Biomimetic Scaffold Materials for Engineering of in-vitro Tissue/Organ Models and in-vivo Tissue Repair

Tissue defects caused by injuries and diseases not only impair quality of life and working capacity but also increase social isolation and place pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Tissue engineering strategies that use biomimetic artificial scaffolds as substitutes for the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) show great potential for repairing damaged tissues in vivo and engineering tissue/organ models in vitro for disease research. By customizing scaffold features such as physical, chemical, and mechanical cues, the formation and development of tissues and organs can be programmed.

Significant progress has been made in the engineering of biomimetic scaffolds due to the development of manufacturing technologies, including self-assembly, phase separation, electrospinning, and 3D printing. However, it is still a challenge to integrate all the characteristics of the natural extracellular matrix, such as hierarchical structure, properties, and functions, into an artificial biomimetic scaffold.

This research topic focuses on the latest advancements in biomimetic scaffolds for in-vivo tissue repair and engineering of in-vitro tissue/organ models for disease research. We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, methods, perspectives, reports, commentaries, and opinions, covering themes that include, but are not limited to:
- The design, development, and engineering of biomimetic scaffolds
- The interaction of biomimetic scaffolds with cells and tissues
- The use of biomimetic scaffolds for tissue regeneration in vivo
- The application of biomimetic scaffolds for constructing tissues and organs (including organoids) in vitro
- The role of biomimetic scaffolds in wound healing
- The use of biomimetic scaffolds in translational medicine