Three‐dimensional printed natural and synthetic biomaterials have evolved as gold standards for tissue engineering scaffolds in recent trends owing to their superior role in hard tissue regeneration. The major drawback of these scaffolds is their relatively poor mechanical strength. Another key consideration in the design of the scaffolds is the difficulty in replicating the complex structural composition of hard tissues such as bones, and its structure cannot be reproduced with a single material that provides a limited range of properties. Sufficient mechanical strength is provided by the structure required for the replacement tissue. The mechanical properties of the scaffold play an important role in many applications of tissue engineering. Therefore, is it sufficient to withstand the force with only a single material used for the scaffold? There are many materials such as natural resin, synthetic resin, and polymers. They are used in combination to fulfill the function and to act as a kingpin by solving their drawbacks. The added material is not only superior in mechanical strength but also compatible with the tissues surrounding the implant, promoting cell adhesion and gradually degrading rather than intoxicating the patient. This review focuses on the various biomaterials used as scaffolds for critical size defects and the aftermath in their mechanical properties.

Scaffolds are physical substrates for cell attachments, proliferation, and differentiation, ultimately leading to tissue regeneration. Current literature validates tissue engineering as an emerging tool for bone regeneration. Three-dimensionally printed natural and synthetic biomaterials have been traditionally used for tissue engineering. In recent times, graphene and its derivatives are potentially employed for constructing bone tissue engineering scaffolds because of their osteogenic and regenerative properties. Graphene is a synthetic atomic layer of graphite with SP2 bonded carbon atoms that are arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure. Graphene can be combined with natural and synthetic biomaterials to enhance the osteogenic potential and mechanical strength of tissue engineering scaffolds. The objective of this review is to focus on the most recent studies that attempted to explore the salient features of graphene and its derivatives. Perhaps, a thorough understanding of the material science can potentiate researchers to use this novel substitute to enhance the osteogenic and biological properties of scaffold materials that are routinely used for bone tissue engineering.

The future of biomaterial design will rely on development of bioresorbable implant materials that completely and safely degrade in vivo after the tissues grow, without generating harmful degradation products at the targeted anatomic site. Permanent biomaterials such as Ti6Al4V alloy, 316L stainless steel, and Co-based alloys currently used in mandibular reconstruction often result in stress shielding effects due to mismatch in the Young’s modulus values between the bone and the implant, resulting in implant loosening. Also, allergic responses due to metal ion releases necessitates revision surgery to prevent long term exposure of the body to toxic implant contents. Bioresorbable metals are perceived as revolutionary biomaterials that have transformed the nature of metallic biomaterials from bioinert to bioactive and multi-bio functional (anti-bacterial, anti-proliferation, and anti-cancer). In this aspect, magnesium (Mg)-based materials have recently been explored by the biomedical community as potential materials for mandibular reconstruction, as they exhibit favorable mechanical properties, adequate biocompatibility, and degradability. This article reviews the recent progress that has led to advances in developing Mg-based materials for mandibular reconstruction; correlating with the biomechanics of mandible and types of mandibular defects. Mg-based materials are discussed regarding their mechanical properties, corrosion characteristics, and in vivo performance. Finally, the paper summarizes findings from this review, together with a proposed scope for advancing the knowledge in Mg-based materials for mandibular reconstruction.

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