Innovations in Bone and Craniofacial Tissue Engineering: From Biomaterials and Mechanobiology to Clinical Applications

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering and Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 September 2026 | Viewed by 2446

Editor


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Guest Editor
Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, 625 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
Interests: bone regeneration; craniofacial development; stem cell biology; biomaterials; mechanobiology; orthodontics; periodontics; immunomodulation; oxidative stress

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The functional regeneration of bone and craniofacial tissues is an area that unites biomaterials science, stem cell and gene therapies, mechanobiology, and clinical disciplines—including orthodontics and oral surgery. Despite advances in scaffold design and bioactive factor delivery, challenges remain in guiding tissue growth under mechanical forces, modulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and translating benchtop breakthroughs into patient‑ready solutions.

This Special Issue will gather cutting‑edge studies relating to the following areas:

  • Advanced biomaterials and scaffold fabrication (3D printing and smart/biomimetic materials).
  • Stem cell and exosome‑based approaches for osteo‑ and chondrogenesis.
  • Mechanobiology—the interface of mechanical loading (e.g., orthodontic forces) and bone remodeling.
  • Gene/drug delivery systems targeting osteoinduction, immunomodulation, and redox balance.
  • Orthodontic and craniofacial applications, including alveolar bone regeneration during tooth movement.
  • Preclinical to clinical translation, covering animal models, pilot trials, and regulatory considerations.

We welcome original research, comprehensive reviews, and expert perspectives that advance our understanding and application of multidisciplinary strategies for bone and craniofacial tissue engineering.

Dr. Zhekai Hu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bone tissue engineering
  • craniofacial regeneration
  • biomaterials and scaffolds
  • stem cells and exosomes
  • mechanobiology and orthodontic forces
  • osteoimmunology
  • oxidative stress modulation
  • gene/drug delivery
  • translational research
  • periodontal and alveolar bone regeneration

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2536 KB  
Article
Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Irrigant in Regenerative Endodontic Therapy of Necrotic Immature Permanent Teeth: An In Vivo Dog Model Study
by Safwat Elwaseef, Huda Ibrahim Mostafa, Abeer Ezat Wahba, Ahmed Mostafa Abbas, Ashraf Mohamad Emran, Gladistone Cadete Meros, Tarsyo Marcel Silva Montezuma and Ehab Hamed Mostafa Elwardaney
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051041 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 1058
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 2% chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) as an irrigating solution during pulp revascularization of immature dog teeth using histological and histomorphometric analyses. Materials and Methods: Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 2% chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) as an irrigating solution during pulp revascularization of immature dog teeth using histological and histomorphometric analyses. Materials and Methods: Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in 52 incompletely formed roots in four dogs (6–8 months age). These teeth were randomly allocated to Group I (n = 20; irrigation with NaOCl + EDTA) and Group II (n = 20; irrigation with NaOCl + chitosan NPs); DAP was used as a medication in both groups. Positive control (6 roots): teeth with induced periapical infections, no treatment procedure, and left open. Negative control (6 roots): teeth that were left untreated for the normal maturation process. Each experimental group was subdivided into two subdivisions in accordance with the post-treatment evaluation periods (1–3 months). The experimental teeth were re-entered following the infection period and disinfected using the assigned irrigation and medication protocol, and the access cavities were sealed. After the evaluation period, medication was removed, and blood clot formation was created through over-instrumentation. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was applied, followed by glass ionomer restoration (GIC). Results: At both 1 and 3 months, Group II demonstrated significantly superior histological organization and higher collagen-positive area percentages compared with Group I (p < 0.01), while the negative control showed the highest values and the positive control the lowest. Conclusions: Irrigation with 2% chitosan NPs significantly improved regenerative outcomes compared with the conventional NaOCl/EDTA protocol in immature canine teeth. Full article
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11 pages, 1463 KB  
Article
Effect of Autologous Bioactive Concentrated Growth Factor and Residual Dental Pulp on Dentin–Pulp Complex Regeneration
by Abeer Ezat Wahba, Safwat Elwaseef, Huda Ibrahim Mostafa, Weal B. Abdelhameed, Ahmed Mostafa Abbas and Ashraf Mohamad Emran
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030537 - 27 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 784
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the regenerative potential of autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with residual pulp tissue in immature dog teeth using a histological and histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty immature anterior and premolar teeth, harvested from four dogs, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the regenerative potential of autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with residual pulp tissue in immature dog teeth using a histological and histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty immature anterior and premolar teeth, harvested from four dogs, were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10 each): group I (negative control, untreated teeth), group II (positive control, complete pulp removal with blood clot in the canal), and group III (experimental, partial pulp removal with 1–4 mm residual pulp and placement of autologous CGF). After 1 and 3 months, animals were euthanized, and samples were processed for histological and histomorphometric assessments. Results: The CGF-treated group exhibited newly formed tissue with morphological characteristics comparable to the negative control group after partial pulp removal. Conclusions: The combination of CGF with 1–4 mm of residual pulp was associated with enhanced tissue organization, representing a promising approach for dentin–pulp complex (DPC) regeneration within this experimental context. Full article
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