ZIF-8@SCC/AgNW nanocone coatings on Mg alloys for synergistic corrosion resistance and photodynamic antibacterial

• A ZIF-8@SCC/AgNW nanoconical coating on MA inspired by the Greta oto wing was fabricated. • The nanoconical structure enabled effective photodynamic antibacterial with low reflection loss. • The highest corrosion inhibition efficiency of 97.67 % was obtained from ZIF-8@SCC/AgNW-coated. • The ZIF-8@SCC/AgNW-coated exhibits an enhanced cytocompatibility to MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts cells. Mg alloys (MA) are emerging as promising biomedical bone implants due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and degradability. However, their rapid degradation in physiological environments and susceptibility to post-surgical infections limit clinical applications. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) provides a non-invasive, resistant-free solution to these infections. This study utilizes bionic technology inspired by Greta oto wings to deposit silver nanowire (AgNW) grids on a Mg alloy substrate, creating a ZIF-8@SCC/AgNW nanoconical coating in situ. This design achieves effective photodynamic antibacterial action with minimal reflection loss while reducing corrosion degradation of the MA. Electrochemical tests show the ZIF-8@SCC/AgNW-coated has superior corrosion resistance (97.67 %) compared to ZIF-8@SCC-coated (92.19 %) and AgNW-coated (82.27 %). Under visible light, it achieves antibacterial rates of 99.8 % against E. coli and 99.9 % against S. aureus , while maintaining excellent osteoblast compatibility. This bioinspired approach effectively overcomes key limitations hindering clinical translation of Mg-based implants.