A multilayered Zn/CuSe/Zn heterostructural composite for orthopedic implants: Notable work-hardening, antibacterial, and antitumor properties

Building on the well-established antitumor properties of selenium (Se), the incorporation of Se into zinc (Zn)-based composites holds substantial potential for antitumor implant applications. Nevertheless, the pronounced disparity in melting points between Zn and Se renders conventional direct smelting methods impractical for fabricating Zn-Se composites. Furthermore, the prevalent work-softening tendency of Zn-based materials constitutes a major barrier to their clinical translation. Here, we report an effective strategy in which Zn sheets coated with copper selenide (CuSe) powder were used as precursors to fabricate multilayered Zn/CuSe/Zn heterostructural composites through the accumulative roll bonding…