Recent progress and perspectives in laser additive manufacturing of biodegradable zinc alloy

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is a widely used metal additive manufacturing technology that offers significant advantages in the precise fabrication of personalized geometric shapes and intricate porous structures for medical devices. Degradable zinc (Zn) alloys, as emerging biomaterials, hold great potential for clinical applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and suitable degradation rates. Recent advancements in the development of LPBF-fabricated Zn alloys have led to notable progress, particularly in orthopedic and cardiovascular applications. This review highlights the latest developments in the LPBF of Zn alloys, focusing on metallurgical defects, process parameters, microstructural features, mechanical properties, and degradation behavior. Specifically, it examines the types and formation mechanisms of metallurgical defects in LPBFfabricated Zn components, along with strategies for their mitigation. The review systematically elucidates the grain structure, texture evolution, and elemental segregation that occur during the LPBF process. Furthermore, the influence of microstructural evolution and macroscopic porous structures on mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility is thoroughly analyzed. The clinical applications of biodegradable Zn alloys are also explored. Finally, current challenges in the field are identified, and future research directions are proposed to guide advancements in the LPBF of biodegradable Zn.