Bioengineering Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 926

Editors


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Guest Editor
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Interests: clinical outcomes; technique optimization; health disparities; education and mentorship; device innovation in plastic; hand; peripheral nerve surgery

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Guest Editor
DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Interests: biomaterials; biomechanics; tissue engineering; translational science; 3D printing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plastic surgery has long been celebrated as an “innovation” specialty, spanning diverse patient populations, pathologies, and anatomical regions. From pediatric congenital anomalies, oncologic reconstruction, and limb salvage to hand surgery, peripheral nerve repair, and lymphatic supermicrosurgery, plastic surgeons consistently develop and apply cutting-edge techniques. By definition, plastic surgeons are problem solvers and engineers, and their research groups drive innovation across multiple translational spheres, from bench to bedside.

Bioengineering has emerged as a powerful catalyst for this innovation, providing tools and strategies to tackle some of the most complex reconstructive challenges. This Special Issue highlights recent advances in bioengineering research applied to plastic and reconstructive surgery, with particular focus on craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration, peripheral nerve repair, lymphatic supermicrosurgical reconstruction, and other translational applications. We welcome contributions that explore experimental biomaterials, 3D bioprinting, bioactive scaffolds, computational modeling, and preclinical or clinical translation.

By bringing together interdisciplinary expertise, this Issue aims to showcase innovations that not only restore anatomy but also recover physiological function, improve patient outcomes, and inspire new directions in regenerative medicine and reconstructive surgery. 

We invite researchers, clinicians, and engineers to submit original research, comprehensive reviews, technical notes, and perspectives that can contribute to the advancement of bioengineering in reconstructive surgery and foster collaboration across these dynamic disciplines.

Dr. Kashyap Tadisina
Prof. Dr. Paulo G. Coelho
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • peripheral nerve regeneration
  • craniomaxillofacial regeneration
  • lymphatic supermicrosurgical reconstruction
  • tissue engineering
  • bioengineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • 3D bioprinting
  • biomaterials

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 7240 KB  
Article
Comparative Histological Evaluation of Collagen Matrix Architectures for Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Oral Cavity: A Preclinical Canine Model
by Hana Shah, Nicholas J. Iglesias, Sara E. Munkwitz, Blaire V. Slavin, Zachary M. Stauber, Quinn T. Ehlen, Vasudev Vivekanand Nayak, Seth R. Thaller, Lukasz Witek and Paulo G. Coelho
Bioengineering 2026, 13(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13060662 - 5 Jun 2026
Viewed by 487
Abstract
Intraoral soft-tissue defects are traditionally managed with autogenous connective tissue grafts, though donor site morbidity has driven interest in xenogeneic collagen matrices as alternatives. However, the impact of matrix architecture on soft-tissue integration remains poorly understood. This study compared soft-tissue responses to a [...] Read more.
Intraoral soft-tissue defects are traditionally managed with autogenous connective tissue grafts, though donor site morbidity has driven interest in xenogeneic collagen matrices as alternatives. However, the impact of matrix architecture on soft-tissue integration remains poorly understood. This study compared soft-tissue responses to a sheet-form collagen matrix (ShCM) and a spongy collagen matrix (SpCM) placed beneath full-thickness flaps in a beagle mandibular defect model. Standardized bilateral defects were created in 23 skeletally mature female beagles. Defects were then assigned to serve as the negative control (sham) or were treated with porcine collagen matrix in (i) sheet form (ShCM) (Regenity Biosciences, Oakland, NJ, USA), or (ii) porous/spongy form (SpCM) (Fibro-Gide®, Geistlich Pharma North America, West Windsor Township, NJ, USA). The mandibular sites that received no surgical intervention served as positive controls. Experimental conditions were randomized and interpolated within each animal to minimize anatomical site bias and evaluated histologically at 4- (n = 7), 8- (n = 7), and 12-weeks (n = 9) postoperatively. Histologic sections were evaluated for matrix presence, inflammation, subepithelial healing, and matrix thickness. At 4 weeks, both matrices were present, though SpCM showed significantly higher inflammation scores (p = 0.013). By 8 weeks, ShCM demonstrated greater resorption (p = 0.003) alongside an organized collagen layer with fibroblasts and new microvessels, while SpCM remained thick and porous, with a persistent fibrous capsule and elevated inflammation versus both ShCM (p = 0.002) and sham (p = 0.009). At 12 weeks, inflammation declined and subepithelial healing improved similarly across matrix groups. These findings suggest matrix architecture influences soft-tissue healing outcomes in the oral cavity. Sheet-form matrices may be preferable where biocompatibility and predictable integration are priorities, while spongy matrices may better support long-term space maintenance and tissue ingrowth. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm these translational implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
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