancing the field of biodegradable implants, but further research is necessary to address biocompatibility, long-term performance, and clinical integration.