Advanced Biomaterials for Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration: From Fundamental Mechanism to Translational Applications—A Scoping Review

TL;DR

This review explores new biomaterials and technologies for regenerating craniofacial tissues, aiming to improve personalized and biologically integrated surgical solutions.

Contribution

The paper offers a scoping review of advanced biomaterials and translational technologies for craniofacial tissue regeneration.

Findings

Bioactive ceramics, biodegradable polymers, and hybrid composites are key materials for craniofacial regeneration.

Translational technologies like 3D bioprinting and extracellular vesicles show promise but face challenges like bioink standardization.

A shift toward personalized and biologically active regenerative solutions is emerging in maxillofacial surgery.

Abstract

Recent advances in biomaterials, immunomodulation, stem cell therapy, and biofabrication are reshaping maxillofacial surgery, shifting reconstruction paradigms toward biologically integrated and patient-specific tissue regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current and emerging strategies for bone and soft-tissue regeneration in the craniofacial region, with particular emphasis on bioactive ceramics, biodegradable polymers, hybrid composites, and stimuli-responsive smart materials. We further examine translational technologies such as extracellular vesicles, decellularized extracellular matrices, organoids, and 3D bioprinting, highlighting key challenges such as bioink standardization, perfusion limitations, and regulatory classification. Maxillofacial surgery is positioned for a paradigm shift toward personalized, biologically active, and clinically scalable regenerative solutions.

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