eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2026-03-30 23 1 180 189 10.13005/bbra/3489 58465 article Snehal Sainath Gholap 1 Ravindra Rambhau Navthar 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pravara Rural Engineering College Loni, S.P. Pune University, Pune, India. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil College of Engineering, Ahmednagar, S.P. Pune University, Pune, India. Magnesium (Mg) alloys have gained considerable attention as potential materials for biodegradable orthopaedic implants because of their mechanical compatibility with natural bone and excellent biocompatibility. Despite these advantages, their rapid corrosion in physiological environments restricts their long-term structural integrity. In the present study, Mg–4Zn–0.2Ca–xY (x = 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt.%) alloys were developed to evaluate the influence of  Y (yttrium) content on microstructural characteristics, mechanical performance, and degradation behaviour. The alloys were synthesized using the casting technique and systematically examined through microstructural analysis, mechanical testing, and corrosion evaluation in simulated body fluid. The addition of Y promoted noticeable grain refinement and enhanced phase distribution, leading to improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Among the investigated compositions, the Mg–4Zn–0.2Ca–6Y alloy demonstrated a more homogeneous microstructure along with superior strength and hardness compared to other variants. Furthermore, this composition exhibited a relatively slower and more uniform degradation rate, indicating improved stability under simulated physiological conditions. The outcomes of this study suggest that controlled incorporation of Y in Mg–Zn–Ca alloys can effectively tailor their structural and degradation properties. Therefore, the Mg–4Zn–0.2Ca–6Y alloy shows strong potential as a biodegradable material for orthopaedic implant applications requiring balanced mechanical reliability and controlled corrosion behaviour. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol23no1/degradable-magnesium-based-alloy-mg-zn-ca-y-for-biomedical-applications/ Biomedical; Degradation; Implant; Magnesium alloy; Yttrium Zink