About this Research Topic

Background

Tissue engineering (TE) is a promising approach for the repair/substitution of damaged tissues and organs. It is based on (stem) cells, scaffolds, and signal molecules that interact to produce functional tissues and organs. Over the last decades, a significant number of preclinical studies and considerable progress have been observed in this area. In contrast, clinical studies are scarce and made slow progress in clinical practice so far. To address this, more studies and clinical research are necessary for easier adoption and translation into the clinical setting. In summary, the TE approach is promising and effective, but many issues remain that need to be addressed for the broader adoption of TE in clinical practice.

This Research Topic “Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: Advances, Controversies, and Future Directions” aims to present the major advances in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the recent progress and advances of novel approaches and clinical applications and strategies for organ and tissue regeneration. The Research Topic will accept original papers and reviews in the field of tissue engineering, new scaffolds, fabrication technologies such as 3D bioprinting, stem cell research, signal molecules, and controversies and future directions. Moreover, clinical, biomechanical, and in vitro studies on innovative surgical approaches using tissue-engineered constructs, and pre-surgical models are also welcomed.

The topics and themes of this Research Topic will include, but are not limited to, the following:
• The creation of novel biomaterials for the regeneration of tissues and organs
• Biomaterials encapsulation of different types of cells
• Advanced application of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated or cell-free approach (such as MSC-derived exosomes)
• Novel animal models created for the efficient evaluation of pre-clinical treatment.
• Development of a translational therapeutic approach for potential clinical application.

Keywords: stem cells, harvesting, storage of cells, protocols, iPSCs, gene editing, scaffolds, bioinks, 3D-(bio)-printing, signal molecules, organoids, organs on chip, decellularization, recellularization, exosomes

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.

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