Enhanced corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of zinc by Zn-Al layered double hydroxide films

• Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) films were constructed on Zn substrate via simple hydrothermal treatment. • The LDHs films can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of Zn. • The LDHs films present enhanced cytocompatibility and do little harm to cells. Zinc (Zn) is promising candidate to construct biodegradable medical devices. However, the poor corrosion resistance limits its clinical application. Herein, Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) films were constructed. Results showed that Zn-Al LDHs films could effectively enhance the anti-corrosion ability and biocompatibility of the Zn substrate, which provided new insights in the surface modification of Zn.