1. Introduction to Biodegradable Metallic Materials in Biomedical Applications

Metal implants have undergone extensive development and therapeutic applications since the 1920s, when stainless steel was invented. A lot of interest has been shown in biodegradable metals and their alloys as potential options for biomedical uses. Interestingly, iron, zinc, and magnesium are the most common biodegradable materials, which has led to a great deal of research into the creation of new alloys. These metals are appropriate for implant use because of their remarkable mechanical integrity, adequate biocompatibility, and intrinsic biodegradability. In the present chapter, the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, biocompatibility, and bioactivity behavior of Mg, Zn, and Fe-based alloys are discussed and compared in detail along with their biomedical applications. The review’s overall findings highlight the increasing importance of biodegradable metallic implants and demonstrate how they can be used to meet a range of clinical requirements.