Dental Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Dental biomaterials research is a vital and evolving domain within dental science that focuses on the development, characterization, and clinical evaluation of materials used in the prevention, diagnosis, restoration, and regeneration of oral tissues. These materials are expected to function under complex conditions in the oral cavity, which presents unique challenges such as moisture, pH fluctuations, mechanical loading, and microbial presence. As a result, dental biomaterials must exhibit a combination of properties—biocompatibility, mechanical strength, adhesion, aesthetics, and long-term durability.

The field has grown significantly over the past few decades. Traditional materials such as dental amalgam and gold alloys have largely given way to more advanced alternatives like resin composites, glass ionomer cements, ceramics, and bioceramics, each tailored for specific clinical applications ranging from restorative procedures to endodontics, prosthodontics, and implantology. Adhesive systems have revolutionized conservative dentistry by enabling minimally invasive restorations with strong bonds to both enamel and dentin.

Modern dental biomaterials research is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from materials science, polymer chemistry, biomechanics, microbiology, and tissue engineering. Researchers aim not only to improve existing materials but also to design bioactive and smart materials that interact beneficially with oral tissues, promote healing, or even adapt to environmental changes in the mouth. The advent of nanotechnology, digital dentistry, and 3D printing has further expanded the frontiers of the field, offering new possibilities for patient-specific treatment solutions and regenerative therapies.

Despite significant advances in adhesive dentistry, the long-term bond durability to dentin remains a major clinical challenge. While contemporary adhesive systems provide satisfactory initial bond strength, their performance often deteriorates over time, particularly in the humid and enzymatically active environment of the oral cavity. This degradation compromises restoration longevity and leads to microleakage, secondary caries, and restoration failure.

To enhance the durability of dentin bonding, research must address both material design and biological interaction. Potential approaches include:

1. Enzyme Inhibition Strategies:

• Use of MMP inhibitors (e.g., chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride) to prevent collagen breakdown within the hybrid layer.
• Development of adhesives with built-in protease inhibitors.

2. Bioactive and Remineralizing Adhesives:

• Incorporation of bioactive fillers like calcium phosphates, bioactive glass, or nanoparticles that can promote remineralization and hybrid layer stability.
• Use of functional monomers like 10-MDP that form stable chemical bonds with hydroxyapatite and resist hydrolysis.

3. Improved Resin Chemistry:

• Development of hydrophobic, solvent-free resin systems that are less sensitive to water uptake.
• Incorporation of nanogels, dendrimers, or nanofibers to reinforce adhesive layers.

We welcome papers relating to:

• Dental Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• Dental Adhesives Bonding Agents
• Dental Materials
• Antimicrobials

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: dental biomaterials, tissue engineering, dental adhesives, dentin bonding, restorative dentistry, bioactive materials, dental materials research, enamel restoration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.