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J. Funct. Biomater., Volume 16, Issue 10 (October 2025) – 6 articles

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20 pages, 4076 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Osteogenesis by Combining Exogenous BMPs with Hydroxyapatite/Aragonite Bone Grafts: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

by Hong Lu, Ines Sousa dos Santos, Emma Steijvers, Miriam Lazim, Victoria Higginbotham, Baichuan Wang, Zengwu Shao, Venkateswarlu Kanamarlapudi and Zhidao Xia

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100361 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

Synthetic biomaterials are widely used as bone graft substitutes, but their osteogenic capacity is limited as they lack osteogenic growth factors. This study aimed to enhance the osteogenesis of a novel hydroxyapatite/aragonite (HAA) biomaterial by incorporating decellularized bone matrix and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-7 (BMP-2/7). Human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were able to proliferate and differentiate on HAA. HEK-293T cells exogenously expressing BMP-2/7 successfully secreted BMP-2/7, which was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. By establishing a co-culture of MSCs with HEK-293T cells expressing BMP-2/7, we successfully created an artificial allograft that integrates both synthetic biomaterials and functional organic components, offering the potential to enhance osteogenesis. The decellularized (by freeze/thawing) functional HAA was implanted between the tibia and anterior tibialis muscle in murine models and assessed the induced bone formation via micro-computer tomography, histology, and osteogenic markers mRNA expression by a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A significant increase in new bone formation was seen in the functional HAA implanted group. In conclusion, this study revealed that bone formation following the HAA implantation can be enhanced by a functional decellularized matrix, comprising BMP-2/7, via in vitro tissue engineering using MSCs and HEK-293T cells expressing BMP-2/7. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bone Biomaterials)

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16 pages, 857 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Application of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin Plus in Oral Wound Healing and Pain Management: A Systematic Literature Review

by Marek Chmielewski, Andrea Pilloni and Paulina Adamska

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100360 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: The growing interest in the field of platelet-rich fibrins has led to the development of novel generations of these concentrates, with one of the newest additions being advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+). The updated centrifuge protocol utilized for the preparation of A-PRF+ has been shown to provide blood clots with more white blood cells and growth factors trapped in the fibrin matrix, presenting a more homogenous distribution. The objective of this study was to assess the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs), in order to evaluate the effects that the addition of A-PRF+ can have on postoperative quality of life and soft tissue healing after dental surgery. Materials and Methods: To perform a systematic review based on high-quality results, only RCTs were taken into consideration. The search included articles published between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2024, indexed in the PubMed, Cochrane, Library, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Nine full texts were finally acquired after the screening of articles, from which relevant data were extracted. Results: A-PRF+ positively influenced the postoperative quality of life in patients. The subjective analysis of pain and its management via painkiller intake indicated that, in general, the addition of A-PRF+ into protocols results in less pain, pain that lasts for a shorter time, and pain that is more easily managed through medication, as a lower number of pills was needed to restore comfort. Furthermore, the occurrence of facial swelling and trismus was also reported to be lower in the A-PRF+ groups. As for soft tissue healing, A-PRF+ significantly enhanced the epithelialization process, total wound area reduction, and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This positive effect was most noticeable at 7- and 14-day follow-ups. The addition of A-PRF+ also had a positive effect on postoperative bleeding by significantly reducing the bleeding time, providing benefits for patients undergoing antiplatelet drug therapy in particular. Conclusions: The addition of A-PRF+ into the surgical protocol can positively enhance the patient’s quality of life, reduce the need for postoperative medication, and improve the patient’s confidence by reducing potential swelling and trismus. A-PRF+ also positively influences soft tissue wound healing, further enhancing the postoperative well-being of patients, and provides an excellent hemostatic effect even in patients that are on antiplatelet drug therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Hemostasis and Wound Healing Applications)

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18 pages, 12913 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cleaning Protocols on Surface Roughness of Current Polymeric Denture Materials

by Lisa Brinkmann, Florian Fuchs, Martin Rosentritt, Oliver Schierz, Andreas Koenig and Daniel R. Reissmann

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100359 - 24 Sep 2025

Viewed by 59

Abstract

Surface roughness influences biofilm adhesion on denture base materials, impacting oral health. Despite advances in polymeric denture materials, the effects of common cleaning protocols on their surface texture remain inadequately characterized. This study investigated the influence of toothbrush abrasion on the surface texture of dimethyl methacrylate-based (DMA, printed: V-Print dentbase), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, milled: VITA Vionic Base, pressed: IvoBase Hybrid), polyamide (PA, pressed: Bre.flex), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK, milled: Juvora Disc). The specimens were fabricated as polished discs. The Vickers and Martens hardness, indentation modulus, elastic and plastic part of indentation work, and indentation creep were determined. Toothbrushing simulation and surface texture analysis were conducted in three steps: 1800, 1800, and 3600 cycles using water, dish detergent, or toothpaste slurry. The surface texture parameters Sa, Sal, Sdr, Sku, and Ssk were determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and suitable filtering (S-F and S-L surface). Sa, Sal, and Sdr showed significant changes depending on the choice of medium and the material used. The duration had a small effect (three-way ANOVA; all p < 0.001). DMA showed minor surface changes. Milled and pressed PMMA exhibited similar surface deformities due to wide valleys that were not considered critical for biofilm adhesion. PA showed the lowest and PEEK the highest Vickers and Martens hardness. However, both PA and PEEK exhibited surface changes that could promote biofilm development. These findings suggest that denture cleaning recommendations should remain material-specific. Regular surface inspections and repolishing are necessary to reduce the risk of biofilm formation on PA or PEEK-containing dentures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dental Biomaterials)

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21 pages, 4703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Bioceramic Bone-Inspired Scaffolds Through Single-Step Melt-Extrusion 3D Printing for Segmental Defect Treatment

by Aikaterini Dedeloudi, Pietro Maria Bertelli, Laura Martinez-Marcos, Thomas Quinten, Imre Lengyel, Sune K. Andersen and Dimitrios A. Lamprou

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100358 - 23 Sep 2025

Viewed by 182

Abstract

The increasing demand for novel tissue engineering (TE) applications in bone tissue regeneration underscores the importance of exploring advanced manufacturing techniques and biomaterials for personalised treatment approaches. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology facilitates the development of implantable devices with intricate geometries, enabling patient-specific therapeutic solutions. Although Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Direct Ink Writing (DIW) are widely utilised for fabricating bone-like implants, the need for multiple processing steps often prolongs the overall production time. In this study, a single-step melt-extrusion 3DP technique was performed to develop multi-material scaffolds including bioceramics, hydroxyapatite (HA), and β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) in both their bioactive and calcined forms at 10% and 20% w/w, within polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices. Printing parameters were optimised, and physicochemical properties of all biomaterials and final forms were evaluated. Thermal degradation and surface morphology analyses assessed the consistency and distribution of the ceramics across the different formulations. The tensile testing of the scaffolds defined the impact of each ceramic type and wt% on scaffold flexibility performance, while in vitro cell studies determined the cytocompatibility efficiency. Hence, all 3D-printed PCL–ceramic composite scaffolds achieved structural integrity and physicochemical and thermal stability. The mechanical profile of extruded samples was relevant to the ceramic consistency, providing valuable insights for further mechanotransduction investigations. Notably, all materials showed high cell viability and proliferation, indicating strong biocompatibility. Therefore, this additive manufacturing (AM) process is a precise and fast approach for developing biomaterial-based scaffolds, with potential applications in surgical restoration and support of segmental bone defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis of Biomaterials via Advanced Technologies)

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25 pages, 3746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Eighty-Four-Month Clinical Outcomes of Autologous Dentin Graft Using Tooth Transformer^® and Concentrated Growth Factors in Maxillary Atrophy: A Retrospective Study of 31 Patients

by Gianna Dipalma, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Francesca Calò, Rosalba Lagioia, Paola Bassi, Elisabetta de Ruvo, Francesco Inchingolo, Andrea Palermo, Grazia Marinelli and Angelo Michele Inchingolo

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100357 - 23 Sep 2025

Viewed by 274

Abstract

Aim: This retrospective observational clinical cohort study evaluated 84-month clinical and radiographic outcomes of a regenerative protocol combining autologous dentin grafts processed with the Tooth Transformer^® device and Concentrated Growth Factors (CGFs) in patients with severe maxillary atrophy undergoing sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients (30–75 years) with residual crestal bone height ≥ 5 mm and requiring extraction of ≥2 molars were included. Extracted teeth were processed with the Tooth Transformer^® to obtain demineralized dentin granules (500–1000 µm), which were combined with CGFs prepared using the Medifuge MF200^® to form “sticky bone.” All patients underwent sinus lift via a lateral window approach (Hilt Tatum technique) with simultaneous placement of 98 implants (12–14 mm), which were loaded after six months. Results: At the 84-month follow-up, no implant failures or peri-implantitis were recorded. CBCT and clinical evaluations showed stable regenerated bone volume and absence of peri-implant bone resorption. All patients received fixed prostheses within six months without complications. Conclusions: The combined use of processed autologous dentin and CGFs proved to be a safe, predictable, and effective regenerative technique in cases of severe maxillary atrophy, with a 100% implant survival rate at five years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Property, Evaluation and Development of Dentin Materials)

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31 pages, 2643 KB

Open AccessReview

Organ-Specific Strategies in Bioprinting: Addressing Translational Challenges in the Heart, Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas

by Mohamad Al Qassab, Moustafa Merheb, Safaa Sayadi, Pia Salloum, Zeina Dabbousi, Anthony Bayeh, Frederic Harb, Sami Azar and Hilda E. Ghadieh

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100356 - 23 Sep 2025

Viewed by 199

Abstract

Organ bioprinting is a rapidly evolving field designed to address the persistent shortage of donor organs by engineering patient-specific tissues that replicate the function and structure of natural organs. Despite significant technological advancements, bioprinting still faces major obstacles, including tissue rejection, inadequate vascularization, limited physiological functionality, and various ethical and translational challenges. In this review, we assess current bioprinting modalities, particularly extrusion-based printing, inkjet printing, laser-assisted bioprinting (LAB), and stereolithography/digital light processing (SLA/DLP), highlighting their individual strengths and limitations. We also explore different bioink formulations, focusing especially on hybrid bioinks as promising solutions to traditional bioink constraints. Additionally, this article thoroughly evaluates bioprinting strategies for four major organs: heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas. Each organ presents unique anatomical and physiological complexities, from cardiomyocyte immaturity and electromechanical mismatch in cardiac tissues to vascularization and zonation challenges in liver structures, intricate nephron patterning in kidney constructs, and immune rejection issues in pancreatic islet transplantation. Regulatory and ethical considerations critical for clinical translation are also addressed. By systematically analyzing these aspects, this review clarifies current gaps, emerging solutions, and future directions, providing a comprehensive perspective on advancing organ bioprinting toward clinical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)

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