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Biomimetics
Special Issues
Application of Biomimetic Materials in Regenerative and Restorative Dentistry
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Application of Biomimetic Materials in Regenerative and Restorative Dentistry

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 December 2026 | Viewed by 4251

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hongxin Cai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
Interests: dental materials; biomaterials and bioengineerings; in situ bioprinting
Prof. Dr. Yanning Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: intelligent caries prevention and control; AI applications in dentistry, dental restorative materials, and digital dental technologies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue aims to bring together cutting‑edge research and review articles that explore how biomimetic materials and structures can be translated into clinical practice in dentistry, both for tissue regeneration (e.g., bone, periodontal, pulp–dentin complex) and as restorative solutions (e.g., biomimetic composites, adhesives, scaffolds, implants). Inspired by nature’s hierarchical architectures, adaptive mechanisms, and multifunctional biomaterials, this issue will focus on the development of materials that emulate biological form–function relationships, enhance integration with oral tissues, promote healing, and restore function and aesthetics in a minimally invasive manner. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, novel bioinspired scaffolds for alveolar bone and periodontal regeneration, smart adhesives and coatings that mimic extracellular matrix cues, biomimetic composites and ceramics for restorative dentistry with improved longevity and bioactivity, hybrid materials enabling simultaneous antimicrobial, remineralising, and regenerative functions, and computational/design‑driven biomimetic systems for dental applications. This Special Issue therefore invites contributions from material scientists, bioengineers, dental researchers, and clinicians that provide experimental, modelling, translational, or clinical insights into biomimetic strategies for regenerative and restorative dentistry, ultimately aiming to accelerate the transition of biomimetic materials from the laboratory into the dental clinic.

Dr. Hongxin Cai
Prof. Dr. Yanning Chen
Guest Editors

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

  • biomimetic materials
  • biomimetic structure
  • biomimetic adhesives/coatings
  • regenerative dentistry
  • restorative dentistry
  • bioinspired scaffolds
  • hierarchical biomaterials
  • smart bioactive materials
  • hybrid biomaterials
  • bone–implant integration
  • minimally invasive dentistry
  • pulp–dentin regeneration

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2202 KB  
Article
Biomimetic Surface Modification of Dental Zirconia via UV Irradiation for Enhanced Aesthetics and Wettability
by Fengdan Pan, Xuedong Bai, Mengxiao Xu, Yanning Chen, Jiali Yu, Chi-Wai Kan, Shixin Jin and James Kit Hon Tsoi
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020155 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 646
Abstract
Zirconia is a material that mimics human teeth and has been extensively studied and applied. This study investigated the surface modifications of dental zirconia induced by two UV-C wavelengths (222 and 254 nm). A total of 72 zirconia specimens were prepared and divided [...] Read more.
Zirconia is a material that mimics human teeth and has been extensively studied and applied. This study investigated the surface modifications of dental zirconia induced by two UV-C wavelengths (222 and 254 nm). A total of 72 zirconia specimens were prepared and divided into groups for irradiation at varying distances (1, 6, 12 cm) and durations (40, 120, 480 and 1440 min), with three specimens retained as untreated controls. Surface changes were assessed by measuring colour difference (ΔE) and water contact angle, and by analyzing surface morphology and elemental composition using SEM and EDX, and XRD was employed to determine the crystalline structure. The results showed that both wavelengths induced clinically perceptible colour changes (ΔE > 2.0), with the most pronounced effect at 6 cm for 222 nm and 1 cm for 254 nm. WCA decreased significantly with irradiation time, showing a linear correlation with log(time), and 222 nm irradiation yielded lower WCA than 254 nm. While SEM revealed no morphological changes, both UV treatments significantly increased the Zr/O ratio compared to the control. XRD tests confirmed that UV-C irradiation does not damage the zirconium oxide crystal structure. It is concluded that both UV-C wavelengths can alter the colour and enhance the wettability of zirconia; these modifications are particularly relevant for dental restorative applications, specifically in the fabrication of anterior tooth crowns, where achieving a natural tooth-like appearance is desired. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biomimetic Materials in Regenerative and Restorative Dentistry)
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18 pages, 2461 KB  
Article
Tissue Regeneration on Implantoplasty-Treated Implants Using a Citric Acid–Collagen–Magnesium-Based Solution: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
by Samuel Oliván, Pedro Fernández-Domínguez, Javier Gil and Manuel Fernández-Domínguez
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020116 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 793
Abstract
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial colonization that leads to progressive bone loss around dental implants. Implantoplasty is widely used for biofilm removal; however, it alters the titanium surface, generating particle release and impairing surface properties. This study evaluated whether a [...] Read more.
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacterial colonization that leads to progressive bone loss around dental implants. Implantoplasty is widely used for biofilm removal; however, it alters the titanium surface, generating particle release and impairing surface properties. This study evaluated whether a citric acid-based solution supplemented with collagen and magnesium cations could enhance hard and soft tissue regeneration following implantoplasty. Three surfaces were analyzed: physiological saline (Ctr), 25% citric acid (AC), and citric acid with collagen and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (AC500/Mg). Surface roughness and wettability were assessed on titanium discs. Cytocompatibility, cell adhesion, and proliferation were evaluated using fibroblasts and osteoblasts up to 21 days, and mineralization was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase. In vivo studies were conducted in New Zealand rabbits with implants placed in the femur and muscle tissue. Surface roughness did not differ among treatments, while wettability significantly increased with citric acid-based solutions. All treatments showed good cytocompatibility. AC500/Mg significantly enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteoblast mineralization, showing threefold higher activity than controls at 21 days. In vivo, AC500/Mg exhibited greater bone contact (67%) and direct muscle integration, whereas AC and Ctr showed lower bone contact and fibrotic encapsulation. These results indicate that AC500/Mg improves soft and hard tissue responses without altering roughness, suggesting its potential as a regenerative strategy following implantoplasty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biomimetic Materials in Regenerative and Restorative Dentistry)
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Review

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23 pages, 755 KB  
Review
Dental Erosion Management: From Remineralization to Emerging Regenerative Approaches—A Narrative Review
by Ruvienath Daham Weerasinghe Rajapaksa, Yu-Ching Wang, Yong Chen Chin, Kevin Jang, Abdala Abdal-hay, Sašo Ivanovski and Sandleen Feroz
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020107 - 3 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2155
Abstract
Dental erosion has emerged as a significant modern oral health problem, characterized by the chemical dissolution of tooth structure resulting from frequent exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. With a high global prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% in children and 20% to [...] Read more.
Dental erosion has emerged as a significant modern oral health problem, characterized by the chemical dissolution of tooth structure resulting from frequent exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. With a high global prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% in children and 20% to 40% in adults, its management is a clinical priority to prevent long-term complications like dentine hypersensitivity and functional impairment. This review outlines the multifactorial etiology of erosion, encompassing dietary acids, gastroesophageal reflux, and reduced salivary flow. The historical context of oral care is explored, leading to a discussion on contemporary management strategies centered on remineralization. Fluoride ions play a crucial role by inhibiting demineralization, facilitating the formation of acid-resistant fluorapatite, and exerting antibacterial effects. A major focus is placed on advanced biomimetic, calcium phosphate-based topical agents such as Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP), functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate (fTCP), and Hydroxyapatite (HAP), which effectively replenish lost minerals. The review further explores innovative methods, such as laser-assisted and electrically enhanced remineralization. Finally, it outlines next-generation regenerative strategies, including self-assembling peptides (P11-4), stem cell therapies, 3D bioprinting, and gene-editing (CRISPR) technologies, which aim to biologically regenerate lost enamel and dentine. The field is rapidly evolving from a preventive to a restorative paradigm, with future directions focusing on biologically based, minimally invasive therapies to fully restore tooth structure and function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biomimetic Materials in Regenerative and Restorative Dentistry)
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