Advanced Biomaterials and Engineered Systems in Endodontics

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore cutting-edge advancements in biomaterials and engineered systems that are revolutionizing endodontic therapy and regenerative endodontics. The scope encompasses innovative strategies to enhance root canal treatment outcomes, promote pulp regeneration, and address inflammation and infection through next-generation biomaterials and technologies. Incorporating these collective strategies is essential for oral health and the associated benefits to society.

The issue will focus on, but is not limited to, the following key themes:

1. Next-generation root canal and root-end filling materials—novel bioactive, antimicrobial, and mechanically optimized materials that improve sealing efficacy and tissue integration.
2. Engineered systems for root canal drug delivery—including metal–organic framework (MOF)-based materials for enhanced antimicrobial action and biofilm disruption.
3. Micro- and nanorobots for root canal debridement and biofilm removal—autonomous or externally guided microrobotic systems for precision biofilm disruption, drug delivery, and disinfection in complex root canal anatomy.
4. Intracanal drug delivery systems—injectable hydrogels for controlled release of bioactive molecules and cell-based regenerative endodontic therapies.
5. Nanomedicine applications—lipid nanoparticles incorporating mRNA technology for targeted anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative therapies in endodontics.
6. Cell-free therapies—exosome-based approaches to modulate inflammation and stimulate pulp–dentin complex regeneration.
7. Tissue-engineered dental pulp constructs—utilizing advanced 3D bioprinting and organ-on-chip microperfusion bioreactor systems to generate transplantable dental pulp constructs. 

This Special Issue will position itself within the growing body of literature on biomaterial-driven endodontic innovations by highlighting translational research that bridges clinical endodontics with material science, nanotechnology, robotics, and tissue engineering. By compiling high-quality original research and reviews, this issue will serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to leverage biomaterials for improved endodontic therapies and regenerative solutions.

We invite contributions that address these themes, including experimental studies (in vitro and in vivo), clinical trials, and reviews, to advance the understanding and application of biomaterials in modern endodontics.

Dr. Hardik Makkar
Dr. Nicholas G. Fischer
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 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-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.