Topic: Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic surgery and body reconstruction encompass a broad range of procedures, including hand surgery, melanoma treatment, burn care, wound healing and scarring management, nerve injury repair, cleft lip and palate correction for maxillofacial surgeons, breast reconstruction, head and neck surgery, laser surgery, lower-limb trauma treatment, hypospadias repair, craniofacial surgery, hemangioma management, and free-flap monitoring. Engineered materials have found widespread application in this field as implants, structural support materials, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and adhesives for tissue repair. In the realm of cosmetic plastic surgery, where rejuvenation and aesthetic enhancement are primary goals, various types of engineered biomaterials such as hydrogels, nanofibers, porous sponges, and microspheres are utilized. The manufacturing strategies employed in bioengineering involve biofabrication, microfluidic devices, and digital modeling. Despite significant progress, achieving ideal reconstructive goals, such as a complete restoration of original form and function, remains a challenge, particularly in the tissue engineering of complex tissues like those in the craniofacial region. 

This Special Issue is dedicated to presenting the latest advancements in engineered biomaterials for tissue defect correction in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Its objectives are to promote interdisciplinary collaborations and facilitate the clinical translation of research findings. By addressing the current challenges in designing adaptable engineered biomaterials that minimize inflammatory reactions in adjacent tissues and avoid adverse biological responses, this issue aims to improve patient outcomes in plastic and aesthetic medicine. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and innovative approaches that explore the development and application of various engineered biomaterials in plastic surgery and body reconstruction.

Areas to be covered include, but are not limited to:

● Opportunities and Challenges of Engineered Biomaterials in Plastic Surgery;

● New Methods for Preparing Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Applications;

● New Technologies for Processing Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Use;

● Structure and Biomimicry of Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery;

● Cellular Biology Evaluation of Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Use;

● Antibacterial Performance Evaluation of Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery;

● Application and Expansion of Engineered Biomaterials in Plastic Surgery;

● Exploring Mechanisms of Tissue Regeneration Promoted by Engineered Biomaterials;

● Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery;

● Clinical Research and Translation of Engineered Biomaterials for Aesthetic and Plastic Use;

● Opportunities and Challenges of Engineered Biomaterials in Plastic Surgery.