Exploration of BioMat-X

Special Issue Topic

Bioinspired Material for Regenerative Medicine

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025
Guest Editor

Ajay Vikram Singh E-Mail

Senior Scientist at German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany

Research Keywords: Chemical toxicology, nanotoxicology, AI & QSAR, in silico modelling, micro-nanorobotics, materials engineering & antibacterial surface design
About the Special Issue

Regenerative medicine is an interdisciplinary field that aims to develop innovative approaches for tissue repair and replacement. The field encompasses diverse disciplines such as biology, medicine, materials science, and engineering, to overcome the limitations of traditional medical interventions. One of the key challenges in regenerative medicine is to design and develop materials that can support cellular functions and promote tissue regeneration.
Bioinspired materials have emerged as promising candidates for regenerative medicine due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and provide a favorable microenvironment for cells to grow and differentiate. These materials can be synthesized from natural or synthetic polymers, or a combination of both, to create a scaffold that can provide mechanical support to the tissue while promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The incorporation of bioactive molecules such as growth factors or cytokines can further enhance the regenerative potential of these materials.
Bioinspired materials have been widely investigated for tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and other regenerative medicine applications. For example, scaffolds made of biodegradable polymers such as polycaprolactone or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) have been used for bone tissue engineering due to their ability to degrade over time and be replaced by new tissue. Similarly, hydrogels made of natural polymers such as chitosan or alginate have been investigated for wound healing due to their adhesive and antimicrobial properties.
This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research and development in the area of bioinspired materials for regenerative medicine. We welcome submissions covering a broad range of topics such as the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of bioinspired materials, biocompatibility, degradation properties, and commercialization.
The key topics under which submission can be made for this special issue on Bioinspired Materials for Regenerative Medicine:
Toxicology
- Evaluation of the biocompatibility and safety of bioinspired materials in regenerative medicine
- Assessment of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity of bioinspired materials
- Evaluation of the environmental impact of bioinspired materials
Medicine
- Development of bioinspired materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications
- Investigation of the therapeutic potential of bioinspired materials for the treatment of various diseases and injuries
- Clinical trials and case studies of bioinspired materials for regenerative medicine applications
Material Science
- Design, synthesis, and characterization of bioinspired materials for regenerative medicine
- Fabrication of bioinspired materials using advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and microfluidics
- Investigation of the mechanical properties and degradation behavior of bioinspired materials
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
- Development of machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches for the design and optimization of bioinspired materials for regenerative medicine
- Use of computational modeling and simulation to predict the behavior and performance of bioinspired materials
- Integration of ML & AI techniques with experimental approaches for the development and characterization of bioinspired materials
Keywords: Regenerative medicine, bioinspired materials, tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, biocompatibility, commercial translation, extracellular matrix
Call for Papers

Published Articles

Open Access

Original Article

Top2b regulates morphological and migratory properties of retinal progenitor cells in vivo and upon transplantable matrix substrates
Aim: This study evaluated the impact of retinal extracellular matrix (ECM) and key biomaterial substrates on the motility of transplantable retinal cells with genomic manipulation, using the ther [...] Read more.

Aim:

This study evaluated the impact of retinal extracellular matrix (ECM) and key biomaterial substrates on the motility of transplantable retinal cells with genomic manipulation, using the therapeutic molecule, Topoisomerase II beta (Top2b), as a model.

Methods:

Tests first applied in ovo electroporation to examine the effects of a pharmacological Top2b inhibitor (ICRF-193) on progenitor motility and development of embryonic retina. Complementary qRT-PCR tests measured changes in select cadherin molecules in response to treatment. In vitro transfection produced cultured retinal progenitor cell groups with Top2b overexpression and Top2b knockdown. Differences in the adhesion and motility of Top2b altered groups, compared to wildtype cells, were measured upon biomaterial substrates used in emerging transplantation matrixes.

Results:

Data illustrated significant differences in the number and spacing of retinal ganglion cells when retina was treated with ICRF-193, as well as downregulation of several key cadherin molecules. Cultured retinal progenitors with Top2b knockdown and Top2b overexpression exhibited different expression of chemotactic receptors, adhesion parameters, and modalities of migration upon substrates of laminin, poly-L-lysine, and collagen IV. Significant changes in cell morphology and surface area were also measured compared to wildtype cells.

Conclusions:

Corroborating in vivo and in vitro data support Top2b as a therapeutic target for retinal progenitor motility but indicate significant differences in the migration of Top2b altered cells upon substrates used in transplantation. These data highlight the therapeutic advantages of bioinspired materials developed to aid the motility of replacement cells with modified genetic expression to improve transplantation outcomes across the nervous system.

Alexandra C. Dabrowski ... Maribel Vazquez

Published: April 14, 2025 Explor BioMat-X. 2025;2:101335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ebmx.2025.101335

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Aim:

This study evaluated the impact of retinal extracellular matrix (ECM) and key biomaterial substrates on the motility of transplantable retinal cells with genomic manipulation, using the therapeutic molecule, Topoisomerase II beta (Top2b), as a model.

Methods:

Tests first applied in ovo electroporation to examine the effects of a pharmacological Top2b inhibitor (ICRF-193) on progenitor motility and development of embryonic retina. Complementary qRT-PCR tests measured changes in select cadherin molecules in response to treatment. In vitro transfection produced cultured retinal progenitor cell groups with Top2b overexpression and Top2b knockdown. Differences in the adhesion and motility of Top2b altered groups, compared to wildtype cells, were measured upon biomaterial substrates used in emerging transplantation matrixes.

Results:

Data illustrated significant differences in the number and spacing of retinal ganglion cells when retina was treated with ICRF-193, as well as downregulation of several key cadherin molecules. Cultured retinal progenitors with Top2b knockdown and Top2b overexpression exhibited different expression of chemotactic receptors, adhesion parameters, and modalities of migration upon substrates of laminin, poly-L-lysine, and collagen IV. Significant changes in cell morphology and surface area were also measured compared to wildtype cells.

Conclusions:

Corroborating in vivo and in vitro data support Top2b as a therapeutic target for retinal progenitor motility but indicate significant differences in the migration of Top2b altered cells upon substrates used in transplantation. These data highlight the therapeutic advantages of bioinspired materials developed to aid the motility of replacement cells with modified genetic expression to improve transplantation outcomes across the nervous system.

Open Access

Original Article

A tri-layer tissue engineering heart valve scaffold based on atelocollagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin
Aim: This study aims to fabricate and characterise a novel tri-layer scaffold based on type I atelocollagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and a novel fibrillar elastin gel, mimicking the native heart va [...] Read more.

Aim:

This study aims to fabricate and characterise a novel tri-layer scaffold based on type I atelocollagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and a novel fibrillar elastin gel, mimicking the native heart valve leaflets in structure, composition, and mechanical properties, among which, the bending anisotropic behaviour in both the with curvature (WC) and the against curvature (AC) directions, is the most desired. The use of atelocollagen is of significant importance in highlighting the non-antigenic potential of the design.

Methods:

Porous scaffolds were freeze-dried, then crosslinked using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The fibrillogenesis occurrence and the scaffold microstructure were imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) investigated the effect of fabrication and crosslinking on the backbone structure. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) characterised the compressive and bending properties of the scaffolds in hydrated and non-hydrated states. Three-point bending and a “self-deflection” test were performed on tri-layer scaffolds in both WC and AC directions.

Results:

Atelocollagen-based scaffolds were successfully produced, rendering this study the first to report a tri-layer structure using atelocollagen, HA, and elastin fibrillar gel. The scaffolds’ porosity was tailored to accommodate potential future biological studies and the transition between layers appeared seamless. FITR unveiled effective crosslinking and the backbone structure preservation. The scaffolds exhibited lightly crosslinked polymer resembling mechanical responses when non-hydrated, and the desired J-curve stress-strain response was observed when hydrated. The tri-layer scaffolds showed anisotropic bending behaviour with a bending modulus of 5.41 ± 1.14 kPa (WC) and 7.98 ± 2.22 kPa (AC).

Conclusions:

The tri-layer scaffolds fabricated resemble the native aortic valve leaflets in structure and composition, and successfully introduced bending anisotropy in physiological conditions. Together with the suitable microstructure and promising mechanical properties, the design is reckoned to be a potential tissue engineering heart valve candidate.

Zhaoying Ma ... Jan T. Czernuszka

Published: August 29, 2024 Explor BioMat-X. 2024;1:215–230
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ebmx.2024.00016

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Aim:

This study aims to fabricate and characterise a novel tri-layer scaffold based on type I atelocollagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and a novel fibrillar elastin gel, mimicking the native heart valve leaflets in structure, composition, and mechanical properties, among which, the bending anisotropic behaviour in both the with curvature (WC) and the against curvature (AC) directions, is the most desired. The use of atelocollagen is of significant importance in highlighting the non-antigenic potential of the design.

Methods:

Porous scaffolds were freeze-dried, then crosslinked using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The fibrillogenesis occurrence and the scaffold microstructure were imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) investigated the effect of fabrication and crosslinking on the backbone structure. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) characterised the compressive and bending properties of the scaffolds in hydrated and non-hydrated states. Three-point bending and a “self-deflection” test were performed on tri-layer scaffolds in both WC and AC directions.

Results:

Atelocollagen-based scaffolds were successfully produced, rendering this study the first to report a tri-layer structure using atelocollagen, HA, and elastin fibrillar gel. The scaffolds’ porosity was tailored to accommodate potential future biological studies and the transition between layers appeared seamless. FITR unveiled effective crosslinking and the backbone structure preservation. The scaffolds exhibited lightly crosslinked polymer resembling mechanical responses when non-hydrated, and the desired J-curve stress-strain response was observed when hydrated. The tri-layer scaffolds showed anisotropic bending behaviour with a bending modulus of 5.41 ± 1.14 kPa (WC) and 7.98 ± 2.22 kPa (AC).

Conclusions:

The tri-layer scaffolds fabricated resemble the native aortic valve leaflets in structure and composition, and successfully introduced bending anisotropy in physiological conditions. Together with the suitable microstructure and promising mechanical properties, the design is reckoned to be a potential tissue engineering heart valve candidate.

Open Access

Case Report

Tissue engineering approach to the creation of grafting material for rhinoplasty: clinical case reports
The use of autologous cartilage and bone grafts remains the gold standard in augmentation rhinoplasty performed to reconstruct of the nasal dorsum. Meanwhile, limited number of available sources, do [...] Read more.

The use of autologous cartilage and bone grafts remains the gold standard in augmentation rhinoplasty performed to reconstruct of the nasal dorsum. Meanwhile, limited number of available sources, donor site morbidity, and unpredictable graft resorption represent significant disadvantages of autografting. The aim of this study is to test combination of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and commercially available bone substitutes (BSs) as new tissue-engineered grafting material (GM) for rhinoplasty. A series of consecutive cases includes four adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct saddle nose deformity (SND) using the new graft technique. SVF was isolated from liposuction aspirate using standard methodology of enzymatic digestion. Two types of BSs were combined with SVF: Bio-Oss granules to create a moldable graft (M-graft), and block-shaped BoneMedik-S to create rigid grafts (R-grafts). The moderate SND was treated using an M-graft. In case of major or complex SND, the nasal dorsum was reconstructed with dorso-columellar L-shaped framework made of R-grafts. The results were evaluated over a period of 6 months to 3 years postoperatively using photogrammetry and FACE-Q appearance appraisal scales. Computerised tomography (CT) scanning of the reconstructed nose and histological analysis of grafted material were also carried out. No complications were observed. The photograms show the restoration of the correct contour of the nose. FACE-Q appraisal scale scores increased significantly, including satisfaction with nose appearance, psychological well-being, and social function. In CT evaluation, there was no substantial resorption or warping of the grafts. Histological findings show osteogenic remodeling of the grafted material. Thus, combining autologous SVF with BSs is a promising strategy for developing rhinoplasty GM.

Vladimir Karpiuk ... Olga Ponkina

Published: June 03, 2024 Explor BioMat-X. 2024;1:158–173
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ebmx.2024.00011

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The use of autologous cartilage and bone grafts remains the gold standard in augmentation rhinoplasty performed to reconstruct of the nasal dorsum. Meanwhile, limited number of available sources, donor site morbidity, and unpredictable graft resorption represent significant disadvantages of autografting. The aim of this study is to test combination of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and commercially available bone substitutes (BSs) as new tissue-engineered grafting material (GM) for rhinoplasty. A series of consecutive cases includes four adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct saddle nose deformity (SND) using the new graft technique. SVF was isolated from liposuction aspirate using standard methodology of enzymatic digestion. Two types of BSs were combined with SVF: Bio-Oss granules to create a moldable graft (M-graft), and block-shaped BoneMedik-S to create rigid grafts (R-grafts). The moderate SND was treated using an M-graft. In case of major or complex SND, the nasal dorsum was reconstructed with dorso-columellar L-shaped framework made of R-grafts. The results were evaluated over a period of 6 months to 3 years postoperatively using photogrammetry and FACE-Q appearance appraisal scales. Computerised tomography (CT) scanning of the reconstructed nose and histological analysis of grafted material were also carried out. No complications were observed. The photograms show the restoration of the correct contour of the nose. FACE-Q appraisal scale scores increased significantly, including satisfaction with nose appearance, psychological well-being, and social function. In CT evaluation, there was no substantial resorption or warping of the grafts. Histological findings show osteogenic remodeling of the grafted material. Thus, combining autologous SVF with BSs is a promising strategy for developing rhinoplasty GM.

Guest Editor

About the Special Issue

Call for Papers

Published Articles

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