Biomimetic Materials for Regenerative Medicine

Dear Colleagues,

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have great therapeutic potential but, to date, have had only limited application in the clinic. For example, many biologically active molecules, such as protein growth factors, demonstrate effective results in preclinical animal studies but fail in human clinical trials. Further, expansion of cells in vitro can lead to changes in cell phenotype. As one approach to address these problems, biomimicry can be used to engineer biomaterials that aim to replicate the form and function of biological tissues, based on the hypotheses that these materials can improve tissue regeneration directly or that they can serve as better scaffolds for cells in tissue engineering approaches. The term biomimicry itself is derived from the ancient Greek bios, meaning “life”, and mimesis, meaning “imitation”. Thus, biomimetic materials can imitate their biological counterparts in a number of ways, including both structural and mechanical properties as well as chemical and biological cues. Biomimetic materials systems are often naturally derived or combine synthetic polymers with bioactive components to balance control of material properties with the ability to influence cellular behaviour. Materials functionalized with ligands for cell-surface receptors are particularly interesting, as these materials directly impact cellular interactions with the biomimetic materials.  Further, the spatial arrangement of these ligands, the topography of the material, and the available mechanisms of mass transport can all affect the cellular response to these materials. Both in vitro and in vivo studies highlight the potential of biomimetic materials in the field of regenerative medicine. In this Special Issue, we welcome contributions spanning the field, from novel materials development to functional demonstrations in preclinical models.

Prof. Dr. Jennifer Patterson
Guest Editor

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• Tissue engineering
• Regenerative medicine
• Biofunctionalization
• Extracellular matrix
• Structural and mechanical properties
• Mass transport
• Controlled release
• Spatial patterning
• Topography
• Biochemical modifications
• Bioactivity