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phase as a key reinforcement. The HE ZAS alloy exhibited the highest electrochemical corrosion rate of 614 μm/y and the highest degradation rate of 39.7 μm/y after 30 days of immersion, as well as the best biotribological performance in Hanks' solution, among all ZA and ZAS samples. Biologically, extracts of the HE ZAS alloy enhanced osteoblast viability, promoted angiogenesis in HUVECs, and stimulated osteogenic differentiation and mineralization in hBMSCs. Furthermore, the HE ZAS alloy displayed higher antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus in both in vitro and in vivo models while maintaining high biosafety. These results collectively indicate that the HE ZAS alloy is a promising candidate for next-generation biodegradable orthopedic-fixation devices, offering a notable balance of mechanical integrity, controllable degradation, and multifunctional bioactivity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work reports the notable mechanical performance, controlled corrosion, enhanced biotribological behavior, and multifunctional bioactivity of the hot-extruded Zn-4Ag-0.4Sr (HE ZAS) alloy for biodegradable orthopedic fixation devices. The HE ZAS alloy exhibits an optimal strength-ductility balance, with an ultimate tensile strength of 318.0 MPa, tensile yield strength of 257.3 MPa, and 22.3% elongation, satisfying the mechanical requirements for bone implants. The alloy also demonstrates the highest electrochemical corrosion rate (614 μm/y), degradation rate (39.7 μm/y), and biotribological performance among the tested alloys. Biologically, the alloy enhances osteoblast viability, stimulates angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation, and exhibits effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus both in vitro and in vivo, while maintaining complete biosafety.
Zhou et al. (2026) studied this question.