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.