Orthopaedic Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 1221

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Orthopaedics, Experimental Orthopaedics Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
Interests: biomedical engineering; tissue regeneration; materials in medicine; bone transplants; bone impaction grafting; reconstruction of bone defects; robotic-assisted surgery; 3D-printed implants and scaffolds; bone remodelling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Orthopaedic bioengineering and tissue regeneration represent a groundbreaking convergence of engineering, biology, and medicine, with the potential to revolutionize treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. This Special Issue invites submissions that explore innovative biomaterials, scaffolds, and techniques designed to repair and regenerate damaged bone and cartilage tissues. Recent advancements in 3D printing and nanotechnology pave the way for customized implants and regenerative devices that closely replicate the natural structure of bone, enhancing integration and promoting effective healing.

We welcome contributions focused on orthopaedic bioengineering, especially those that utilize stem cells, growth factors, and biocompatible materials to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. This field is rapidly evolving, with research delving into tissue engineering strategies that synergize cells, biomaterials, and biochemical cues to produce functional tissue constructs. These innovations not only address acute injuries but also offer solutions for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, the integration of computational modelling and advanced imaging technologies enriches our understanding of biomechanics and biological responses to orthopaedic interventions. As this field advances, it promises to yield novel therapies that can significantly shorten recovery times and enhance patient outcomes, heralding a new era in musculoskeletal healthcare. Collaborative efforts among engineers, clinicians, and researchers are crucial to driving these pioneering advancements in orthopaedic bioengineering.

This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality research focused on enhancing biomaterials for orthopaedic applications, data processing, and clinical evaluation in orthopaedic bioengineering. We also welcome technical studies, experimental trials, and clinical assessments.

Dr. David Putzer
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • orthopaedic bioengineering
  • implant surfaces
  • biological response of implant surfaces
  • bone remodelling
  • bioprinted scaffolds

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 8829 KiB  
Article
Pharmacological Intervention with 4-Phenylbutyrate Ameliorates TiAl6V4 Nanoparticles-Induced Inflammatory Osteolysis by Promoting Macrophage Apoptosis
by Guoyin Liu, Haiyang Gong, Tianting Bai, Yahui Fu, Xin Li, Junhao Lu, Jianning Zhao and Jianmin Chen
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070701 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Macrophage apoptosis, along with inflammation in the interface membrane, has been demonstrated to be significant in the pathogenesis and development of particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening. Additionally, the apoptosis of macrophages is considered an indicator of the resolution phase of inflammation and [...] Read more.
Macrophage apoptosis, along with inflammation in the interface membrane, has been demonstrated to be significant in the pathogenesis and development of particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening. Additionally, the apoptosis of macrophages is considered an indicator of the resolution phase of inflammation and the transition to normal tissue healing. Therefore, targeting macrophages presents a promising strategy for both the prevention and therapeutic management of periprosthetic osteolysis. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) as a pharmacological intervention aimed at modulating macrophage behaviors, particularly focusing on the processes of apoptosis, inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis in a murine model of TiAl6V4 nanoparticle (TiNP)-induced osteolysis. The results derived from in vivo studies conducted on the murine model provide compelling evidence that TiNPs could trigger osteolysis, activate inflammatory cell infiltration, and promote the differentiation of osteoclasts, accompanied by a notable rise in apoptosis at the osteolytic interface periosteum. The severity of TiNP-induced osteolysis, chaotic bone morphology, extensive bone erosion and destruction, occurrence of infiltrating inflammatory cells, and quantity of osteoclasts were attenuated following co-intervention with 4-PBA. Furthermore, the levels of apoptosis, in conjunction with apoptosis-regulated proteins Bcl-2 and Bax, were accentuated following 4-PBA co-intervention, indicating that the TiNP-induced osteolytic interface periosteum environment exhibited a greater propensity for apoptosis due to the pharmacological intervention of 4-PBA. Notably, the use of 4-PBA as a standalone treatment demonstrated comparatively low levels of toxicity and was deemed to be experimentally safe in mice. These findings indicated that 4-PBA may ameliorate the severity of particle-induced osteolysis by inhibiting the inflammatory response and promoting macrophage apoptosis in a manner that may be beneficial for therapeutic strategies. Thus, pharmacological intervention with 4-PBA appears to be a viable option for addressing osteolysis and aseptic loosening resulting from exposure to wear particles, combining efficacy in promoting apoptosis with a favorable safety profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthopaedic Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration)
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15 pages, 2152 KiB  
Article
Injectable and Assembled Calcium Sulfate/Magnesium Silicate 3D Scaffold Promotes Bone Repair by In Situ Osteoinduction
by Wei Zhu, Tianhao Zhao, Han Wang, Guangli Liu, Yixin Bian, Qi Wang, Wei Xia, Siyi Cai and Xisheng Weng
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060599 - 31 May 2025
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Abstract
(1) Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), caused by insufficient blood supply, leads to bone tissue death. Current treatments lack effective bone regeneration materials to reverse disease progression. This study introduces an injectable and self-setting 3D porous bioceramic scaffold (Mg@Ca), combining MgO [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), caused by insufficient blood supply, leads to bone tissue death. Current treatments lack effective bone regeneration materials to reverse disease progression. This study introduces an injectable and self-setting 3D porous bioceramic scaffold (Mg@Ca), combining MgO + SiO2 mixtures with α-hemihydrate calcium sulfate, designed to promote bone repair through in situ pore formation and osteoinduction. (2) Methods: In vitro experiments evaluated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (h-BMSC) proliferation, differentiation, and osteogenic marker expression in Mg@Ca medium. Transcriptome sequencing identified bone development-related pathways. In vivo efficacy was assessed in a rabbit model of ONFH to evaluate bone repair. (3) Results: The Mg@Ca scaffold demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and supported h-BMSC proliferation and differentiation, with significant up-regulation of COL1A1 and BGLAP. Transcriptome analysis revealed activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, critical for osteogenesis. In vivo results confirmed enhanced trabecular density and bone volume compared to controls, indicating effective bone repair and regeneration. (4) Conclusions: The Mg@Ca scaffold offers a promising therapeutic approach for ONFH, providing a minimally invasive solution for bone defect repair while stimulating natural bone regeneration. Its injectable and self-setting properties ensure precise filling of bone defects, making it suitable for clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthopaedic Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration)
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