Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews最新文献

Organoid engineering is a rapidly expanding field that involves developing miniaturized, three-dimensional (3D) structures to mimic the architecture and function of real organs. It provides a powerful platform to investigate organ development, disease modeling, and personalized medicine. Recent advances in cell printing technology, also known as bioprinting, feature high-throughput potential, precise control, and enhanced reproducibility, enabling the deposition of living cells to generate complex, 3D biological structures. Cell printing with bioinks composed of cells and supportive biomaterials has been utilized to generate in vitro tissues and organs with intricate architectures and functionalities to investigate normal tissue morphogenesis and disease progression. The integration of cell printing technology and organoid engineering holds tremendous potential in biomedical research. Here, we summarize recent advances in cell printing technology in developing different organoid models, creating patient-specific tissue grafts, and utilizing these models and grafts in drug testing, as well as studying disease progression. Some of these bioprinted organoids have been utilized in clinical trials, highlighting the potential of cell printing technology in future applications in tissue and organ transplantation, as well as precision medicine.Impact StatementThis article summarizes recent advances in integrating cell printing technology with three-dimensional tissue culture to develop organoid models. It discusses the advantages and limitations of three bioprinting technologies used in cell and organoid printing. The review also highlights the significant potential of cell printing technology in organoid model development and its applications in biomedical research and drug screening.

Effective wound healing hinges on a precisely orchestrated tissue remodeling process that restores both structural integrity and functionality. This review delineates the molecular mechanisms by which chitosan-based hydrogels revolutionize wound repair. Derived from natural chitin, chitosan uniquely combines robust antimicrobial, hemostatic, and biodegradable properties with the capacity to modulate critical intracellular signaling cascades-including transforming growth factor-β, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and PI3K/AKT. These dynamic interactions drive fibroblast proliferation, stimulate the strategic transition from type III to type I collagen deposition, and finely tune extracellular matrix reorganization, thereby mitigating excessive fibrosis and minimizing scar formation. Notwithstanding its considerable therapeutic promise, clinical translation of chitosan-based hydrogels is tempered by challenges in mechanical stability and controlled degradation. We propose that advanced material engineering-encompassing precision cross-linking, nanoparticle integration, and synergistic stem cell-based strategies-could surmount these limitations. This comprehensive synthesis of current molecular insights sets the stage for next-generation regenerative biomaterials, positioning chitosan-based hydrogels as a paradigm-shifting platform for achieving superior healing outcomes in complex clinical scenarios.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation is a leading cause of lower back pain, with symptoms ranging from tingling to disability. Discectomy, as the most common treatment, relieves pain and reduces inflammation, but the unrevealed defect in annulus fibrosus (AF) inevitably increases the risk of herniation as high as 21%. Repair and regeneration of AF are crucial to prevent herniation and recreate healthy IVD. Mechanical repair strategies, including suture, annulus closure device, and AF patch, often fall short in material-tissue integration and tissue regeneration. Recent developments in tissue engineering integrate biological science and material engineering, mainly through hybrid hydrogels and synthetic polymer scaffolds, showing promising effects on AF repair and regeneration. This review outlines various repair strategies and their limitations. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach considering material selection, scaffold design, and incorporating cytokines or stem cells to improve AF repair outcomes. First, advancements in electrospinning, 3D printing, and porosity engineering will be discussed to enhance the integration of scaffolds with surrounding tissue to mimic a natural AF environment. Second, the benefits of adding cells or biofactors will be reviewed to strengthen cellular interactions, migration, and differentiation of stem cells. Finally, future research will be proposed to develop innovative, multifunctional scaffolds that complement personalized medicine while also considering the impact of mechanical stimulation and scaffold porosity on cell behavior and drug delivery for more efficient repair effects.

Solid tumors represent the most common type of cancer in humans and are classified into sarcomas, lymphomas, and carcinomas based on the originating cells. Among these, carcinomas, which arise from epithelial and glandular cells lining the body's tissues, are the most prevalent. Around the world, a significant increase in the incidence of solid tumors is observed during recent years. In this context, efforts to discover more effective cancer treatments have led to a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its components. Currently, the interactions between cancer cells and elements of the TME are being intensely investigated. Remarkable progress in research is noted, largely owing to the development of advanced in vitro models, such as tumor-on-a-chip models that assist in understanding and ultimately discovering new effective treatments for a specific type of cancer. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the TME and cancer cell components, along with the advances on tumor-on-a-chip models designed to mimic tumors, offering a perspective on the current state of the art. Recent studies using this kind of microdevices that reproduce the TME have allowed a better understanding of the cancer and its treatments. Nevertheless, current applications of this technology present some limitations that must be overcome to achieve a broad application by researchers looking for a deeper knowledge of cancer and new strategies to improve current therapies.

Meniscal damage is one of the prevalent causes of knee pain, swelling, instability, and functional compromise, frequently culminating in osteoarthritis (OA). Timely and appropriate interventions are crucial to relieve symptoms and prevent or delay the onset of OA. Contemporary surgical treatments include total or partial meniscectomy, meniscal repair, allograft meniscal transplantation, and synthetic meniscal implants, but each presents its specific limitations. Recently, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering have emerged as promising fields, offering innovative prospects for meniscal regeneration and repair. This review delineates current surgical methods, elucidating their specific indications, advantages, and disadvantages. Concurrently, it delves into state-of-the-art tissue engineering techniques aimed at the functional regenerative repair of meniscus. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice are also provided.

Bone defects because of age, trauma, and surgery, which are exacerbated by medication side effects and common diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, are a problem of epidemic scale. The present clinical standard for treating these defects includes autografts and allografts. Although both treatments can promote robust regenerative outcomes, they fail to strike a desirable balance of availability, side effect profile, consistent regenerative efficacy, and affordability. This difficulty has contributed to the rise of bone tissue engineering (BTE) as a potential avenue through which enhanced bone regeneration could be delivered. BTE is founded upon a paradigm of using biomaterials, bioactive factors, osteoblast lineage cells (ObLCs), and vascularization to cue deficient bone tissue into a state of regeneration. Despite promising preclinical results, BTE has had modest success in being translated into the clinical setting. One barrier has been the simplicity of its paradigm relative to the complexity of biological bone. Therefore, this paradigm must be critically examined and expanded to better account for this complexity. One potential avenue for this is a more detailed consideration of osteoclast lineage cells (OcLCs). Although these cells ostensibly oppose ObLCs and bone regeneration through their resorptive functions, a myriad of investigations have shed light on their potential to influence bone equilibrium in more complex ways through their interactions with both ObLCs and bone matrix. Most BTE research has not systematically evaluated their influence. Yet contrary to expectations associated with the paradigm, a selection of BTE investigations has demonstrated that this influence can enhance bone regeneration in certain contexts. In addition, much work has elucidated the role of many controllable scaffold parameters in both inhibiting and stimulating the activity of OcLCs in parallel to bone regeneration. Therefore, this review aims to detail and explore the implications of OcLCs in BTE and how they can be leveraged to improve upon the existing BTE paradigm.

The urethral reconstruction using tissue engineering is a promising approach in clinical and preclinical studies in recent years. Generally, regenerative medicine comprises cells, bioactive agents, and biomaterial scaffolds to reconstruct tissue. For the restoration of extended urethral injury are incorporated autologous grafts or flaps from the skin of the genital area, and buccal mucosa are also utilized. However, biomaterial grafts with cells or growth factors are investigated to enhance these grafts. Natural and synthetic biomaterials were investigated for preclinical studies in the form of decellularization tissues, nanofiber/microfiber, film, and foam grafts that determined safety and efficiency. In this regard, skin grafts, bladder epithelium, buccal mucosa, small intestinal submucosa, tissue-engineered buccal mucosa, and polymeric nanofibers in clinical trials were examined, and promising and diverse outcomes were acquired. Even though one of the challenges of the reconstruction of the urethra is resistance to urine pressure and its ability to be sutured, it could be solved by the proper adjustment of the physicochemical characteristics of the graft. Urethral engineering faces challenges due to necrosis caused by a lack of angiogenesis and fibrosis, which require further investigation in future studies.

Cartilage tissue, encompassing hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage, plays a pivotal role in the human body because of its unique composition, structure, and biomechanical properties. However, the inherent avascularity and limited regenerative capacity of cartilage present significant challenges to its healing following injury. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of cartilage tissue engineering, focusing on the critical components of cell sources, scaffolds, and growth factors tailored to the regeneration of each cartilage type. We explore the similarities and differences in the composition, structure, and biomechanical properties of the three cartilage types and their implications for tissue engineering. A significant emphasis is placed on innovative strategies for cartilage regeneration, including the potential for in situ transformation of cartilage types through microenvironmental manipulation, which may offer novel avenues for repair and rehabilitation. The review underscores the necessity of a nuanced approach to cartilage tissue engineering, recognizing the distinct requirements of each cartilage type while exploring the potential of transforming one cartilage type into another as a flexible and adaptive repair strategy. Through this detailed examination, we aim to broaden the understanding of cartilage tissue engineering and inspire further research and development in this promising field.

There is a critical need for novel approaches to translate cell therapy and regenerative medicine to clinical practice. Magnetic cell targeting with site specificity has started to open avenues in these fields as a potential therapeutic platform. Magnetic targeting is gaining popularity in the field of biomedicine due to its ability to concentrate and retain at a target site while minimizing deleterious effects at off-target sites. It is regarded as a relatively straightforward and safe approach for a wide range of therapeutic applications. This review discusses the latest advancements and approaches in magnetic cell targeting using endocytosed and surface-bound magnetic nanoparticles as well as in vivo tracking using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most common form of magnetic nanoparticles is superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). The biodegradable and biocompatible properties of these magnetically responsive particles and capacity for rapid endocytosis into cells make them a breakthrough in targeted therapy. This review further discusses specific applications of magnetic targeting approaches in cardiovascular tissue engineering including myocardial regeneration, therapeutic angiogenesis, and endothelialization of implantable cardiovascular devices.

This bibliometric analysis examined research on bioactive glass in dentistry from 2015 to 2024, identifying key trends, its impact on dental applications, and future research directions. Data were collected from Web of Science and Scopus in April 2025, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2024 using the keywords "Dentistry" AND "Bioactive Glass." A total of 2114 studies from 706 sources were analyzed, involving 7471 authors with an average of 5.78 coauthors per article. The analysis used Web of Science and Scopus, which provide comprehensive access to peer-reviewed literature in dentistry and materials science. Prominent journals included Dental Materials, Ceramics International, Materials, Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, and Journal of Dentistry. There was a notable increase in publications, with 52 articles in 2024. The average number of citations per document was 15.61, and the average document age was 4.72 years. Collaborative research, especially among Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China, the United States, and Brazil, was a significant trend. Leading institutions included the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, University of London, and King Abdulaziz University, reflecting substantial contributions from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Core research topics focused on bioactive glass, mechanical properties, nanoparticles, bioactivity, and hydroxyapatite. The study highlights a growing global interest in bioactive glass, particularly in relation to dentin hypersensitivity, remineralization, and tissue regeneration. The continued rise in publication volume and expansion of international collaborations underscore the vitality of this field. Emerging directions such as bone regeneration, antibacterial applications, and advancements in the mechanical performance of bioactive materials are likely to shape the trajectory of future research.Impact StatementThis bibliometric analysis highlights the growing significance of bioactive glass in dentistry, particularly in the context of remineralization, tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial protection. The increasing volume of research, highlighted by a surge in publications and international collaborations, reflects the expanding interest in bioactive glass. Prominent research areas include remineralization, hydroxyapatite applications, and mechanical properties of bioactive materials, with implications for bone regeneration and innovative dental treatments. By identifying trends and leading contributors, this study provides a foundation for future research aimed at enhancing the clinical applications and material science of bioactive glass in dentistry.