Synergistic improvement of antibacterial, mechanical and degradation properties of Cu added Mg-Zn-Zr alloy.

[Display omitted] • Bacteria resistant Mg-Zn-Zr-Cu alloy was developed through alloying and forging. • Complete mitigation of E.Coli bacteria was reported within 32 hrs of culture. • Strength and degradation rate was improved by 1.2 and 4.5 times respectively. • Present alloy did not compromise the cytocompatibility. Present study is focused on synergistic improvement of antibacterial properties along with mechanical as well as corrosion properties of Mg-5Zn-0.5Zr-0.7Cu alloy through alloying and thermomechanical processing. Detailed microstructural analysis and textural study showed significant increase in grain refinement through dynamic recrystallization and basal-texture strengthening after forging. As a result, 1.2 times improvement of strength and 2.3 times reduction in in vitro degradation rate were observed. Complete mitigation of E.Coli bacteria was noticed within 32 h of culture for both the alloys due to addition of Cu. In addition, non-toxic nature of the alloys was proven from the cell viability studies, suggesting that Mg-5Zn-0.5Zr-0.7Cu alloy has the potential to be used as internal fracture-fixation material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]