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Gels
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Gelatin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering
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Gelatin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Processing and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 1937

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shuntaro Yamada

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Guest Editor
Center of Translational Oral Research, University of Bergen, 5262 Bergen, Norway
Interests: gelatin; periodontal disease; bioengineering; tooth germ development; bone regeneration; stem cells
Prof. Dr. Lucy Di Silvio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
Interests: tissue engineering; cellular/acellular scaffolds; stem cells; cell-material interactions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

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.

Keywords

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

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

22 pages, 1001 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Hydrogels for Spinal Cord Injury Repair: Emphasis on Gelatin and Its Derivatives
by Alexandra Daniela Rotaru-Zavaleanu, Marius Bica, Sorin-Nicolae Dinescu, Mihai Andrei Ruscu, Ramona Constantina Vasile, Andrei Calin Zavate and Venera Cristina Dinescu
Gels 2025, 11(7), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070497 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) present a major clinical challenge, often resulting in permanent loss of function and limited treatment options. Traditional approaches, including surgery, drugs, and rehabilitation, have had modest success in restoring neural connectivity due to the complex pathophysiology of SCI. In [...] Read more.
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) present a major clinical challenge, often resulting in permanent loss of function and limited treatment options. Traditional approaches, including surgery, drugs, and rehabilitation, have had modest success in restoring neural connectivity due to the complex pathophysiology of SCI. In recent years, bioactive hydrogels have gained attention as a versatile platform for neural repair. Their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, deliver therapeutic agents, and support cell survival makes them promising tools in regenerative medicine. This narrative review highlights the latest advances in hydrogel-based therapies for SCI, with a focus on innovations such as self-healing, conductive, and anti-inflammatory hydrogels. We also explore hybrid approaches that integrate nanomaterials, stem cells, and bioelectronics to address both primary and secondary injury mechanisms. While various hydrogel systems have been investigated, we place particular emphasis on gelatin-based hydrogels, especially gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), due to their emerging clinical relevance. GelMA stands out for its bioactivity, tunable mechanics, and compatibility with 3D printing, making it a strong candidate for personalized therapies and scalable production. Unlike previous reviews that broadly summarize hydrogel use, this work specifically contextualizes gelatin-based platforms within the wider landscape of SCI repair, underscoring their translational potential. We also address current challenges, such as immune response, long-term integration, and clinical validation, and suggest future directions for bridging the gap from bench to bedside. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering)
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21 pages, 1236 KiB  
Review
Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Multifunctional Vehicle for Cellular, Molecular, and Pharmacological Therapy
by Denisa-Madalina Viezuina, Irina Musa, Madalina Aldea, Irina-Mihaela Matache, Alexandra-Daniela Rotaru Zavaleanu, Andrei Gresita, Sfredel Veronica and Smaranda Ioana Mitran
Gels 2025, 11(7), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070490 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 684
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) present a significant clinical challenge due to the inherently limited regenerative capacity of the adult nervous system. Conventional therapeutic strategies, such as nerve autografting and systemic pharmacological interventions, are often limited by donor site morbidity, restricted graft availability, and [...] Read more.
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) present a significant clinical challenge due to the inherently limited regenerative capacity of the adult nervous system. Conventional therapeutic strategies, such as nerve autografting and systemic pharmacological interventions, are often limited by donor site morbidity, restricted graft availability, and suboptimal drug bioavailability. In this context, gelatin-based hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of biomaterials due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural similarity to the native extracellular matrix. These hydrogels could offer a highly tunable platform capable of supporting cellular adhesion, promoting axonal elongation, and enabling localized and sustained release of therapeutic agents. This narrative review synthesizes recent advances in the application of gelatin-based hydrogels for peripheral nerve regeneration, with a particular focus on their use as delivery vehicles for neurotrophic factors, stem cells, and pharmacologically active compounds. Additionally, this review provides a foundation for extending our ongoing preclinical study, evaluating the neuroregenerative effects of alpha-lipoic acid, B-complex vitamins, and a deproteinized hemoderivative in a murine PNI model. Although systemic administration has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects, limitations related to local drug availability and off-target exposure highlight the need for site-specific delivery strategies. In this regard, gelatin hydrogels might represent an excellent candidate for localized, controlled drug delivery. The review concludes by discussing formulation techniques, manufacturing considerations, biological performance, and key translational and regulatory aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering)
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19 pages, 1261 KiB  
Review
Advances in Gelatin-Based Tissue Engineering Using HRP/H2O2
by Marino Basha, Ahmad Aburub, Filippos F. Karageorgos, Georgios Tsoulfas and Aleck H. Alexopoulos
Gels 2025, 11(6), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060460 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
Gelatin, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, has garnered considerable attention in tissue engineering (TE) due to its diverse applications enabled by its tunable physical properties. Among the various strategies employed for the fabrication of gelatin-based hydrogels, the use of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and [...] Read more.
Gelatin, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, has garnered considerable attention in tissue engineering (TE) due to its diverse applications enabled by its tunable physical properties. Among the various strategies employed for the fabrication of gelatin-based hydrogels, the use of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a catalytic system has been highlighted as an effective tool for producing hydrogels with highly modifiable properties. Herein, we explore recent progress in the utilization of the HRP/H2O2 catalytic system for the creation of gelatin-based hydrogels, with an emphasis on TE applications. Particular attention has been given to the interplay between variations in the concentration equilibrium of HRP and H2O2 and the fine-tuning of gel properties tailored for various TE applications. Emerging trends, such as in situ gelation and hybrid bioinks, have also been examined through the lens of their prospective applications, extrapolating from the findings in cell cultures and animal models. A comprehensive review of two databases (Scopus and Web of Science) was conducted. The data extracted from each study included the materials used for each application, methods used for material preparation, cells used in the TE application, laboratory animals used, and whether computational/simulation techniques were implemented. The applications included both homopolymeric hydrogels, using only gelatin as the backbone, and copolymeric hydrogels, with ≥2 polymers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gelatin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering)
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