Biodegradable zinc-based alloys have emerged as promising materials for oral and orthopedic implants owing to their moderate degradation rate and intrinsic biocompatibility. However, the low strength, limited ductility, and unstable corrosion behavior of pure zinc restrict its clinical application. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of Zn-0.6Cu-xCa (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5 wt.%) alloys as oral implant materials by systematically investigating their mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, antibacterial activity, and cytocompatibility. The alloys were fabricated by melting and hot extrusion, followed by tensile testing, electrochemical characterization, antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using plate-count methods, and in vitro biocompatibility evaluation with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. The results indicated that the Zn-0.6Cu-0.2Ca alloy exhibited the most balanced performance, achieving a yield strength of 231 ± 3 MPa and an elongation of 33% ± 2%. This alloy effectively inhibited bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, while significantly enhancing osteoblast adhesion and proliferation. The addition of calcium refined the microstructure, promoted the formation of a stable corrosion film, and regulated the release of Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions, thereby improving both corrosion resistance and biological safety. Overall, the Zn-0.6Cu-0.2Ca alloy demonstrated a desirable combination of high strength, controlled degradation, antibacterial efficacy, and excellent cytocompatibility, highlighting its potential as a next-generation biodegradable metal for oral implant applications.

Biodegradable Metal, Oral Implant, Mechanical Properties, Corrosion Behavior, Antibacterial Activity, Cytocompatibility