Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Bristol Medical School (THS), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Interests: bioprinting; tissue engineering; bioinspired materials; protein-based materials
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E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bristol Medical School (THS), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Interests: biomaterials; hydrogels; tissue engineering; chemical and physical modifications; drug delivery systems

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tissue engineering is the development of biomaterials that guide tissue regeneration while providing mechanical support and biological cues. Understanding the biological principles of tissue growth and the interplay between cells and biomaterials is crucial. Advancements in manufacturing technologies enable the precise control of biomaterial properties, allowing tailored approaches to address specific clinical needs.

Advanced biomaterials are essential for tissue engineering, aiding in regenerating and repairing damaged tissues or organs. The integration of advanced biomaterials with diagnostic technologies is also crucial for real-time monitoring and feedback. For instance, incorporating sensors and imaging modalities into biomaterials will enable researchers to create materials that respond actively to environmental changes, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

This Special Issue explores the latest advancements in biomaterials and fabrication technologies tailored for regenerative medicine. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Novel fabrication technologies;
  2. Cutting-edge features and design requirements of biofabricated structures;
  3. The development of innovative biomaterials;
  4. Stimuli-responsive materials for drug delivery systems;
  5. Self-assembling and self-healing materials for biomedical applications.

We encourage the submission of original research, review articles, short communications, and perspectives that elucidate the current state of the art of advanced biomaterials in regenerative medicine and provide insights into the future directions of this field.

Dr. Farnaz Ghorbani
Dr. Mina Aleemardani
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • biomacromolecules
  • tissue engineering
  • scaffolds
  • biofabrication
  • regenerative medicine
  • drug delivery

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2817 KiB  
Article
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG)-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Seems to Be Effective in a Rat Model of Collagenase-Induced Achilles Tendinopathy
by Hwa Jun Kang, Sivakumar Allur Subramanian, Si Young Song, Jihyun Hwang, Collin Lee and Sung Jae Kim
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020055 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 895
Abstract
Tendon injuries account for 45% of musculoskeletal injuries. However, research on the occurrence and pathogenesis of tendinopathy is insufficient, and there is still much debate regarding treatment methods. It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses because [...] Read more.
Tendon injuries account for 45% of musculoskeletal injuries. However, research on the occurrence and pathogenesis of tendinopathy is insufficient, and there is still much debate regarding treatment methods. It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses because oxidative stress in tendon tissue is induced by various factors, including inflammatory cytokines, drug exposure, and metabolic abnormalities. In this study, 28 rats were divided into four groups (7 rats assigned to each group): control group (CON), collagenase injection group (CL), collagenase injection and hyaluronic acid injection group (CL + HA), and collagenase injection and EGCG-loaded hyaluronic acid injection group (CL + HA + EGCG). Seven weeks after the start of the study, all rats underwent histochemical analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. The results showed increased inflammatory cells, disarray of collagen matrix, and degradation of the collagen matrix in the CL group. However, in the EGCG-treated group, there was a significant increase in type I collagen expression and a significant decrease in type III collagen expression, compared to the CL group. Additionally, there was an increase in the expression of antioxidant markers SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) and CAT (Catalase), tenogenic markers COLL-1 (collagen type I), and SCX (Scleraxis), and a downregulated expression of apoptosis markers cas-3 and cas-7. Our findings suggest that EGCG-loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel exhibits potential in preventing tendon damage and promoting the regeneration process in a rat model of Achilles tendinopathy. The insights gained from our histological and molecular investigations highlight the future potential for testing novel tendinopathy treatments in human subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering)
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21 pages, 2012 KiB  
Article
Decellularized Green and Brown Macroalgae as Cellulose Matrices for Tissue Engineering
by Caitlin Berry-Kilgour, Indrawati Oey, Jaydee Cabral, Georgina Dowd and Lyn Wise
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120390 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1045
Abstract
Scaffolds resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide structural support for cells in the engineering of tissue constructs. Various material sources and fabrication techniques have been employed in scaffold production. Cellulose-based matrices are of interest due to their abundant supply, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and [...] Read more.
Scaffolds resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide structural support for cells in the engineering of tissue constructs. Various material sources and fabrication techniques have been employed in scaffold production. Cellulose-based matrices are of interest due to their abundant supply, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and biological inertness. Terrestrial and marine plants offer diverse morphologies that can replicate the ECM of various tissues and be isolated through decellularization protocols. In this study, three marine macroalgae species—namely Durvillaea poha, Ulva lactuca, and Ecklonia radiata—were selected for their morphological variation. Low-intensity, chemical treatments were developed for each species to maintain native cellulose structures within the matrices while facilitating the clearance of DNA and pigment. Scaffolds generated from each seaweed species were non-toxic for human dermal fibroblasts but only the fibrous inner layer of those derived from E. radiata supported cell attachment and maturation over the seven days of culture. These findings demonstrate the potential of E. radiata-derived cellulose scaffolds for skin tissue engineering and highlight the influence of macroalgae ECM structures on decellularization efficiency, cellulose matrix properties, and scaffold utility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering)
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18 pages, 2903 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Effects of BSA-Coated Gold Nanorods on Cell Migration Potential and Inflammatory Mediators in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
by Nouf N. Mahmoud, Ayat S. Hammad, Alaya S. Al Kaabi, Hend H. Alawi, Summaiya Khatoon and Maha Al-Asmakh
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100284 - 26 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Albumin-coated gold nanoparticles display potential biomedical applications, including cancer research, infection treatment, and wound healing; however, elucidating their interaction with normal cells remains an area with limited exploration. In this study, gold nanorods (GNR) were prepared and coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) [...] Read more.
Albumin-coated gold nanoparticles display potential biomedical applications, including cancer research, infection treatment, and wound healing; however, elucidating their interaction with normal cells remains an area with limited exploration. In this study, gold nanorods (GNR) were prepared and coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to produce GNR-BSA. The functionalized nanoparticles were characterized based on their optical absorption spectra, morphology, surface charge, and quantity of attached protein. The interaction between GNR-BSA and BSA with normal cells was investigated using human dermal fibroblasts. The cytotoxicity test indicated cell viability between ~63–95% for GNR-BSA over concentrations from 30.0 to 0.47 μg/mL and ~85–98% for BSA over concentrations from 4.0 to 0.0625 mg/mL. The impact of the GNR-BSA and BSA on cell migration potential and wound healing was assessed using scratch assay, and the modulation of cytokine release was explored by quantifying a panel of cytokines using Multiplex technology. The results indicated that GNR-BSA, at 10 μg/mL, delayed the cell migration and wound healing 24 h post-treatment compared to the BSA or the control group with an average wound closure percentage of 6% and 16% at 6 and 24 h post-treatment, respectively. Multiplex analysis revealed that while GNR-BSA reduced the release of the pro-inflammatory marker IL-12 from the activated fibroblasts 24 h post-treatment, they significantly reduced the release of IL-8 (p < 0.001), and CCL2 (p < 0.01), which are crucial for the inflammation response, cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Although GNR-BSA exhibited relatively high cell viability towards human dermal fibroblasts and promising therapeutic applications, toxicity aspects related to cell motility and migration must be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering)
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55 pages, 4225 KiB  
Systematic Review
Blood Plasma, Fibrinogen or Fibrin Biomaterial for the Manufacturing of Skin Tissue-Engineered Products and Other Dermatological Treatments: A Systematic Review
by Álvaro Sierra-Sánchez, Raquel Sanabria-de la Torre, Ana Ubago-Rodríguez, María I. Quiñones-Vico, Trinidad Montero-Vílchez, Manuel Sánchez-Díaz and Salvador Arias-Santiago
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030079 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1287
Abstract
The use of blood plasma, fibrinogen or fibrin, a natural biomaterial, has been widely studied for the development of different skin tissue-engineered products and other dermatological treatments. This systematic review reports the preclinical and clinical studies which use it alone or combined with [...] Read more.
The use of blood plasma, fibrinogen or fibrin, a natural biomaterial, has been widely studied for the development of different skin tissue-engineered products and other dermatological treatments. This systematic review reports the preclinical and clinical studies which use it alone or combined with other biomaterials and/or cells for the treatment of several dermatological conditions. Following the PRISMA 2020 Guidelines, 147 preclinical studies have revealed that the use of this biomaterial as a wound dressing or as a monolayer (one cell type) skin substitute are the preferred strategies, mainly for the treatment of excisional or surgical wounds. Moreover, blood plasma is mainly used alone although its combination with other biomaterials such as agarose, polyethylene glycol or collagen has also been reported to increase its wound healing potential. However, most of the 17 clinical reviewed evaluated its use for the treatment of severely burned patients as a wound dressing or bilayer (two cell types) skin substitute. Although the number of preclinical studies evaluating the use of blood plasma as a dermatological treatment has increased during the last fifteen years, this has not been correlated with a wide variety of clinical studies. Its safety and wound healing potential have been proved; however, the lack of a standard model and the presence of several approaches have meant that its translation to a clinical environment is still limited. A higher number of clinical studies should be carried out in the coming years to set a standard wound healing strategy for each dermatological disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering)
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