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Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition
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Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 6835

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Lavinia Cosmina Ardelean

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Guest Editor
Department of Technology of Materials and Devices in Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
Interests: dental materials/biomaterials; alloys; ceramics; thermoplastic resins; 3D printing/bioprinting; CAD/CAM milling; corrosion evaluation; welding; scanning; coating; oral health; dental caries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Laura-Cristina Rusu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Pathology, Multidisciplinary Center for Research, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Therapies in Oral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: oral medicine; oral pathology; dental materials; nanomaterials; biomaterials; oral microbiome; oral biofilm; oral cancer; nanomedicine; oral microenvironment; oral biomarkers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biotechnology aims to apply biological knowledge and techniques to enhance human health. From a healthcare perspective, a biomaterial is a natural or synthetic material that can be placed into living tissues without developing an immune reaction.

Biomaterial and biotechnology applications in dentistry are currently on an upward trend and are leading dental research. Tissue engineering in dentistry has progressed in recent years to regenerate functional, healthy tissues to replace diseased ones. Dental biomaterials play an important role in the reconstruction of damaged oral hard and soft tissues, encompassing the fields of periodontology, endodontics, oral surgery, and ultimately attempting the replacement of the whole tooth organ. Biomaterials have evolved from simply replacing the damaged tissue to allowing the 3D development of structurally complex regenerated tissue. The development of biotechnology applications in dentistry has achieved its goal regarding the implementation of biomaterials in order to replace oral tissue, including various novel approaches such as biomimetics and nano-biotechnology.

This Special Issue aims to provide an updated outlook on the applications of advanced biomaterials and biotechnologies in dentistry. It also represents a good opportunity for researchers and scholars worldwide to disseminate different aspects of their work and report the results related to this topic. Research articles, reviews, and communications are all welcome for submission. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced biomaterials for dental applications;
  • Biotechnology applications in dental medicine;
  • Role of scaffolds in dental tissue regeneration;
  • Polymers applications in regenerative medicine;
  • Current applications of 3D bioprinting in dentistry;
  • Future perspectives of 4D bioprinting in dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Lavinia Cosmina Ardelean
Prof. Dr. Laura-Cristina Rusu
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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-blind 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
  • biotechnology
  • tissue engineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • scaffolds
  • grow factors
  • stem cells
  • 3D bioprinting
  • 4D bioprinting

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Versatile Polycaprolactone-Based Drug Delivery System with Enhanced Cytocompatibility and Antibacterial Activity
by Celine Guder, Anja Hofmann, Therese Schüler, Torsten Sterzenbach, Hans-Peter Wiesmann, Katrin Lorenz, Christian Hannig, Christian Reeps and Benjamin Kruppke
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(5), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16050182 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 160
Abstract
Common antibiotic therapies to treat bacterial infections are associated with systemic side effects and the development of resistance, directly connected to duration and dosage. Local drug delivery systems (DDSs) offer an alternative by localising antibiotics and thereby limiting their side effects while reducing [...] Read more.
Common antibiotic therapies to treat bacterial infections are associated with systemic side effects and the development of resistance, directly connected to duration and dosage. Local drug delivery systems (DDSs) offer an alternative by localising antibiotics and thereby limiting their side effects while reducing the dosage necessary. A biodegradable polyester polycaprolactone (PCL)-based DDS was thus produced, containing various clinically relevant drugs. It was shown that the incorporation of four distinct antibiotic classes (amoxicillin, doxycycline, metronidazole and rifampicin), with very high mass fractions ranging up to 20 wt%, was feasible within the PCL matrix. This DDS showed the capacity for effective and sustained release. The release kinetics over 14 days were proven, showing a significant decrease in cytotoxicity with smooth muscle cells as well as an antibacterial effect on (1) aerobic, (2) anaerobic, (3) Gram-positive and (4) Gram-negative pathogens in vitro. The DDS demonstrated a markedly diminished cytotoxic impact owing to sustained release in comparison to pure antibiotics, while simultaneously maintaining their antibacterial efficacy. In conclusion, DDSs are a more tolerable form of antibiotics administration due to the hydrophobic PCL matrix causing a slower diffusion-controlled release, proven as a release mechanism via the Peppa–Sahlin model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 12541 KiB  
Article
Towards the Standardization of Artificial Aging Protocols for Dental Composites: Evaluation of Proposed Methods
by Agata Szczesio-Wlodarczyk, Karolina Kopacz, Katarzyna Ranoszek-Soliwoda, Jerzy Sokolowski and Kinga Bociong
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020049 - 4 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1170
Abstract
In restorative dentistry, there are no standardized in vitro accelerated aging methods to evaluate the long-term stability of dental composites. Current research aimed at extending the clinical success of restorations emphasizes the need for post-aging evaluation. This study represents the final stage of [...] Read more.
In restorative dentistry, there are no standardized in vitro accelerated aging methods to evaluate the long-term stability of dental composites. Current research aimed at extending the clinical success of restorations emphasizes the need for post-aging evaluation. This study represents the final stage of assessing three selected aging protocols that utilize a 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution as the primary agent to accelerate degradation processes. Twelve resin-based composites, categorized into five types, were evaluated for flexural strength (FS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), hardness (HV), and fracture toughness (FT) both before and after aging. The proposed aging methods significantly degraded the mechanical properties of most materials, highlighting the effectiveness of 0.1 M NaOH as a medium for hydrolytic stability testing. Materials with a high filler content (approximately 80 wt.%) were notably prone to degradation, underscoring the importance of optimizing the filler and coupling agent. The findings suggest that incorporating thermocycling into aging protocols may enhance the development and evaluation of innovative dental composites. This work contributes to establishing a foundation for standardized aging protocols, supporting the accurate assessment of composites in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 13962 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Bone Regeneration with Demineralized Dentin-Derived Graft Material: Impact of Demineralization Duration in a Rabbit Calvaria Model
by Bounghoon Lee, Hyunsuk Choi and Dong-Seok Sohn
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110331 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1083
Abstract
This study evaluated the regenerative potential of demineralized dentin-derived matrix (DDM) as a bone graft material in rabbit calvaria. DDM, sourced from extracted teeth, is emerging as an alternative to traditional grafts like allografts and xenografts. We aimed to identify the most effective [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the regenerative potential of demineralized dentin-derived matrix (DDM) as a bone graft material in rabbit calvaria. DDM, sourced from extracted teeth, is emerging as an alternative to traditional grafts like allografts and xenografts. We aimed to identify the most effective demineralization protocol to optimize the regenerative capacity of DDM. Four groups were compared: a control group without grafts, a non-demineralized DDM group, and two demineralized DDM groups (15 and 30 min demineralization). Histomorphometric analysis was conducted in a randomized and blinded setting at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-graft placement. The results revealed that the 15 min demineralized DDM group showed the most significant new bone formation (42.51% ± 6.40% at 8 weeks; p < 0.05), suggesting its potential as a highly effective regenerative graft material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3373 KiB  
Article
Osteoblast Response to Widely Ranged Texturing Conditions Obtained through High Power Laser Beams on Ti Surfaces
by Federico Alessandro Ruffinatti, Tullio Genova, Ilaria Roato, Martina Perin, Giorgia Chinigò, Riccardo Pedraza, Olivio Della Bella, Francesca Motta, Elisa Aimo Boot, Domenico D’Angelo, Giorgio Gatti, Giorgia Scarpellino, Luca Munaron and Federico Mussano
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100303 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1448
Abstract
Titanium and titanium alloys are the prevailing dental implant materials owing to their favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but how roughness dictates the biological response is still a matter of debate. In this study, laser texturing was used to generate eight paradigmatic roughened [...] Read more.
Titanium and titanium alloys are the prevailing dental implant materials owing to their favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but how roughness dictates the biological response is still a matter of debate. In this study, laser texturing was used to generate eight paradigmatic roughened surfaces, with the aim of studying the early biological response elicited on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. Prior to cell tests, the samples underwent SEM analysis, optical profilometry, protein adsorption assay, and optical contact angle measurement with water and diiodomethane to determine surface free energy. While all the specimens proved to be biocompatible, supporting similar cell viability at 1, 2, and 3 days, surface roughness could impact significantly on cell adhesion. Factorial analysis and linear regression showed, in a robust and unprecedented way, that an isotropic distribution of deep and closely spaced valleys provides the best condition for cell adhesion, to which both protein adsorption and surface free energy were highly correlated. Overall, here the authors provide, for the first time, a thorough investigation of the relationship between roughness parameters and osteoblast adhesion that may be applied to design and produce new tailored interfaces for implant materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 9118 KiB  
Article
Radioprotection Performance Evaluation of 3D-Printed and Conventional Heat-Cured Dental Resins for Radiotherapy Prostheses
by Jiangyu Wang, Mai Murase, Yuka I. Sumita, Ryoichi Notake, Masako Akiyama, Ryoichi Yoshimura and Noriyuki Wakabayashi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100282 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1164
Abstract
3D printing is increasingly used in dentistry, with biocompatible resins playing a key role. This study compared the radioprotective properties of a commonly used 3D-printed resin (Formlabs surgical guide resin) with traditional heat-cured resin and examined the relationship between material thickness and radiation [...] Read more.
3D printing is increasingly used in dentistry, with biocompatible resins playing a key role. This study compared the radioprotective properties of a commonly used 3D-printed resin (Formlabs surgical guide resin) with traditional heat-cured resin and examined the relationship between material thickness and radiation attenuation. The specimens consisted of 3D-printed and heat-cured resin specimens, each measuring 45 × 45 mm2, with five different thicknesses (6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 mm), totaling 100 samples. Both types of resin specimens underwent testing with 150 MU external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and 400 cGy brachytherapy. Radiation experiments indicated that under EBRT conditions, there were no significant differences in radiation attenuation between the 3D-printed and heat-cured resins across all thickness groups. In brachytherapy, the attenuation of the 3D-printed resin was significantly lower than the heat-cured resin in the 6 mm and 8 mm groups. Specifically, attenuation rates were 48.0 ± 0.7 (3D-printed) vs. 45.2 ± 1.9 (heat-cured) in the 6 mm group, and 39.6 ± 1.3 vs. 37.5 ± 1.1 in the 8 mm group. Both resins showed significant positive linear correlations between thickness and attenuation (p < 0.001) within 6–14 mm. Thus, 3D-printed resin shows promising radioprotective properties and is a viable alternative to traditional heat-cured resin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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Review

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12 pages, 870 KiB  
Review
Class-I and Class-II Restorations with the Application of a Flowable Composite as an Intermediate Layer—A Narrative Review of Clinical Trials
by Anh Duc Nguyen, Kerstin Bitter and Christian Ralf Gernhardt
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030111 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 711
Abstract
The objective of this review is to investigate the effect of an additional layer of flowable composite for cavity lining on the clinical outcome of direct posterior composite restorations. The PICO question (patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome) was stated as follows: Does the [...] Read more.
The objective of this review is to investigate the effect of an additional layer of flowable composite for cavity lining on the clinical outcome of direct posterior composite restorations. The PICO question (patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome) was stated as follows: Does the additional application of a flowable composite as a cavity liner improve the clinical outcome of Class-I and Class-II restorations? The electronic databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILAS, and BBO were assessed for identifying relevant clinical studies. After removal of duplicate records, 309 records could be identified and, after a screening of the title and abstract, 20 articles were selected for full-text analysis. Finally, six studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review for further investigation. Four of the included studies have a follow-up period of two years, while the other two studies had an observation period of three and seven years, respectively. No significant differences in annual failure rates were observed between restorations with and without a flowable composite liner. Consequently, the additional usage of flowable composites as a cavity liner seems to have no effect on the clinical longevity of direct composite restorations in Class-I and Class-II cavities. Therefore, the application of a flowable composite is a possible option in everyday dental clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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Other

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17 pages, 547 KiB  
Systematic Review
Do Clear Aligners Release Toxic Chemicals?—A Systematic Review
by Mariana Ferreira, Hélder Costa, Nélio Veiga, Maria J. Correia, Ana T. P. C. Gomes and Pedro C. Lopes
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(5), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16050173 - 10 May 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic solution designed to address dental malocclusions discreetly and effectively. In terms of clinical side effects, the most reported issues among aligner users are mild irritation of the oral mucosa, localized inflammation, and hypersensitivity. The use of advanced [...] Read more.
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic solution designed to address dental malocclusions discreetly and effectively. In terms of clinical side effects, the most reported issues among aligner users are mild irritation of the oral mucosa, localized inflammation, and hypersensitivity. The use of advanced polymer materials in clear aligners, such as polyurethane and PET-G, has gained widespread acceptance due to their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic appeal. However, concerns persist regarding their potential to release chemical compounds. Our goal is to understand the impact of clear aligner toxicity on the oral cavity of orthodontic patients. An extensive systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane to identify articles with relevant data. This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines (PRISMA) to answer a question formulated according to the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes. Four hundred and thirteen articles potentially relevant were identified and after applying PRISMA guidelines and inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven articles were included in this review. Our results suggest that clear aligners are generally safe, but concerns remain regarding the chemical leaching of thermoplastic materials, bacterial accumulation due to reduced saliva flow, and mild inflammatory responses. Our review emphasizes that although most materials are biocompatible, some exhibit moderate cytotoxicity, with the potential to impact these patients’ oral health, underscoring the need for continued research and improvements in material composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials and Biotechnology: Applications in Dental Medicine—2nd Edition)
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