Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (3rd Edition)

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials and Devices for Healthcare Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 1056

Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
2. Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, “Foisor” Clinical Hospital of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Osteoarticular TB, 021382 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: physiology; natural compounds; inflammation; carcinogenesis; molecular signaling; medical imaging; neuroanatomy and neuroimaging; MSK imaging
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of functional biomaterials continues to rapidly expand in pace with strong technological innovations and increasing demands. Modern biomaterials have evolved from passive structural elements and are now designed to actively interact with living tissue, to modulate host responses, and to improve therapeutic outcomes in multiple clinical applications. Critical requirements for any biomaterial intended for human use involve safety and biocompatibility. However, when considering advanced constructs and multi-material implants, the challenge is increasingly complex. As such, understanding and controlling the biological response to implants.

This Special Issue aims to present the state-of-the-art research on functional and bioactive biomaterials with applications in medicine. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, biomaterial–immune system interactions, advances in implantable and bioresorbable devices, natural and synthetic biomaterials, nanostructured systems, and materials for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, imaging, and antimicrobial applications. Studies on surface modification, biofunctionalization strategies, additive manufacturing, and emerging fabrication technologies are also welcome.

By bringing together original research articles, reviews, and communications from experts working with innovative biomaterials in all relevant fields, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive and clinically relevant overview of current advances and future directions in medical biomaterials.

Dr. Cristian Scheau
Prof. Dr. Andreea Cristiana Didilescu
Prof. Dr. Constantin Caruntu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • functional biomaterials
  • bioactive materials
  • biocompatibility
  • immune response
  • regenerative medicine
  • implantable biomaterials
  • biodegradable materials
  • surface modification
  • 3D printing
  • tissue engineering

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14 pages, 5651 KB  
Article
Flexural Strength and Clinical Classification of Different Layers in 4/5Y-PSZ Zirconia Materials
by Ulrich Lohbauer, Margit Schwarz and Renan Belli
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(6), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17060300 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 703
Abstract
Multilayer 4Y/5Y-PSZ zirconia materials have been developed to combine strength and translucency in monolithic “all-in-one” dental restorations. This study evaluated the flexural strength of different layers (incisal, transition, and dentin) in four commercially available multilayer zirconia systems using three-point bending tests in accordance [...] Read more.
Multilayer 4Y/5Y-PSZ zirconia materials have been developed to combine strength and translucency in monolithic “all-in-one” dental restorations. This study evaluated the flexural strength of different layers (incisal, transition, and dentin) in four commercially available multilayer zirconia systems using three-point bending tests in accordance with ISO 6872. A total of 360 CAD/CAM-fabricated bar-shaped specimens were prepared from the materials CE (Cercon yo ML, DentsplySirona), KA (Katana YML, Kuraray Noritake), PZ (3D ProZir, Aidite), PE (IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime esthetic), and assigned to layer-specific groups based on their position within the discs. After sintering and standardized surface finishing, specimens were tested under three-point bending conditions. Fracture strength was calculated and statistically analysed. Microstructural and fractographic analyses were performed to assess grain structure and to identify fracture origins. The results demonstrated significant differences in flexural strength both among materials and between layers. In general, dentin layers exhibited the highest strength, reaching mean values up to 1143 MPa, while incisal layers showed significantly lower values, with minima around 572 MPa. Only one material (CE) maintained flexural strength above the ISO threshold of 800 MPa across all layers, qualifying for unrestricted (class 5) clinical use. Other materials showed limitations, particularly in the more translucent incisal regions (KA, PE). One material fell below the ISO threshold (PZ). Weibull moduli revealed differences in reliability, with moduli ranging from 4.7 to 16.5. Fractographic evaluation identified typical fracture patterns such as surface grinding defects and internal porosity, but no abnormal fracture origins. The strength gradient corresponds to microstructural differences, particularly grain size and phase composition, influenced by yttria content. Increased translucency in incisal layers is associated with reduced mechanical performance. These findings emphasize that, despite aesthetic advantages, layer-dependent strength variations must be considered when selecting multilayer zirconia for clinical applications, especially in long-span restorations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (3rd Edition))
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