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Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges
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Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 9712

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mihaela Violeta Ghica

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: biomaterials (collagen drug delivery systems); rheology; cosmeceuticals; drug systems formulation and technological processes optimization; response surface methodology; Taguchi design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lacramioara Popa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physical and Colloidal Chemistry Department, Innovative Therapeutic Structures Research and Development Center (InnoTher), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: quality by design (QbD); analytical quality by design (AQbD); drug systems formulation (Chitosan); Surfaces characteristics (wettability/hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity—pharmaceutical powders)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Cristina Elena Dinu-Pirvu

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Physical and Colloidal Chemistry Department, Innovative Therapeutic Structures Research and Development Center (InnoTher), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: targeted drug delivery; nanoparticulate systems; solubility enhancement techniques; biotechnology; topical/transdermal drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue offers a comprehensive analysis of the function of biomaterials in the realm of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary domain that seeks to restore or substitute damaged tissues and organs by employing a mix of cells, biomaterials and growth factors. It provides an in-depth examination of the biomaterials used in various procedures, with a specific emphasis on their design, functioning and utilization.

An overview of the fundamental principles behind tissue engineering and biomaterials is provided in this Special Issue. The journal articles could bring to light the biological and mechanical prerequisites of biomaterials employed in tissue engineering, examining the manner in which these materials interact with the biological systems of the human body. These works explore a range of biomaterials, encompassing both natural and synthetic polymers, ceramics or composites, while also analyzing their individual strengths and weaknesses.

The Special Issue intends to give a comprehensive explanation of the methods employed in the production of tissue engineering scaffolds, including electrospinning, 3D printing and gel casting. The papers could highlight the significance of scaffold architecture in facilitating cell development and tissue creation, and also investigate techniques for integrating bioactive substances into these scaffolds to improve their effectiveness.

Furthermore, the articles are intented to explore the evaluation of biomaterials, encompassing techniques for assessing biocompatibility, mechanical characteristics and rates of degradation. Additionally, the manuscripts should address the regulatory factors and difficulties involved in the transition of tissue engineering technology from the laboratory to practical medical applications.

In summary, this Special Issue is an important tool for comprehending the relationship between biomaterials and tissue engineering. It provides valuable perspectives on ongoing research patterns and potential future advancements in this domain.

Therefore, this Special Issue presents a comprehensive overview of current research and developments in the field, offering valuable insights for scientists and industry professionals, and intending to stimulate more investigation and use of innovative biomaterials in tissue engineering by presenting cutting-edge research and applications, opening the door for fresh findings and breakthroughs.

Prof. Dr. Mihaela Violeta Ghica
Prof. Dr. Lacramioara Popa
Prof. Dr. Cristina Elena Dinu-Pirvu
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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

  • biomaterials
  • tissue engineering
  • scaffold materials
  • regenerative medicine
  • cell–material interactions
  • tissue regeneration
  • bioactive materials
  • nanotechnology in tissue engineering
  • electrospinning
  • 3D printing
  • biodegradable materials
  • growth factors

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 3153 KB  
Article
Functional and Histological Analysis of Stem Cell and Amniotic Membrane Implantation After Acute Myocardial Infarction with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Experimental Study
by Isabella Cristina Mendes Rossa, Marcos Antônio Denk, Luize Kremer Gamba, Anna Clara Faidiga Silva, Julia Letícia de Bortolo, Igor Ramos Lima, Paulo Cesar Lock Silveira, Eltyeb Abdelwahid, Márcia Olandoski, Júlio Cesar Bassan, Lucia de Noronha, Júlio Cesar Francisco and Luiz César Guarita-Souza
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3397; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083397 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1655
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) results from a lack of oxygen supply to the myocardium, leading to the loss of cardiomyocytes and their replacement with fibrotic scar tissue. This process is closely associated with the development of heart failure. Regenerative medicine has emerged as [...] Read more.
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) results from a lack of oxygen supply to the myocardium, leading to the loss of cardiomyocytes and their replacement with fibrotic scar tissue. This process is closely associated with the development of heart failure. Regenerative medicine has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance treatment outcomes in severe cases of heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate myocardial regeneration after AMI using a biomaterial composed of mononuclear stem cells and human amniotic membrane. A total of 120 Wistar rats were subjected to experimentally induced AMI. On the 7th day post-infarction, rats with an ejection fraction of <50% on echocardiography were randomized into four groups: (1) control; (2) stem cells; (3) amniotic membrane; and (4) amniotic membrane combined with stem cells. On the 30th day, the surviving animals underwent a second echocardiographic evaluation and were subsequently euthanized. The group treated with the combination of amniotic membrane and stem cells showed reduced systolic and diastolic ventricular volumes. Histological analysis revealed that these animals exhibited less fibrosis and a lower percentage of type I collagen. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the combination of human amniotic membrane and mononuclear stem cells decreased ventricular volumes and myocardial fibrosis, suggesting more favorable ventricular remodeling in this experimental model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges)
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11 pages, 1215 KB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Tissue and Systemic Responses to Electrospun Biodegradable Polymer and Polypropylene Implants Using hs-CRP and Immunohistochemical Markers
by Igor A. Eisenach, Elena L. Lushnikova, Galina A. Lapii, Victor S. Ovchinnikov, Anastasia O. Solovieva, Alexey V. Kuznetsov, Vasiliy A. Naprimerov and Vasiliy A. Kuznetsov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3231; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073231 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 359
Abstract
The use of biodegradable polymers for the surgical reinforcement of musculofascial structures is of considerable practical interest. Research into the applicability of biopolymers should be conducted in comparison with polypropylene, a material used in surgery. Using highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in blood [...] Read more.
The use of biodegradable polymers for the surgical reinforcement of musculofascial structures is of considerable practical interest. Research into the applicability of biopolymers should be conducted in comparison with polypropylene, a material used in surgery. Using highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in blood and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CD34 (an endothelial marker with angiogenic properties) in tissues, we analyzed the systemic and local tissue responses to polypropylene and biodegradable polymer implantation in 42 laboratory rats over a three-month period. The study confirmed good biocompatibility of both polymers. However, the systemic and tissue responses to the biopolymer, as measured by the studied markers, were significantly less pronounced compared to polypropylene. Persistently elevated levels of hs-CRP and CD34-positive cells in the biopolymer group at three months post-implantation were attributed to ongoing biotransformation processes. The mild inflammatory response following biopolymer implantation confirms not only its bioinert properties but also its potential for practical surgical applications. Elevated levels of hs-CRP and CD34-, as well as IL-6-positive cells in the polypropylene group, warrant further investigation of long-term responses to polypropylene as potential contributors to post-implantation complications. The hs-CRP level correlated with tissue markers IL-6 and CD34, suggesting its utility as a criterion for assessing postoperative adaptation to implanted synthetic materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges)
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15 pages, 3851 KB  
Article
Optimization and Standardization of Plant-Derived Vascular Scaffolds
by Gianna Imeidopf, Dara Khaimov, Sashane John and Nick Merna
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062752 - 19 Mar 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3140
Abstract
Vascular graft failure rates remain unacceptably high due to thrombosis and poor integration, necessitating innovative solutions. This study optimized plant-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds as a scalable and biocompatible alternative to synthetic grafts and autologous vessels. We refined decellularization protocols to achieve >95% DNA [...] Read more.
Vascular graft failure rates remain unacceptably high due to thrombosis and poor integration, necessitating innovative solutions. This study optimized plant-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds as a scalable and biocompatible alternative to synthetic grafts and autologous vessels. We refined decellularization protocols to achieve >95% DNA removal while preserving mechanical properties comparable to native vessels, significantly enhancing endothelial cell seeding. Leatherleaf viburnum leaves were decellularized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-based and Trypsin/Tergitol-based treatments, achieved via clearing in bleach and Triton X-100 for 6 to 72 h. To assess the environmental influence on scaffold performance, leaves from multiple collection sites were processed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-based protocols. Scaffold performance was evaluated through tensile testing and histological analysis to assess structural integrity, while DNA quantification and endothelial cell recellularization measured biological compatibility. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-treated scaffolds with shorter clearing durations demonstrated the highest DNA removal (≥95%) while preserving mechanical properties, significantly outperforming Trypsin/Tergitol treatments. Longer clearing times reduced fiber diameter by 60%, compromising scaffold strength. Shorter clearing times preserved extracellular matrix integrity and significantly improved endothelial cell seeding efficiency. Larger leaves supported significantly higher endothelial cell densities than smaller leaves, highlighting the need for standardized material sources. Permeability tests demonstrated minimal leakage at 120 mmHg and structural stability under dynamic flow conditions, suggesting their suitability for vascular applications. These findings establish a reliable framework for optimizing plant-derived grafts, improving their reproducibility and performance for tissue engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges)
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Review

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32 pages, 830 KB  
Review
The Role of 3D Printing in Regenerative Medicine: A Game-Changer in Tissue Engineering
by Ameya Sharma, Vivek Puri, Kampanart Huanbutta and Tanikan Sangnim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062589 - 12 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 808
Abstract
In regenerative medicine, three-dimensional (3D) printing provides precise spatial control over the fabrication of complex, biomimetic tissue constructs, enabling the production of architecturally defined and functionally tailored scaffolds. By enabling precise layer-by-layer deposition of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds, 3D printing overcomes many [...] Read more.
In regenerative medicine, three-dimensional (3D) printing provides precise spatial control over the fabrication of complex, biomimetic tissue constructs, enabling the production of architecturally defined and functionally tailored scaffolds. By enabling precise layer-by-layer deposition of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds, 3D printing overcomes many limitations associated with conventional scaffold fabrication methods. This approach facilitates the development of tailored structures that mimic the mechanical, biological, and structural characteristics of native tissues, thereby enhancing cellular organization, proliferation, and differentiation. Extensive research in tissue engineering has led to the development of 3D-printed scaffolds for the regeneration of vascular, skin, bone, cartilage, and soft tissues. Advances in bioink formulations—including growth factor-loaded systems, decellularized extracellular matrix components, and natural and synthetic polymers—have further improved tissue-specific functionality. Moreover, multimaterial and multiscale printing strategies enable the fabrication of heterogeneous constructs with controlled porosity, mechanical gradients, and spatially regulated biological cues. Although vascularized tissue constructs remain a major challenge for clinical translation, recent bioprinting advancements have significantly accelerated progress in this area. Integration of computer-aided design with patient-specific imaging data has further strengthened the potential of 3D printing for personalized regenerative therapies. Despite these advances, challenges related to scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term functionality persist. Nevertheless, continued progress in printing technologies, biomaterials, and regulatory and standards frameworks is expected to drive the clinical adoption of 3D printing. Ultimately, 3D printing represents a transformative approach in tissue engineering, redefining strategies for functional tissue regeneration and translational regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges)
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30 pages, 1346 KB  
Review
Electrospun Bio-Scaffolds for Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Neural Differentiation: Systematic Review of Advances and Future Directions
by Luigi Ruccolo, Aleksandra Evangelista, Marco Benazzo, Bice Conti and Silvia Pisani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199528 - 29 Sep 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2867
Abstract
Neural tissue injuries, including spinal cord damage and neurodegenerative diseases, pose a major clinical challenge due to the central nervous system’s limited regenerative capacity. Current treatments focus on stabilization and symptom management rather than functional restoration. Tissue engineering offers new therapeutic perspectives, particularly [...] Read more.
Neural tissue injuries, including spinal cord damage and neurodegenerative diseases, pose a major clinical challenge due to the central nervous system’s limited regenerative capacity. Current treatments focus on stabilization and symptom management rather than functional restoration. Tissue engineering offers new therapeutic perspectives, particularly through the combination of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Electrospun fibers mimic the neural extracellular matrix, providing topographical and mechanical cues that enhance MSC adhesion, viability, and neural differentiation. MSCs are multipotent stem cells with robust paracrine and immunomodulatory activity, capable of supporting regeneration and, under proper stimuli, acquiring neural-like phenotypes. This systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 method, analyzes 77 selected articles from the last ten years to assess the potential of electrospun biopolymer scaffolds for MSC-mediated neural repair. We critically examine the scaffold’s composition (synthetic and natural polymers), fiber architecture (alignment and diameter), structural and mechanical properties (porosity and stiffness), and biofunctionalization strategies. The influence of MSC tissue sources (bone marrow, adipose, and dental pulp) on neural differentiation outcomes is also discussed. The results of a literature search show both in vitro and in vivo enhanced neural marker expression, neurite extension, and functional recovery when MSCs are seeded onto optimized electrospun scaffolds. Therefore, integrating stem cell therapy with advanced biomaterials offers a promising route to bridge the gap between neural injury and functional regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering Related Biomaterials: Progress and Challenges)
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