Joint symposium E-MRS/FEMS on biomaterials

The field of biomaterials has undergone remarkable expansion in recent years, driven by the growing need for safer, more effective, and more personalized solutions in modern medicine. This symposium focuses on state-of-the-art developments in biomaterials designed for medical implants, tissue engineering, and controlled drug delivery, which are three pillars at the forefront of regenerative medicine and therapeutic innovation. Bringing together experts from materials science, biomedical engineering, chemistry, biology, and clinical research, the symposium aims to provide a comprehensive platform for presenting cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and future directions within this dynamic field. The synergistic collaboration of E-MRS and FEMS experts working together will be an extra asset of this symposium.

Scope:

A central theme of the symposium is the development of next-generation implant materials that combine mechanical robustness with enhanced biological performance. Current research extends beyond traditional metals and ceramics to include advanced bioceramics, bioresorbable polymers, surface-modified alloys, and hybrid composite systems. These materials are engineered to promote osseointegration, reduce inflammatory responses, resist infection, and adapt more closely to patient-specific anatomical and physiological needs. Novel approaches, such as 3D printing of patient-tailored implants, smart coatings with antimicrobial or immunomodulatory functions, and multifunctional surfaces that actively interact with surrounding tissues, will be highlighted.

The symposium will also address recent progress and current challenges in tissue engineering (TE), covering topics such as bioactive scaffolds, smart hydrogels, biopolymer–ceramic composites, and biologically inspired materials designed to support cellular growth, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Recent advancements that enable more precise control over scaffold architecture, mechanical behavior, degradation profiles and bioactivity will be presented. Furthermore, developments in next-generation biofabrication technologies, which are bringing the field closer to the long-term goal of engineering complex tissues and fully functional whole organs, will be discussed.    

The symposium further addresses the rapidly expanding field of biomaterials for drug delivery. Here, innovation focuses on carrier systems capable of delivering therapeutic agents with high precision, reduced side effects, and optimized release kinetics. Discussions will cover nanoparticles, microparticles, hydrogels, implantable reservoirs, and bioresorbable platforms engineered for localized or systemic delivery. Special emphasis will be placed on smart materials responsive to pH, temperature, enzymes, or mechanical stimuli, as well as multifunctional systems capable of combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions.

Across all topics, the symposium welcomes contributions on material design, synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation, and translation toward clinical application. By integrating fundamental research with applied and translational perspectives, the event aims to foster collaboration and inspire new solutions that advance the next generation of biomaterial-based healthcare technologies.

Hot topics to be covered by the symposium:

• Implants with embedded functionalities
• Scaffold fabrication technologies (such as additive manufacturing, electrospinning, and biofabrication),
• Cell – material interactions
• Integration of biochemical cues for directing regenerative processes
• Injectable biomaterials,
• Dynamic or stimuli-responsive matrices,
• Ion releasing bioactive materials
• Bioactive and biodegradable metals
• Drug delivery nanosystems
• Living Biomaterials
• Natural-absed biomaterials for tissue engineering
• AI-Designed Biomaterials