A staple cartridge assembly including staples is disclosed herein. The staples comprise features which improve the biocompatibility and/or bioabsorption of the staples. The staples are comprised of a magnesium alloy, for example. The magnesium alloy can also include zinc. In certain instances, a bioabsorbable polymer is coated on part of, but not all of, the staple. Portions of the staple that are not coated by the bioabsorbable polymer will be absorbed at a first rate while portions of the staple that are coated by the bioabsorbable polymer will be absorbed at a slower rate. In various instances, the tips of the magnesium staples are coated with magnesium nitride and/or any other suitable material which can increase the hardness of the staples. In certain instances, the staples are coated in silver. In some instances, the staples include one or more apertures defined therein.
