Gelatin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

Gelatin-based materials have emerged as versatile and promising candidates in the field of musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regeneration. Derived from natural collagen, gelatin exhibits excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable physical properties, making it an ideal material for mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) in musculoskeletal applications. Recent advancements have demonstrated gelatin’s adaptability in forming hydrogels and functional biomaterials, particularly when combined with cutting-edge technologies such as 3D/4D bioprinting, bioactive molecule delivery, and functionalization with nanoscale additives. These innovations have enhanced the potential of gelatin-based scaffolds to promote cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue integration.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain in optimizing gelatin-based materials for mechanical stability, functional integration, and long-term performance in the dynamic and load-bearing environments characteristic of musculoskeletal tissues. Addressing these challenges, including improving the mechanical integrity  of scaffolds under physiological stresses and ensuring controlled degradation, will be essential for achieving clinically translatable outcomes. These efforts will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine, dentistry, and biomaterials science.

This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research and review articles focused on the development and application of gelatin-based materials in musculoskeletal tissue engineering. The scope of this Special Issue aligns with Gels by addressing the interdisciplinary aspects of material science, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering to highlight how gelatin-based systems are contributing to advancements in regenerating tissues such as bone, cartilage, dental tissues, muscles, and tendons. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform to showcase the latest scientific breakthroughs and foster collaboration within the biomaterials and regenerative medicine community.

Original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications are welcome to be submitted. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Development of gelatin-based hydrogels for musculoskeletal tissue engineering;
• Bioprinting techniques for fabricating gelatin-based implants and scaffolds;
• Functionalization of gelatin to enhance osteogenic, chondrogenic, or myogenic properties;
• Applications in therapeutic molecules delivery and controlled release for musculoskeletal repair;
• In vitro modeling of bones, cartilage, and tendons using gelatin-based systems;
• Biodegradation, biocompatibility, and bioactivity studies of gelatin-based biomaterials;
• Innovations in crosslinking strategies to improve the mechanical performance and stability of gelatin hydrogels;
• Advanced imaging and characterization of gelatin-based systems;
• In vivo studies and translational research involving gelatin-based biomaterials for tissue regeneration.

We look forward to receiving your cutting-edge contributions to this Special Issue, which we hope will inspire and drive further innovation in the field.

Dr. Shuntaro Yamada
Prof. Dr. Lucy Di Silvio
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Gels 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 2100 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.

• gelatin
• tissue engineering
• biomaterials
• hydrogels
• bioprinting
• wound healing
• scaffolds
• regenerative medicine and dentistry