Tissue Engineering and Advanced Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editors
Interests: molecular imaging; bioimaging; nanomedicine; biodistribution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: drug delivery systems; nanomedicine; tissue engineering; biomaterials
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapid evolution of biomedical technologies has ushered in a new era of regenerative medicine, where the principles of tissue engineering and advanced biomaterials are revolutionizing strategies to repair, replace, and regenerate damaged tissues and organs. As Guest Editors of this Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, we are pleased to present a collection of cutting-edge research and perspectives that highlight the convergence of cell biology, materials science, drug delivery, and bioengineering in developing next-generation therapeutic strategies.
The Synergy of Scaffolds, Cells, and Signaling
Central to modern tissue engineering is the synergistic combination of scaffolds, cells, and bioactive signals. Advances in biomaterial design, including smart polymers, decellularized matrices, bio-inks for 3D bioprinting, and nanocomposites, have provided unprecedented control over the mechanical, chemical, and topographical cues that guide cell fate and tissue morphogenesis. A key dimension of this progress is the innovative use of biomaterials as controlled drug delivery systems. These platforms can locally release therapeutic agents, such as growth factors, cytokines, and small-molecule drugs, with precise spatiotemporal control to direct processes like stem cell differentiation, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation.
Contributions in this Special Issue address critical challenges through innovative approaches. For instance, one standout study introduces a multi-functional hydrogel scaffold that not only supports stem cell attachment but also provides a sustained, sequential release of osteoinductive and angiogenic factors, demonstrating enhanced bone regeneration. Another highlights an electrospun nanofiber system for the local delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs, effectively mitigating the foreign body response and promoting seamless integration of a neural implant. Such advancements underscore the powerful synergy between structural support and controlled release in guiding complex biological processes.
Future Directions and Challenges
Despite remarkable progress, several interdisciplinary hurdles remain:
- Advanced Biofabrication: Combining complex scaffold architectures with sophisticated drug loading and release kinetics requires innovations in 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, and other manufacturing techniques.
- Smart and Responsive Systems: Developing "smart" biomaterials that can respond to physiological cues (e.g., pH, enzyme activity, mechanical stress) to modulate drug release is a critical frontier.
This Special Issue not only showcases groundbreaking research at the intersection of tissue engineering, biomaterials, and drug delivery but also calls for intensified collaborative efforts. By fostering dialog between material scientists, pharmaceutical researchers, biologists, and clinicians, we can accelerate the development of integrated, effective, and clinically viable therapies that restore form and function.
Prof. Dr. Hak Soo Choi
Prof. Dr. Motoichi Kurisawa
Prof. Dr. Joo Eun Chung
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- tissue engineering
- regenerative medicine
- drug delivery
- bioengineering
- angiogenesis
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