ijms-25-07840-v2

International Journal of
Molecular Sciences
Editorial
Advancements in Biomaterials for Bioengineering
and Biotechnology
Alexander Tsouknidas 1,2
1 Laboratory for Biomaterials and Computational Mechanics, Department of Mechanical Engineering,

University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece; atsouknidas@uowm.gr or atsouk@bu.edu
2 Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston
University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
Biomaterials, whether of biological or synthetic origin, have risen to the forefront

of modern medical innovation since the early 2000s, transcending their traditional roles
in orthopedic and dental applications, to encompass drug delivery systems, implantable
biosensors, and templates for cellular growth and tissue regeneration.
The unprecedented advancements in both implantable and extracorporeal material-
based therapeutics, were driven in part by our capacity to functionalize their surface
properties, along with recent advances facilitating the manipulation of matter on the
nanoscale. As a result, multifunctional biomaterials have received immense interest within
the materials community, providing biomedical engineers, physicians, and other medical
and biotechnology professionals with novel therapeutic approaches.
This Special Issue encapsulates the latest advancements in this dynamic field, showcas-
ing diverse applications that converge to advance our understanding of biological systems.
The featured manuscripts exemplify the breadth and depth of contemporary biomate-
rials research. Molecular dynamics simulations shed light on the mechanical properties
of hexagonal hydroxyapatite, illuminating the impact of pore defects on its structural in-
tegrity [1]. Another experimental investigation elucidates the physical and electrochemical
properties of protic ionic liquids, laying the groundwork for their potential applications in
various domains [2].
The synthesis and characterization of novel hybrid materials, such as fluorescent meso-
porous silica-based compounds, underscore the ongoing quest to engineer biomaterials
with tailored functionalities. These materials exhibit not only remarkable antioxidant activ-
Citation: Tsouknidas, A.
ity but also promising antitumor properties, opening new avenues for cancer therapy [3].
Advancements in Biomaterials for
In another study, mesoporous silica was used as a shell material for LiYF4 nanoplatforms
Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to achieve effectual photodynamic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 7840.
therapy, which exhibited prominent therapeutic efficacy [4].
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147840
Other hybrid materials (i.e., cross-linked hyaluronate with corticosteroids) were di-
Received: 24 April 2024 rectly employed in animal models, showcasing the potential of biomaterials in the treatment
Accepted: 6 July 2024 of tendinopathy [5].
Published: 17 July 2024 The intersection of biomaterials and regenerative medicine was explored through
an innovative approach, 3D bioprinting, which holds immense promise for personalized
medicine [6]. Although challenges remain in achieving anatomically realistic constructs
with mature biological functions, the rapid progress in this field underscores its potential to
Copyright: © 2024 by the author.
revolutionize tissue engineering and drug discovery. Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip devices
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
represent another frontier in biomaterials research, offering platforms for modeling complex
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
organ systems with unprecedented fidelity. Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip devices have
conditions of the Creative Commons
recently been leveraged, aiming, among other goals, to further our understanding of tissue
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// engineering through advanced ex vivo models. Fueled by a diverse array of biomaterials
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ and fabrication techniques, researchers are poised to determine the intricacies of human
4.0/). physiology and develop novel strategies for disease modeling and drug screening [7].
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 7840. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147840 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 7840 2 of 2
Lastly, the development of light-controlled activation strategies for platinum (IV)

prodrugs exemplifies the convergence of materials science and therapeutic innovation. Har-
nessing the power of external stimuli, such as light, enables precise spatiotemporal control
over drug release, minimizing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy [8].
In closing, the collective efforts showcased in this Special Issue highlight the remark-
able progress in the field of biomaterials for bioengineering and biotechnology. From
fundamental studies elucidating mechanical properties to translational research aimed
at clinical application, each contribution represents a step forward as we navigate the
complexities of human health and disease.
I extend my gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and editorial team for their invaluable
contributions, hoping that this Special Issue will serve as a source of inspiration and insight
for researchers and practitioners alike, spurring further advancements at the intersection of
materials science, biology, and medicine.
Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest.
References
1. Snyder, A.D.; Salehinia, I. Effect of Pore Defects on Uniaxial Mechanical Properties of Bulk Hexagonal Hydroxyapatite: A
Molecular Dynamics Study. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 1535. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Ausín, D.; Trenzado, J.L.; Turmine, M.; Varela, L.M.; Cabeza, O.; González Romero, E.; Segade, L. Influence of Metal Salts Addition
on Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Ethyl and Propylammonium Nitrate. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 16040. [CrossRef]
[PubMed]
3. Tudose, M.; Culita, D.C.; Baratoiu-Carpen, R.D.; Mitran, R.-A.; Kuncser, A.; Romanitan, C.; Popescu, R.C.; Savu, D.I. Novel
Antitumor Agents Based on Fluorescent Benzofurazan Derivatives and Mesoporous Silica. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 15663.
[CrossRef]
4. Ho, T.-H.; Yang, C.-H.; Jiang, Z.-E.; Lin, H.-Y.; Chen, Y.-F.; Wang, T.-L. NIR-Triggered Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and
Photodynamic Therapy Based on Mesoporous Silica-Coated LiYF4 Upconverting Nanoparticles. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 8757.
[CrossRef]
5. Ko, P.-Y.; Hsu, C.-C.; Chen, S.-Y.; Kuo, L.-C.; Su, W.-R.; Jou, I.-M.; Su, F.-C.; Wu, P.-T. Cross-Linked Hyaluronate and Corticosteroid
Combination Ameliorate the Rat Experimental Tendinopathy through Anti-Senescent and -Apoptotic Effects. Int. J. Mol. Sci.
2022, 23, 9760. [CrossRef]
6. Lam, E.H.Y.; Yu, F.; Zhu, S.; Wang, Z. 3D Bioprinting for Next-Generation Personalized Medicine. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 6357.
[CrossRef]
7. Cao, U.M.N.; Zhang, Y.; Chen, J.; Sayson, D.; Pillai, S.; Tran, S.D. Microfluidic Organ-on-A-chip: A Guide to Biomaterial Choice
and Fabrication. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 3232. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
8. Spector, D.; Pavlov, K.; Beloglazkina, E.; Krasnovskaya, O. Recent Advances in Light-Controlled Activation of Pt(IV) Prodrugs.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 14511. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
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International Journal of

1 Laboratory for Biomaterials and Computational Mechanics, Department of Mechanical Engineering,

Biomaterials, whether of biological or synthetic origin, have risen to the forefront

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 7840. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147840 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms

Lastly, the development of light-controlled activation strategies for platinum (IV)

Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest.

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