Book excerpt: The development of biodegradable implants which can remain in the human body to fix a problem and subsequently dissolve, or be absorbed, consumed or excreted, without warranting a secondary surgery, is very appealing to scientists. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, magnesium implants provide a viable option many problems associated with permanent metallic implants such as, restenosis, thrombosis, permanent physical irritation, and inability to adapt to growth and changes in human body. Volume 2 of this important new book explores practical issues of magnesium and magnesium alloys, physical and mechanical modification and coatings to enhance this material for biomedical applications. - Includes expert analysis on chemical solution deposition of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and octacalcium (OCP) phosphate coatings for magnesium - Comprehensive coverage of biomimetic modifications, surface functionalization of biomolecules, natural, conducting and biodegradable polymeric coatings - Lucid dissection of chemical, physical, mechanical and electromechanical modifications of magnesium and its alloys for biomedical applications