Magnesium-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds: A novel frontier in bone tissue engineering

Nonunion represents a crucial challenge in orthopedic medicine, demanding innovative solutions beyond the scope of traditional bone grafting methods. Among the various strategies available, magnesium (Mg) implants have been recognized for their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, their susceptibility to rapid corrosion and degradation has garnered notable research interest in bone tissue engineering (BTE), particularly in the development of Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds. These scaffolds gradually release Mg²⁺, which enhances immunomodulation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis, thus facilitating effective bone regeneration. This review presents myriad fabrication techniques used to create Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds, including electrospinning, three-dimensional printing, and sol-gel synthesis. Despite these advancements, the application of Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds faces challenges such as controlling the degradation rate of Mg and ensuring mechanical stability. These limitations highlight the necessity for ongoing research aimed at refining fabrication techniques to better regulate the physicochemical and osteogenic properties of scaffolds. This review provides insights into the potential of Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds for BTE and the challenges that need to be addressed for their successful translation into clinical applications.