Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.2
3.9
Journals
Biomimetics
Special Issues
Advancing Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Using Next-Gen Biomaterials
share announcement

Advancing Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Using Next-Gen Biomaterials

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 5380

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Felicia Carotenuto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: bioactive natural compounds; degenerative diseases; nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving, driven by the development of next-generation biomaterials that offer unprecedented opportunities for the repair and restoration of damaged tissues and organs. These innovative materials are designed to faithfully mimic the dynamic, structural, and biochemical properties of native tissues, thus enhancing cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation.

Next-generation biomaterials include conductive materials, smart polymers, bioactive ceramics, nanocomposites, and hybrid scaffolds capable of actively interacting with biological environments. Their tunable physical and chemical characteristics enable the precise control of cellular behavior and tissue regeneration processes. Furthermore, these materials can be used for drug delivery and to stimulate processes such as immunomodulation or cell differentiation. Finally, the integration of advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics enables the creation of highly complex and functional tissue constructs, customized to meet individual patients’ needs.

This Special Issue aims to highlight cutting-edge research and innovative approaches leveraging these novel biomaterials, highlighting their potential to transform the clinical outcomes of regenerative therapies. Contributions will focus on material design, in vitro and in vivo applications, and translational strategies to address the current challenges in tissue repair.

Dr. Felicia Carotenuto
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • tissue engineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • smart materials
  • hybrid scaffolds
  • 3D bioprinting
  • tissue regeneration
  • conductive biomaterials
  • immunomodulation
  • controlled drug release
  • cellular microenvironment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 5507 KB  
Article
A Fluid Dynamics-Model System for Advancing Tissue Engineering and Cancer Research Studies: Biological Assessment of the Innovative BioAxFlow Dynamic Culture Bioreactor
by Giulia Gramigna, Federica Liguori, Ludovica Filippini, Maurizio Mastantuono, Michele Pistillo, Margherita Scamarcio, Alessia Mengoni, Antonella Lisi, Giuseppe Falvo D’Urso Labate and Mario Ledda
Biomimetics 2025, 10(12), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120848 - 18 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1054
Abstract
In this study, an innovative bioreactor, named BioAxFlow, particularly suitable for tissue engineering applications, is tested. Unlike traditional bioreactors, it does not rely on mechanical components to agitate the culture medium, but on the unique fluid-dynamics behaviour induced by the geometry of the [...] Read more.
In this study, an innovative bioreactor, named BioAxFlow, particularly suitable for tissue engineering applications, is tested. Unlike traditional bioreactors, it does not rely on mechanical components to agitate the culture medium, but on the unique fluid-dynamics behaviour induced by the geometry of the culture chamber, which ensures continuous movement of the medium, promoting the constant exposure of the cells to nutrients and growth factors. Using the human osteosarcoma cell line SAOS-2, the bioreactor’s ability to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation on polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds, mimicking bone matrix architecture, is investigated. Cells cultured in the bioreactor showed significant improvement in cell growth and adhesion, compared to static cultures, and a more homogeneous cell distribution upon the scaffold surfaces, which is crucial for the development of functional tissue constructs. The bioreactor also preserves the osteogenic potential of SAOS-2 cells as assessed by the expression of key osteogenic markers. Additionally, it retains the tumorigenic characteristics of SAOS-2 cells, including the expression of pro-angiogenic factors and apoptosis-related genes. These results indicate that the BioAxFlow bioreactor could be an effective platform for tissue engineering and cancer research, offering a promising tool for both regenerative medicine applications and drug testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Using Next-Gen Biomaterials)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 714 KB  
Review
Regenerative Medicine Approaches to Stress Urinary Incontinence
by Alexane Thibodeau, Aiden Smith, Stéphane Chabaud, Geneviève Nadeau, Jean Ruel and Stéphane Bolduc
Biomimetics 2026, 11(5), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11050323 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 810
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects a significant proportion of women and often requires surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail. While midurethral slings (MUS) are widely used, concerns over complications such as mesh exposure/erosion and chronic pain have driven interest in regenerative medicine alternatives. [...] Read more.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects a significant proportion of women and often requires surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail. While midurethral slings (MUS) are widely used, concerns over complications such as mesh exposure/erosion and chronic pain have driven interest in regenerative medicine alternatives. This review explores emerging strategies, including stem cell therapies, platelet-rich plasma injections, decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds, injectable hydrogels, and bioengineered slings. These approaches aim to restore continence by promoting tissue regeneration, improving biocompatibility, and reducing adverse reactions. We evaluate their mechanisms, reported outcomes, and current stage of development, supported by in vitro and in vivo model data. Although promising, these technologies face challenges related to cell viability, scaffold integration, and clinical translation. Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to optimize these therapies and bring safer, more effective solutions to patients. Regenerative strategies may ultimately redefine the future of SUI treatment by offering biologically integrated, long-lasting alternatives to synthetic slings. To date, no tissue-engineered or regenerative biomimetic sling has received regulatory approval for routine clinical use in the management of stress urinary incontinence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Using Next-Gen Biomaterials)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 972 KB  
Review
Three-Dimensional Printing of the Epineurium for Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Comprehensive Review of Novel Scaffolds for Nerve Conduits
by Alynah J. Adams, Iulianna C. Taritsa, Kaavian Shariati, Aaron I. Dadzie, Jose A. Foppiani, Maria Jose Escobar-Domingo, Daniela Lee, Angelica Hernandez-Alvarez, Kirsten Schuster, Helen Xun and Samuel J. Lin
Biomimetics 2026, 11(3), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11030196 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 889
Abstract
Background: Nerve conduits are used to bridge peripheral nerve defects caused by trauma, iatrogenic injury, or oncologic disruption. Three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration have advanced significantly in recent years, driven by improvements in printing technology and neuronal seeding techniques. We [...] Read more.
Background: Nerve conduits are used to bridge peripheral nerve defects caused by trauma, iatrogenic injury, or oncologic disruption. Three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration have advanced significantly in recent years, driven by improvements in printing technology and neuronal seeding techniques. We report on published designer conduits that can recreate the epineurium, a critical yet challenging-to-manufacture feature of nerve tissue. Methods: A medical librarian conducted a literature search for our systematic review on EMBASE, Web of Science, and PUBMED, following PRISMA guidelines, for articles from January 2010 to January 2026 for the systematic review. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft 365 Suite software. The literature review was conducted using keywords and search terms describing the history and development of 3DP nerve guidance conduits published prior to January 2026. Results: Our search yielded 273 titles, of which 8 were included after full-text review; these studies used 3D printing to generate nerve conduits for preclinical models. Manual data extraction identified studies reporting successful epineurial recreation. The included scaffold materials were polycaprolactone, poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), acrylate resin, and gelatin methacryloyl. In animal model studies, various terms were used to describe the epineurium outer sheath. Despite this variability in nomenclature, many of these reports indicated successful sciatic functional index (SFI) recovery, favorable g-ratios, good durability, high cell viability, and significant neurite elongation at the time of sacrifice. Conclusions: 3DP nerve conduits targeting the epineurium are promising approaches for treating peripheral nerve defects. The constructs promote oriented growth and myelination. Future research on incorporating the epineurium into nerve scaffolds may consider encapsulating NGF to promote more efficient nerve regeneration, standardizing the definition of epineurial recreation, designing mechanical and permeability reporting benchmarks, and evaluating cell strategies using comparable functional and histologic endpoints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Using Next-Gen Biomaterials)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 1098 KB  
Review
Organ-on-a-Chip and Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies in Cardiac Tissue Engineering
by Daniele Marazzi, Federica Trovalusci, Paolo Di Nardo and Felicia Carotenuto
Biomimetics 2026, 11(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11010018 - 30 Dec 2025
Viewed by 2202
Abstract
Microfluidic technologies have ushered in a new era in cardiac tissue engineering, providing more predictive in vitro models compared to two-dimensional culture studies. This review examines Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) and Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) platforms, with a specific focus on cardiovascular applications. OoCs, and particularly Heart-on-a-Chip [...] Read more.
Microfluidic technologies have ushered in a new era in cardiac tissue engineering, providing more predictive in vitro models compared to two-dimensional culture studies. This review examines Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) and Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) platforms, with a specific focus on cardiovascular applications. OoCs, and particularly Heart-on-a-Chip systems, have advanced biomimicry to a higher level by recreating complex 3D cardiac microenvironments in vitro and dynamic fluid flow. These platforms employ induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), engineered extracellular matrices, and dynamic mechanical and electrical stimulation to reproduce the structural and functional features of myocardial tissue. LoCs have introduced miniaturization and integration of analytical functions into compact devices, enabling high-throughput screening, advanced diagnostics, and efficient pharmacological testing. They enable the investigation of pathophysiological mechanisms, the assessment of cardiotoxicity, and the development of precision medicine approaches. Furthermore, progress in multi-organ systems expands the potential of microfluidic technologies to simulate heart–liver, heart–kidney, and heart–tumor interactions, providing more comprehensive predictive models. However, challenges remain, including the immaturity of iPSC-derived cells, the lack of standardization, and scalability issues. In general, microfluidic platforms represent strategic tools for advancing cardiovascular research in translation and accelerating therapeutic innovation within precision medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Using Next-Gen Biomaterials)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop