Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: From Material Design to Clinical Translation

Hydrogels have emerged as pivotal materials in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their exceptional tunability, biocompatibility, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. In recent years, notable advancements have been made in hydrogel design and application, driven by the integration of interdisciplinary science and engineering. However, despite the promising prospects, ongoing challenges persist, including the need for enhanced biomimicry, improved mechanical properties, and reliable translation of in vitro findings to in vivo and clinical environments. Recent research has leveraged sophisticated biofabrication approaches, such as 3D bioprinting and electrospinning, and multi-modal analytical technologies to interrogate and optimize hydrogel systems. Yet, a comprehensive consensus on characterization standards and strategies for clinical translation is still elusive. Furthermore, critical issues like long-term biocompatibility, the influence of tissue-specific features, and in situ monitoring of tissue regeneration remain key areas demanding deeper investigation.

This Research Topic aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for the latest breakthroughs in the design, synthesis, characterization, and translational application of advanced hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. We intend to highlight original research and innovative methodologies that address fundamental questions about hydrogel performance in complex biological environments, the interplay between hydrogels and tissue-specific cellular responses, and the impact of external stimuli or biological cues in enhancing regeneration. By fostering dialogue between material scientists, bioengineers, and clinicians, this Research Topic seeks to identify novel insights and translational strategies that facilitate the journey from bench to bedside.

Submissions to this Research Topic should focus on new material developments, experimental methodologies, analytical technologies, and translational studies within the scope of advanced hydrogel systems for tissue regeneration. The aim is to unite foundational and applied research, while placing emphasis on clinically relevant applications and standardized characterization. To gather further insights in advanced hydrogel-based tissue engineering, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative hydrogel synthesis, functionalization, and characterization for regenerative medicine
- Integration of hydrogels with cells, bioactive molecules, and external physical stimuli for musculoskeletal tissue engineering
- Use of advanced biofabrication techniques for replicating anatomical and functional tissue properties
- Development and use of in vitro and ex vivo models to assess neo-tissue formation and cellular functions
- Standardization of hydrogel platforms for applications such as drug screening and strategies for clinical translation

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... 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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: hydrogels, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biofabrication, 3D bioprinting, biocompatibility, biomaterials, clinical translation, cell-laden scaffolds, musculoskeletal regeneration

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.