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15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair

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A Special Issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983) belonging to the section "Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2025) | Viewed by 9891

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Prof. Dr. Anton Friedmann

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Division of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 44, 58455 Witten, Germany
Interests: periodontal health; prevention/regeneration and patient based perception of their oral wellbeing; bone augmentation/regeneration and implant based rehabilitation; bone metabolism in systemically compromised patients; D. mellitus; osteoporosis; basic research on PDF-fibroblasts, osteoblasts in diverse set-ups and with various substrates; histologic assessment of bone and attachment formation in pre-clinical studies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The year 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of The Journal of Functional Biomaterials, a peer-reviewed, open access journal containing research relevant to the field of materials for biomedical use. So far, JFB has published more than 1700 papers from more than 9000 authors. We appreciate each author, reviewer, and academic editor whose support has brought us to where we are today.

To celebrate this significant milestone, we are publishing a Special Issue entitled 15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair. The use of biologics in bone augmentation procedures has evolved over recent decades. Procedures involving autogenous bone, allografts, alloplasts, and xenografts have been shown to benefit from the biofunctionalization of any bone substitute with either blood centrifugates, recombinant growth factors, or hyaluronic acid. The advantageous combination of biologically active molecules and grafting material results in facilitated wound healing, the improved vascularization of the grafted area, the accelerated integration of the substitute, enhanced tissue formation, and the rapid recruitment of mesenchymal cells crucial in the regenerative process. Various biologics lead to the unfolding of different pathways through their actions, as well as diverse local responses in the tissues in contact with biofunctionalized constructs.

This Special Issue will showcase papers related to the elucidation of the biological mechanisms behind several bioactive substances when they come into contact with vital environments in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. We also aim to share the results of clinical or pre-clinical trials including radiographic, clinical, and microscopic outcome parameters and addressing limitations in terms of bone quality and bone formation quantity, as well as research articles assessing timing aspects with regard to bone formation rates, recommended implant placement schedules, and the total duration of the treatment period.

Prof. Dr. Anton Friedmann
Guest Editor

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

biomaterials
bone regeneration
bone repair
regenerative medicine
tissue engineering

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2989 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Two Surgical Approaches Using Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Biofunctionalized Alloplast Particulate in Sinus Floor Elevation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Chantal Wittmers, Anton Friedmann, Andreas van Orten, Bashar Husseini and Werner Götz

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17020086 - 9 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1347

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of sinus grafting with a beta-tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (ß-TCP/HA) alloplast particulate biofunctionalized with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHya), comparing two surgical access techniques. Clinical, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and histomorphometrical parameters were used to characterize the tissue samples, which were retrieved at the second surgery for implant placement five months after sinus floor elevation (SFE). Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with a residual bone height ≤ 4 mm, estimated by a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), were randomly allocated either to an innovative transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE = tests) approach or a conventional lateral window approach (lSFE = controls) using piezoelectric preparation. The tSFE was carried out using the hydraulic Jeder^®-System. Grafting in both groups was performed using a ß-TCP–HA combination, which was biofunctionalized with a cross-linked hyaluronic acid. For both access techniques, a cross-linked collagen membrane covered either the bone window or transcrestal osteotomy. For second-stage surgery, a second CBCT was used to assess the bone volume and possible implant positioning to compare it with the baseline CBCT. Bone cores were harvested at implant placement and evaluated histomorphometrically. Patients were followed for 1-year post-op for survival rate estimation. Non-superiority was hypothesized for both surgical methods; thus, the primary outcome measure assessed different discomfort levels using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for each therapeutic approach. Secondary outcomes were the volume change in subantral bone after sinus floor elevation, the chance of placing a 10 mm long implant with no need for additional augmentation, histological evaluation of the newly gained tissue, and implant integration and one-year survival. Results: Eighteen patients (n = 18/20) qualified for implant placement at five months, and ten donated tissue biopsies for microscopic analysis. Primary outcome reporting using PROMs was discarded due to truncated patient enrollment. The secondary parameter, placement of a ≥10 mm long implant without additional augmentation, was achieved for nine sites/patients from the lSFE control group. All patients from the tSFE test group received an implant that was positioned alongside additional augmentation. In both groups, all implants integrated and were functionally loaded. A total of 10 core samples (3 from the tSFE group and 7 from the lSFE group) were obtained and analyzed. Microscopically, new bone formation appeared consistent in all obtained samples. Specimens revealed advanced and ongoing osteogenesis, with most histological markers reacting positively in the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The histomorphometric calculation revealed that a mean of 61.17 ± 16.55% of the total area was occupied by newly formed bone, 30.43 ± 10.09% by connective tissue and 8.92 ± 15.29% by residual graft substitute. One-year follow-up of the loaded implants showed a 100% implant survival rate. Conclusions: Biofunctionalizing ß-TCP + HA particulate with cross-linked hyaluronic acid in sinus floor elevation procedures appears to be a safe and beneficial approach, resulting in satisfactory clinical, radiographic and histological parameters. In our study population, which presented with very atrophic residual subantral bone conditions, the hydrodynamic transcrestal sinus floor elevation method required a back-up treatment by the conventional lateral approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair)

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13 pages, 8270 KB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Bone Healing in Anterior Maxillary Sockets Using L-PRF With or Without Synthetic HA/β-TCP: A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Pricila da Silva Gusmão, Cássia Pereira da Silva, Víctor Ravelo, Akinori Cardozo Nagato, Sergio Olate and Henrique Duque

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010006 - 22 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1519

Abstract

Tooth extraction induces changes in both hard and soft tissues, which may compromise implant placement. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is used to promote tissue healing, either alone or in combination with other grafting materials. Objective: This study aimed to compare post-extraction socket healing using L-PRF alone or combined with a biphasic calcium phosphate graft (HA/β-TCP) after eight weeks. Materials and Methods: 15 patients, both sexes, mean age 56.7 ± 8.2 years, requiring alveolar ridge preservation after single-rooted tooth extraction for subsequent implant placement, were included. Sockets were randomly assigned to four groups: control with blood clot only (CTR), autogenous bone graft (AB), L-PRF membrane (LPRF), and L-PRF combined with HA/β-TCP (LPRFHA). The protocol consisted of tooth extraction and immediate graft placement, followed by bone biopsy at 8 weeks for histomorphometric analysis and implant installation. New Bone Formation (NBF) was quantified from ten photomicrographs per sample using ImageJ software (version 1.54, 5 February 2025). One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests was applied, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A significant difference in NBF (%) was observed between the control and LPRFHA groups (p = 0.014), with greater bone formation in the control group (62.4 ± 18.6%) compared with LPRFHA (55.8 ± 17.2%; p = 0.012). No significant differences were found among AB, LPRF, and LPRFHA groups. LPRF and AB showed comparable bone formation (60.2 ± 17.5% and 60.1 ± 20.0%, respectively). Conclusions: L-PRF, either alone or combined with HA/β-TCP, can be used for alveolar ridge preservation in maxillary sockets. L-PRF, alone or with synthetic HA/β-TCP graft, effectively preserves the anterior maxillary ridge for early loading at eight weeks. All treatments achieved bone formation for implant placement, with the blood clot alone showing superior results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair)

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14 pages, 1908 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Radiopacity and Antibacterial Activity of Osteogenic Calcium Silicate Cement by Incorporating Strontium

by Ting-Yi Chiang, Yu-Ci Lu, Chun-Cheng Chen and Shinn-Jyh Ding

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(12), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16120445 - 28 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1344

Abstract

Calcium silicate-based cement is commonly used for bone repair and regeneration. Current research focuses on developing innovative antibacterial materials with radiopacity, which is essential for ensuring successful clinical outcomes in procedures like vertebroplasty and endodontic treatments. Strontium (Sr) has emerged as a powerful additive, stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. In this study, we evaluated the impact of varying levels of Sr—5, 10, and 20 mol% (designated as CSSr5, CSSr10, and CSSr20) on critical attributes of bone cement, including radiopacity, setting time, in vitro bioactivity, antibacterial efficacy, and osteogenic activity. The findings indicated that as the Sr content increased, the setting time and radiopacity of the cement increased. Remarkably, the cement formulations containing over 10 mol% Sr achieved radiopacity values surpassing the 3 mm aluminum threshold mandated by ISO 6876:2001 standards. Furthermore, incorporating Sr significantly improved MG63 cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, while also boosting antibacterial properties in a dose-dependent manner. After 48 h of inoculation with E. coli or S. aureus, the CSSr10 and CSSr20 cements showed a bacteriostatic ratio exceeding 1.7 or 2 times that of the control without Sr. In conclusion, the CSSr10 cement could be a promising bone filler, exhibiting favorable setting time, radiopacity, antibacterial ability, and osteogenic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair)

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14 pages, 2438 KB

Open AccessArticle

Histologic and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Bone Regeneration Using Human Allogeneic Bone Graft with or Without Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Conditioned Media in a Rabbit Calvarial Defect Model

by Hyung-Gyun Kim, Yong-Suk Moon and Dong-Seok Sohn

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(7), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16070251 - 7 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3208

Abstract

Alveolar bone loss due to trauma, extraction, or periodontal disease often requires bone grafting prior to implant placement. Although human allograft bone is widely used as an alternative to autograft, it has limited osteoinductive potential and a prolonged healing time. Mesenchymal stem cell–conditioned media (MSC-CM), rich in paracrine factors, has emerged as a promising adjunct to enhance bone regeneration. This study evaluated the regenerative effect of MSC-CM combined with human allograft bone in a rabbit calvarial defect model. Bilateral 8 mm defects were created in eight rabbits. Each animal received a human allograft alone (HB group) on one side and an allograft mixed with MSC-CM (HB+GF group) on the other. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Both groups showed new bone formation, but the HB+GF group demonstrated significantly greater bone regeneration at both time points (p < 0.05). New bone extended into the defect center in the HB+GF group. Additionally, greater graft resorption and marrow formation were observed in this group at 8 weeks. These findings suggest that MSC-CM enhances the osteogenic performance of human allograft bone and may serve as a biologically active adjunct for bone regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair)

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26 pages, 464 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Osteogenic and Biocompatibility Potential of Polylactic Acid-Based Materials: A Systematic Review of Human Primary Cells Studies

by Mario Guerrero-Torres, Silvia M. Becerra-Bayona, Martha L. Arango-Rodríguez and Emilio A. Cafferata

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010034 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

Background: Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) relies on barrier membranes, for which polylactic acid (PLA) and its copolymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are promising biodegradable polymers. However, their inherent hydrophobicity limits biological performance, and the evidence regarding how specific modifications affect key human cell types, particularly osteoblasts and fibroblasts, remains scattered. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize the in vitro evidence on the response of primary human osteoblasts and fibroblasts to polylactic acid-based materials. Following a pre-registered protocol (10.17605/OSF.IO/CE8KB), a comprehensive search was performed across four major databases, and the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using an adapted OHAT tool. Results: Twenty-six studies were included, which showed that polylactic acid-based materials have limited bioactivity, and their modification significantly improves cellular responses. The incorporation of bioceramics and growth factors, or alterations in surface topography, notably enhanced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization in osteoblasts. For gingival fibroblasts, topographical modifications like micro-grooves guided cell alignment and modulated proliferation. Conclusions: Native polylactic acid-based materials display limited bioactivity. However, functionalization through bioceramics incorporation, growth factor delivery, and surface topographical modification is crucial for transforming them into bioactive scaffolds capable of achieving the dual biofunctionality required for successful GBR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of JFB—Functional Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration and Repair)

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