Advances in New Functional Biomaterials for Medical Applications

In this Special Issue entitled “Advances in New Functional Biomaterials for Medical Applications”, we present a remarkable compilation of research that spans the innovative landscape of biomaterials tailored to enhance medical treatments, diagnostics, and tissue engineering.

The history of biomaterials is fascinating, reflecting the evolution of human medical needs and technological progress over time. The beginnings of biomaterial usage can be traced back to antiquity when various civilizations used natural materials to repair or replace body tissues. For example, ancient Egyptians used silk threads to suture wounds, while the Mayans utilized shells as replacements for missing teeth, demonstrating an early understanding of the necessity to integrate materials with the human body [1].

However, it was not until the 20th century that biomaterials began to be systematically studied and developed, marking a new era in medicine and engineering. This period saw the birth of the first generation of biomaterials, focused on biocompatibility and the goal of serving as passive tissue replacements. Materials used in this stage included metals, such as titanium and its alloys, ceramics, and synthetic polymers, all designed to withstand the body’s environment without causing adverse responses [2].

As knowledge in the life sciences and engineering advanced, so did the field of biomaterials, entering a second generation that emphasized surface functionalization and active interaction with the biological environment. This stage included the development of bioactive materials capable of eliciting specific responses from surrounding cells, such as osteointegration for bone implants [3,4,5,6].

Currently, we are in the era of the third generation of biomaterials, characterized by the development of dynamic and intelligent systems capable of responding to biological stimuli and performing complex actions, such as controlled drug release, tissue regeneration, and theranostics. This is the realm of nanobiomaterials, biohybrids, and self-healing materials, which are opening new horizons in regenerative medicine, personalized therapies, and health monitoring [4,5,6,7].

The ascent of biomaterials reflects an extraordinary journey from the use of rudimentary materials for simple medical needs to the development of advanced technologies promising to revolutionize how we treat diseases, repair tissues, and improve the quality of life. It continues to be an expanding field at the intersection of life sciences, chemistry, physics, and engineering, with limitless potential for future innovations [8,9].

This Special Issue presents a collection of studies that reflects the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of researchers worldwide. The articles provide valuable insights, inspiration, and a renewed sense of possibility for the future of medical science and patient care. We welcome the reader into a glimpse of the future of healthcare, enabled by the extraordinary advancements in new functional biomaterials. The articles included in this Issue have been meticulously grouped into categories reflecting their thematic and methodological coherence, showcasing the breadth and depth of advancements in this rapidly evolving field. The published articles are detailed in the List of Contributions.

In the domain of Biocompatible Materials and Surface Modifications, two groundbreaking studies present a path toward revolutionary medical applications. Kang, X. et al., in their article “Degradable Magnesium and Its Surface Modification as Tumor Embolic Agent for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization”, unveil the pioneering exploration of degradable magnesium (Mg) particles, both in their native form and modified with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). These particles are investigated for their use as embolic agents in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), a procedure pivotal in cancer treatment. This research not only underscores the potential of Mg particles in the medical field but also opens new avenues for the application of biocompatible materials in combating disease. In addition, a study by Kowalski, K. et al., entitled “Micro Arc Oxidation of Mechanically Alloyed Binary Zn-1X (X = Mg or Sr) Alloys”, addresses the realm of surface engineering, specifically targeting the surface modification of zinc-based alloys via micro-arc oxidation. This technique enhances the alloys’ microhardness, corrosion resistance, and surface wetting properties, thereby demonstrating their suitability as biodegradable materials. Through these modifications, the study presents a significant step forward in material science, offering valuable insights into the development of biomaterials that are not only effective but also safe and sustainable for medical use. Together, these investigations exemplify the dynamic interplay between material innovation and medical application, showcasing the transformative potential of biocompatible materials and surface modifications in advancing healthcare technologies.

In the area of Advances in Bioceramics and Coatings, three articles make significant strides toward the enhancement of biomaterials for medical use. The study, “Hydroxyapatite–Barium Titanate Biocoatings Using Room Temperature Coblasting” by Dias, I.J.G. et al., heralds a groundbreaking method for augmenting orthopedic and dental implants. Employing a room temperature CoBlast technique, the authors successfully applied coatings of hydroxyapatite combined with barium titanate, aiming to significantly improve osseointegration. This novel approach not only promises enhanced implant stability and longevity but also underscores the potential of advanced coatings in medical implants. The article by Gomes, E.d.S. et al., “Influence of Polymeric Blends on Bioceramics of Hydroxyapatite”, delves into the impact of integrating galactomannan and chitosan blends with hydroxyapatite bioceramics. Through this investigation, the study sheds light on how such polymeric blends can modify the physical and chemical properties of hydroxyapatite, thereby enhancing its performance in biomedical applications. This research paves the way for the development of bioceramics that are more adaptable and effective, offering improved outcomes in various medical applications. Moreover, the exploration presented by Baldassarre, F. et al., “Structural Characterization of Low-Sr-Doped Hydroxyapatite Obtained by Solid-State Synthesis”, provides an in-depth look at the enhancement of hydroxyapatite through strontium doping. Examining the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of strontium-doped hydroxyapatite, this study contributes valuable insights into how these modified materials could lead to superior bone regeneration and broader medical applications. Highlighting the importance of material innovation, this research exemplifies the continuous quest for biomaterials that offer improved compatibility and functionality in healthcare.

In the domain of Innovative Synthesis and Characterization Techniques for Biomaterials, there are two pivotal studies, showcasing the advancements in the methods of synthesis and the enhanced characterization of biomaterials aimed at optimizing their application in the biomedical field. The study by Szterner, P. et al., “Morphology Control of Hydroxyapatite as a Potential Reinforcement for Orthopedic Biomaterials: The Hydrothermal Process”, presents an innovative hydrothermal technique for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite, a critical material for bone repair and orthopedic applications. By meticulously controlling the synthesis parameters, the researchers successfully manipulated the morphology of hydroxyapatite crystals. This controlled manipulation underscores the critical role of the synthesis conditions in developing biomaterials tailored for specific biomedical applications. The ability to fine-tune the morphology of hydroxyapatite not only opens new avenues in the design of orthopedic implants and materials but also highlights the intricate relationship between material properties and biomedical functionality. Complementing this, “Magnesium-Substituted Brushite Cement: Physical and Mechanical Properties” by Fleck, S. et al. delves into the effects of magnesium substitution in brushite cements, a class of calcium phosphate materials renowned for their osteoconductivity and potential in bone regeneration. This article describes how varying the magnesium concentrations can significantly alter the physical and mechanical properties of brushite cements, suggesting avenues for enhancing their application in hard tissue engineering. The findings from this research emphasize the potential of elemental substitution as a method for optimizing the performance of biomaterials in medical applications, particularly in the context of bone healing and implant integration.

In addition, our Special Issue contains a segment on Biomaterials for Theranostics and Tissue Engineering, where two studies stand at the forefront of integrating biomaterials with advanced medical applications, specifically focusing on the burgeoning fields of theranostics and tissue engineering. These studies not only highlight the innovative use of materials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes but also their crucial role in advancing tissue engineering strategies. “Nanoscale MOF–Protein Composites for Theranostics” by Zhou, X. et al. delves into the cutting-edge development and application of nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with proteins to form unique composites designed for theranostic applications. This research offers a comprehensive overview of how these nanocomposites can be leveraged for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents while simultaneously facilitating disease diagnostics. The versatility, high surface area, and functionalizability of MOF–protein composites underscore their immense potential in revolutionizing the approach to disease treatment and monitoring, embodying the essence of theranostics by merging therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities within a single platform. Complementing this, the study of Workie, A.B. et al., “An Investigation of In Vitro Bioactivities and Cytotoxicities of Spray Pyrolyzed Apatite Wollastonite Glass-Ceramics”, presents an in-depth examination of the bioactive and cytotoxic properties of apatite–wollastonite glass ceramics synthesized via spray pyrolysis. This article significantly contributes to our understanding of the potential applications of these bioactive materials in tissue engineering, particularly in bone regeneration. By assessing the materials’ bioactivity and cytotoxicity, the study provides valuable insights into the suitability of apatite–wollastonite glass ceramics for use in medical implants and scaffolds, highlighting their effectiveness in supporting tissue growth and integration.

For the Comprehensive Reviews of Biomaterials’ Applications, we feature a pivotal study that serves as a cornerstone in understanding the critical role of biomaterials in orthopedic applications. The comprehensive review, “Effects of Pore Size Parameters of Titanium Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures on the Osseointegration Process in Orthopedic Applications”, authored by Alkentar, R. meticulously synthesizes the wealth of current research focused on the intricate relationship between the design parameters of titanium lattice structures and their impact on osseointegration and tissue regeneration.

This editorial synthesis encapsulates the essence of each contribution to this Special Issue, highlighting the collective endeavor to expand the boundaries of biomaterials science for medical applications. The research presented herein not only paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies and biomaterials but also lays the groundwork for future explorations in this dynamic field.