Next-Generation Biofunctional Materials for Oral Rehabilitation and Maxillofacial Reconstruction: From Advanced Manufacturing to Smart Therapeutics

Dear Colleagues,

The restoration of complex oral and maxillofacial defects—stemming from trauma, oncological resections, or congenital conditions—remains a significant clinical challenge. While traditional biomaterials have provided structural support, the field is rapidly shifting toward biofunctional materials that actively direct cellular behavior and integrate seamlessly with host tissues. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest breakthroughs in materials science that are redefining the boundaries of oral rehabilitation and craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Recent years have seen transformative progress in personalized medicine, driven by advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D bioprinting and laser-sintered bioceramics. These technologies allow for the creation of patient-specific scaffolds with tailored porosity and synchronized degradation rates that match the kinetics of new bone formation. Furthermore, the integration of multifunctional bioactive coatings (e.g., polydopamine-functionalized surfaces and ion-releasing glasses) has enabled clinicians to address the dual challenges of infection control and rapid osteointegration in the microbe-rich environment of the oral cavity.

A key focus of this issue is the transition toward "smart" responsive materials. These innovative platforms leverage external stimuli—such as electrical, magnetic, or chemical cues—to provide on-demand therapeutic release and immune modulation. We invite original research and comprehensive reviews that explore:

• Advanced 3D bioprinting and scaffold design for alveolar and craniomaxillofacial bone repair.
• Antimicrobial and bioactive surface modifications for dental and maxillofacial implants.
• Stimuli-responsive materials for controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering.
• Clinical translation and long-term biocompatibility of novel functional biomaterials.

By bridging the gap between fundamental materials science and clinical application, this collection will serve as a definitive resource for researchers and clinicians working to improve patient outcomes in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction.

Dr. Pradeep Singh
Dr. Deepal Haresh Ajmera
Dr. Urszula Piotrowska
Guest Editors

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