This study attempts to synthesize MgZn/TiO2-MWCNTs composites with varying TiO2-MWCNT concentrations using mechanical alloying and a semi-powder metallurgy process coupled with spark plasma sintering. It also aims to investigate the mechanical, corrosion, and antibacterial properties of these composites. When compared to the MgZn composite, the microhardness and compressive strength of the MgZn/TiO2-MWCNTs composites were enhanced to 79 HV and 269 MPa, respectively. The results of cell culture and viability experiments revealed that incorporating TiO2-MWCNTs increased osteoblast proliferation and attachment and enhanced the biocompatibility of the TiO2-MWCNTs nanocomposite. It was observed that the corrosion resistance of the Mg-based composite was improved and the corrosion rate was reduced to about 2.1 mm/y with the addition of 10 wt% TiO2-1 wt% MWCNTs. In vitro testing for up to 14 days revealed a reduced degradation rate following the incorporation of TiO2-MWCNTs reinforcement into a MgZn matrix alloy. Antibacterial evaluations revealed that the composite had antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 3.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. The MgZn/TiO2-MWCNTs composite structure has great potential for use in orthopedic fracture fixation devices.

The ultimate goal of any surgical procedure is to improve perioperative form and function and to minimize operative and postoperative morbidity. In recent years, many exciting and novel technological advances have been introduced in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. One example of such technology that is continuing to increase in prevalence is the use of 3-dimensional (3-D) printing techniques with special properties, which seems hopeful for practitioners in the field of regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering is a critical and important area in biomedical engineering for creating biological alternatives for grafts, implants, and prostheses. One of the main triad bases for tissue engineering is scaffolds, which play a great role for determining growth directions of stem cells in a 3-dimensional aspect. Mechanical strength of these scaffolds is critical as well as interconnected channels and controlled porosity or pores distribution. However, existing 3-D scaffolds proved less than ideal for actual clinical applications. In this chapter, we review the application and advancement of rapid prototyping (RP) techniques in the design and creation of synthetic scaffolds for use in tissue engineering. Also, we survey through new and novel merging era of "bioprinting."