Smart Biomaterials in Restorative Dentistry
A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 181
Editors
Interests: biomaterials; stem cells; tissue regeneration; graphene oxide; biocompatibility
Interests: biomaterials; cell biology; oral cancer; oral biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will provide a comprehensive, forward-looking platform dedicated to the development and application of smart biomaterials in restorative dentistry. Smart biomaterials—defined as materials capable of responding dynamically to biological, chemical, or physical stimuli—represent a paradigm shift from passive restorations toward bioactive, adaptive, and regenerative systems. The scope encompasses interdisciplinary research integrating materials science, nanotechnology, bioengineering, and clinical dentistry, with the aim of improving restoration longevity, functionality, and biological integration. Key themes include stimuli-responsive materials, bioactive and remineralising systems, regenerative and stem cell–interactive materials, nanostructured designs, digitally enabled technologies such as 3D/4D printing, and the clinical translation of these innovations, including safety, durability, and regulatory considerations.
Within the existing literature, dental biomaterials have traditionally prioritised mechanical and aesthetic performance, with limited biological interaction. Although recent advances have introduced bioactive and ion-releasing materials, research remains fragmented and often discipline-specific. This Special Issue addresses these gaps by providing an integrative forum that bridges fundamental science and clinical application, emphasises multifunctionality, and evaluates translational readiness. By aligning with emerging trends in regenerative and precision oral healthcare, it aims to advance the next generation of clinically relevant, intelligent restorative materials.
Dr. Mohammad Islam
Dr. Ian R. Ellis
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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials 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 2700 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
- smart dental biomaterials
- bioactive restorative materials
- stimuli-responsive dental materials
- remineralisation and dentin regeneration
- antibacterial dental composites
- nanotechnology in restorative dentistry
- regenerative dentistry biomaterials
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

