Advanced Physical Techniques in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2026 | Viewed by 2301

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Science and Odontostomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: advanced biomedical imaging; tissue physiopathology; tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (research focused on tissue physiopathology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Biomedical Science and Public Health Department, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: high resolution tomography; synchrotron-based imaging; biomaterials; scaffold; tissue engineering; material characterization; soft tissues

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Guest Editor Assistant
Biomedical Science and Public Health Department, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: artificial intelligence; medical/dental imaging; dentistry; neural network; deep learning; machine learning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue highlights cutting-edge advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, presenting the latest physical techniques that are transforming the field and enabling researchers and clinicians to develop more effective therapies and solutions. A central focus of this Special Issue is the integration of advanced imaging modalities, which are essential for visualizing and understanding tissue architecture, cellular behaviors, and the dynamic processes involved in regeneration. Techniques such as high-resolution microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) provide detailed insights that drive innovation.

This Special Issue also explores innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis methods. These tools are revolutionizing the interpretation of complex biological data, experimental protocols, and tissue response prediction. Machine learning algorithms and AI-driven analytics are paving the way for personalized medicine and more precise regenerative strategies.

Through this comprehensive exploration, this Special Issue demonstrates how the synergy of physical techniques, advanced imaging, and AI-based data analysis is propelling tissue engineering and regenerative medicine into a new era of scientific discovery and clinical application. We look forward to sharing groundbreaking research, insightful reviews, and inspiring case studies that showcase the transformative potential of these technologies.

Prof. Dr. Alessandra Giuliani
Guest Editor

Dr. Michele Furlani
Dr. Nicole Riberti
Guest Editor Assistants

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Keywords

  • tissue engineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • advanced imaging modalities
  • high-resolution microscopy
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • computed tomography (CT)
  • artificial intelligence (AI)

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1800 KB  
Article
Healing Kinetics of Sinus Lift Augmentation Using Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Granules: A Case Series in Humans
by Michele Furlani, Valentina Notarstefano, Nicole Riberti, Emira D’Amico, Tania Vanessa Pierfelice, Carlo Mangano, Elisabetta Giorgini, Giovanna Iezzi and Alessandra Giuliani
Bioengineering 2025, 12(8), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12080848 - 6 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Sinus augmentation provides a well-established model for investigating the three-dimensional morphometry and macromolecular dynamics of bone regeneration, particularly when using biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) graft substitutes. This case series included six biopsies from patients who underwent maxillary sinus augmentation using BCP granules composed [...] Read more.
Sinus augmentation provides a well-established model for investigating the three-dimensional morphometry and macromolecular dynamics of bone regeneration, particularly when using biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) graft substitutes. This case series included six biopsies from patients who underwent maxillary sinus augmentation using BCP granules composed of 30% hydroxyapatite (HA) and 70% β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Bone core biopsies were obtained at healing times of 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Histological evaluation yielded qualitative and quantitative insights into new bone distribution, while micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) were employed to assess the three-dimensional architecture and macromolecular composition of the regenerated bone. Micro-CT analysis revealed progressive maturation of the regenerated bone microstructure over time. At 6 months, the apical regenerated area exhibited a significantly higher mineralized volume fraction (58 ± 5%) compared to the basal native bone (44 ± 11%; p = 0.0170), as well as significantly reduced trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp: 187 ± 70 µm vs. 325 ± 96 µm; p = 0.0155) and degree of anisotropy (DA: 0.37 ± 0.05 vs. 0.73 ± 0.03; p < 0.0001). By 12 months, the mineralized volume fraction in the regenerated area (53 ± 5%) was statistically comparable to basal bone (44 ± 3%; p > 0.05), while Tb.Sp (211 ± 20 µm) and DA (0.23 ± 0.09) remained significantly lower (Tb.Sp: 395 ± 41 µm, p = 0.0041; DA: 0.46 ± 0.04, p = 0.0001), indicating continued structural remodelling and organization. Raman microspectroscopy further revealed dynamic macromolecular changes during healing. Characteristic β-TCP peaks (e.g., 1315, 1380, 1483 cm−1) progressively diminished over time and were completely absent in the regenerated tissue at 12 months, contrasting with their partial presence at 6 months. Simultaneously, increased intensity of collagen-specific bands (e.g., Amide I at 1661 cm−1, Amide III at 1250 cm−1) and carbonate peaks (1065 cm−1) reflected active matrix formation and mineralization. Overall, this case series provides qualitative and quantitative evidence that bone regeneration and integration of BCP granules in sinus augmentation continues beyond 6 months, with ongoing maturation observed up to 12 months post-grafting. Full article
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Review

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19 pages, 1030 KB  
Review
Application and Progress of Loading Strategies in Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
by Tenglong Luo, Zhangfeng Huang, Chen Fu and Jiecong Wang
Bioengineering 2025, 12(12), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12121336 - 8 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Craniofacial bone defects of critical size, caused by trauma, tumors, infections, or congenital maldevelopment, represent a major challenge in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Autologous bone grafting is considered the gold standard, but limitations such as donor site morbidity and limited availability have prompted [...] Read more.
Craniofacial bone defects of critical size, caused by trauma, tumors, infections, or congenital maldevelopment, represent a major challenge in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Autologous bone grafting is considered the gold standard, but limitations such as donor site morbidity and limited availability have prompted the development of artificial bone tissue engineering scaffolds. In recent years, bioactive scaffolds have been increasingly utilized in favor of inert biomaterials due to their immunomodulation and osteoinduction capabilities. This review methodically summarizes loading strategies for the functionalization of scaffolds with bioactive components, including cell regulatory factors, drugs, ions, stem cells, exosomes, and components derived from human tissues or cells to promote bone regeneration. The following mechanisms are involved: (1) the polarization of macrophages (M1-M2 transition), (2) the dynamic regulation of bone metabolism, and (3) the coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. This review focuses on innovative delivery systems, such as 3D-printed scaffolds, nanocomposites and so on, that enable spatiotemporal control of bioactive cargo release. These address key challenges, such as infection resistance, vascularization, and mechanical stability in the process of bone regeneration. In addition, the article discusses emerging technologies, including stem cells and exosome-based acellular therapies, which demonstrate potential for personalized bone regeneration. This review integrates immunology, materials science, and clinical needs, providing a roadmap for the design of next-generation bone tissue engineering scaffolds to overcome critical-sized bone defects. Full article
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