A biomedical implant (16, 18) is formed from magnesium (Mg) single crystal (10). The biomedical implant (16, 18) may be biodegradable. The biomedical implant (16, 18) may be post treated to control the mechanical properties and/or corrosion rate thereof said Mg single crystal (10) without changing the chemical composition thereof. A method of making a Mg single crystal (10) for biomedical applications includes filling a single crucible (12) with more than one chamber with polycrystalline Mg, melting at least a portion of said polycrystalline Mg, and forming more than one Mg single crystal (10) using directional solidification.