Magnetic Responsive Materials for Tissue Engineering and Antimicrobial Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Magnetic responsive materials, able to mimic and/or stimulate the microenvironment present either in cells or bacteria systems represent a breakthrough approach for obtaining effective strategies in tissue engineering and microbiology. In fact, smart responsive materials are considered a suitable solution to control materials’ associated infections in indwelling medical devices, commonly used in tissue engineering applications. When both cells and bacteria are present in a specific material, it can enable either microbial colonization or the desired tissue integration.

The action of magnetically and electrically active microenvironments through the application of magnetic and/or magnetoelectric materials is a strategy that has been widely explored in mammalian cells for improved cell regeneration and that can be also used for tailoring specific bacterial responses. These materials, alone or combined with antimicrobial agents, in the forms of coatings, films, or micro/nanopattering among others, may counteract the adhesion of microbes or kill them by delivering active ingredients that will ultimately hinder the microbial colonization and biofilm formation, a major problem in clinical settings, responsible for up to 75% of all nosocomial infections. On the other hand, the same magneto-active materials may be effective in tissue integration, providing target-directed actions that respond to the environmental stimuli and promoting the regeneration of the tissue.

The aim of this Special issue is to cover promising recent, and novel research trends in the field of magnetic responsive materials for tissue engineering or antimicrobial approaches, or the combination of both. Reviews on materials or applications within this field will also be accepted. The areas to covered in this Special Issue may include, but are not limited to:

- Science and engineering of magnetoelectric/magneto-active materials

- Magnetically-activated antimicrobial surfaces

- Magneto-active scaffolds for tissue engineering

- Surface functionalization for tissue engineering and/or antimicrobial approaches (multifunctional coatings)

- Bacteriostatic and/or bacteriocidal magneto-active antimicrobial agents

- Target-directed magnetic or electrical microenvironments (e.g., responsive to environmental stimuli.

Dr. Margarida M. Fernandes
Dr. Clarisse Ribeiro
Guest Editors

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• magnetoelectric materials
• magnetic responsive systems
• antimicrobial surfaces
• magnetoactive scaffolds
• tissue engineering
• surface functionalization