Injectable Hydrogels and Smart Biomaterials for Precision Regenerative Therapy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 763

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “Injectable Hydrogels and Smart Biomaterials for Precision Regenerative Therapy,” focuses on the latest advances in bioengineered materials that integrate responsiveness, biocompatibility, and precision in regenerative applications. Injectable hydrogels—owing to their minimally invasive delivery, tunable mechanics, and capacity to encapsulate bioactive agents—are redefining strategies for tissue repair, controlled drug release, and cellular modulation. Coupled with smart biomaterials that respond dynamically to biological cues (pH, temperature, enzymes, or redox state), these systems enable site-specific regeneration, adaptive remodeling, and real-time therapeutic feedback. Therefore, we invite contributions covering everything from molecular design and nanocomposite integration to translational studies and clinical prospects. We particularly wish to highlight research from interdisciplinary approaches combining material science, stem cell biology, nanotechnology, and precision medicine to bridge bench innovation with patient-specific therapy.

Dr. Prakash Gangadaran
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • injectable hydrogels
  • smart biomaterials
  • regenerative medicine
  • precision therapy
  • stimuli-responsive materials
  • tissue engineering
  • drug delivery
  • biocompatibility
  • stem cell encapsulation
  • translational nanomedicine

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

17 pages, 2208 KB  
Review
Global Research Trends in Extracellular Vesicle–Based Therapy for Regenerative Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis (2014–2024)
by Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran, Atharva Anand Mahajan, Sathish Muthu, Sathish Kumar Rajappan Chandra, Prakash Gangadaran and Byeong-Cheol Ahn
Bioengineering 2026, 13(2), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13020247 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 477
Abstract
Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising cell-free therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine due to their ability to deliver bioactive molecules with enhanced stability and low immunogenicity. Their potential to replicate stem cell functions without the risks of live-cell transplantation has catalyzed [...] Read more.
Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising cell-free therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine due to their ability to deliver bioactive molecules with enhanced stability and low immunogenicity. Their potential to replicate stem cell functions without the risks of live-cell transplantation has catalyzed a surge in global research. Objective: This study aims to perform a scientometric analysis of EV-based regenerative medicine research from 2014 to 2024, identifying publication trends, influential contributors, thematic clusters, and translational challenges. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed using CiteSpace software. The analysis included journal impact mapping, co-authorship networks, co-citation analysis, and thematic cluster identification. Metrics such as citation bursts, total link strength, and silhouette values were used to assess influence and thematic coherence. Results: The most prolific journals were Stem Cell Research & Therapy and International Journal of Molecular Sciences. China led in publication volume, while the USA dominated citation impact. Foundational works by Théry and Lai, including the MISEV guidelines, shaped methodological standards. Nine thematic clusters were identified, including oxidative stress, small EVs, mesenchymal stromal cells, muscle regeneration, and chronic kidney disease. A strategic shift toward engineered EVs and novel sources such as iPSCs and macrophages was evident. Key translational barriers include lack of standardization, scalability issues, and regulatory ambiguity. Conclusions: EV-based therapies are transitioning from foundational research to clinical application. Overcoming methodological and regulatory challenges will be critical to realizing their full therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Full article
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