Advanced dental biomaterials - from engineering design to functional application

Dental biomaterials research stands at the intersection of material sciences and biological applications, driving innovations that address both restorative and regenerative needs in dentistry. With advancements in chemical synthesis, physical design, and biofunctional integration, the development of high-performance dental biomaterials has become a pivotal field supporting both fundamental discovery and practical application. Despite substantial progress, current challenges persist in achieving optimal biocompatibility, tailored mechanical properties, and seamless integration with oral tissues. Questions remain regarding the long-term biological interactions, the potential for functionalization to enhance bioactivity, and the translation of novel materials into clinical practice. Major studies in recent years have highlighted new synthesis routes, surface modification techniques, and multifunctional biomaterials designed to direct specific physiological responses and facilitate regeneration. However, debates continue regarding the standardization of in vitro and ex vivo characterization, the predictive value of preclinical models, and the sustainable manufacturing of dental biomaterials.This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between benchside discoveries and clinical applicability in dental biomaterials. It seeks to foster exploration of structure-property-function relationships, with a focus on elucidating mechanisms of biocompatibility, immunogenicity, and functionality relevant to oral health. Researchers are invited to address open questions on the optimization of material design, the development of bioactive or biomimetic surfaces, innovative characterization approaches, and sustainable solutions for dental applications. The objective is to advance the translational pipeline by rigorously connecting basic biomaterials research with engineering principles and clinically relevant challenges.Articles included in this Research Topic should focus on the engineering, characterization, and biological interactions of advanced dental biomaterials, rather than clinical trials or drug discovery. Relevant contributions may explore fundamental mechanisms, novel fabrication and functionalization methods, or the development of materials for sensing, imaging, and tissue interaction. To gather further insights in these domains, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Design and synthesis of novel dental biomaterials for restorative or regenerative applications- Characterization of material-biological system interfaces in the oral environment- Biofunctionalization and biomimetic surface engineering to enhance integration and performance- Immunological, toxicological, and biocompatibility assessments in dental contexts- Advances in fabrication technologies for dental biomaterials and devices- Nano- and microstructured systems for delivery or functionalization within the oral cavity- Emerging approaches for sensing and imaging of physiologically relevant oral events- Sustainable and responsible development of dental biomaterials aligned with SDGs Topic editors: Marcos Antonio Japiassú Resende Montes, Ana Maria Spohr, Ana Karina Maciel de Andrade Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78728/advanced-dental-biomaterials---from-engineering-design-to-functional-application