Biopolymer-Based Biomimetic Scaffolds II

Dear Colleagues,

As is widely known, tissue engineering offers a unique alternative to current clinical treatments. To develop a complex living tissue replacement, concerted efforts must be focused on creating extracellular matrix-mimicking biomaterials that encourage interactions with host cells to unlock the body’s innate powers of organization and self-repair.

There are several technologies available for the fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds that focus on the use of a substance innately able (or engineered) to assume a desirable form that can be applied to both synthesize a 3D cellular microenvironment for cell accommodation and guide new tissue formation. Moreover, the identification of a material able to maintain its structure and integrity for predictable periods can ensure new tissue formation and maturation. Among the materials used in tissue engineering, naturally occurring biopolymers are often chosen as they show high biocompatibility, a favorable pro-remodeling host immune response, and an instructive microenvironment for tissue remodeling. Their ability to mimic the chemical properties of the native extracellular matrix represents a great advantage that enables the fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds for the evaluation of cellular responses to material cues, providing tools for the in vitro modeling of diseases and the treatment of patients using precision medicine.

This Special Issue will present recent research (original research papers, review articles, and short communications) that focuses on the development and characterization of innovative biomimetic scaffolds made of naturally occurring polymers which are used to recapitulate tissue formation and repair mechanisms within a 3D functional microenvironment.

Dr. Sílvia J. Bidarra
Dr. Chiara Emma Campiglio
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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.

• natural polymers
• biomaterials
• biomimetic structure
• scaffold
• tissue engineering
• biopolymer
• biocompatibility
• cell–material interaction