The continuous development of novel materials for biomedical applications is resulting in an increasingly better prognosis for patients. The application of more advanced materials relates to fewer complications and a desirable higher percentage of successful treatments. New, innovative materials being considered for biomedical applications are metallic alloys with an amorphous internal structure called metallic glasses. They are currently in a dynamic phase of development both in terms of formulating new chemical compositions and testing their properties in terms of intended biocompatibility. This review article intends to synthesize the latest research results in the field of biocompatible metallic glasses to create a more coherent picture of these materials. It summarizes and discusses the most recent findings in the areas of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, in vitro cellular studies, antibacterial properties, and in vivo animal studies. Results are collected mainly for the most popular metallic glasses manufactured as thin films, coatings, and in bulk form. Considered materials include alloys based on zirconium and titanium, as well as new promising ones based on magnesium, tantalum, and palladium. From the properties of the examined metallic glasses, possible areas of application and further research directions to fill existing gaps are proposed.

Microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility were studied for rapidly cooled 3 mm rods of Zr₄₀Ti₁₅Cu₁₀Ni₁₀Be₂₅, Zr₅₀Ti₅Cu₁₀Ni₁₀Be₂₅, and Zr₄₀Ti₁₅Cu₁₀Ni₅Si₅Be₂₅ (at.%) alloys, as well as for the reference 316L stainless steel and Ti-based Ti6Al4V alloy. Microstructure investigations confirm that Zr-based bulk metallic samples exhibit a glassy structure with minor fractions of crystalline phases. The nanoindentation tests carried out for all investigated composite materials allowed us to determine the mechanical parameters of individual phases observed in the samples. The instrumental hardness and elastic to total deformation energy ratio for every single phase observed in the manufactured Zr-based materials are higher than for the reference materials (316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloy). A scratch tester used to determine the wear behavior of manufactured samples and reference materials revealed the effect of microstructure on mechanical parameters such as residual depth, friction force, and coefficient of friction. Electrochemical investigations in simulated body fluid performed up to 120 h show better or comparable corrosion resistance of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses in comparison with 316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloy. The fibroblasts viability studies confirm the good biocompatibility of the produced materials. All obtained results show that fabricated biocompatible Zr-based materials are promising candidates for biomedical implants that require enhanced mechanical properties.