Tissue Engineering (TE) is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses materials science in combination with biological and engineering sciences. In recent years, an increase in the demand for therapeutic strategies for improving quality of life has necessitated innovative approaches to designing intelligent biomaterials aimed at the regeneration of tissues and organs. Polymeric porous scaffolds play a critical role in TE strategies for providing a favorable environment for tissue restoration and establishing the interaction of the biomaterial with cells and inducing substances. This article reviewed the various polymeric scaffold materials and their production techniques, as well as the basic elements and principles of TE. Several interesting strategies in eight main TE application areas of epithelial, bone, uterine, vascular, nerve, cartilaginous, cardiac, and urinary tissue were included with the aim of learning about current approaches in TE. Different polymer-based medical devices approved for use in clinical trials and a wide variety of polymeric biomaterials are currently available as commercial products. However, there still are obstacles that limit the clinical translation of TE implants for use wide in humans, and much research work is still needed in the field of regenerative medicine.

Up to date, tissue regeneration of large bone defects is a clinical challenge under exhaustive study. Nowadays, the most common clinical solutions concerning bone regeneration involve systems based on human or bovine tissues, which suffer from drawbacks like antigenicity, complex processing, low osteoinductivity, rapid resorption and minimal acceleration of tissue regeneration. This work thus addresses the development of nanofibrous synthetic scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) - a long-term degradation polyester - compounded with hydroxyapatite (HA) and variable concentrations of ZnO as alternative solutions for accelerated bone tissue regeneration in applications requiring mid- and long-term resorption. In vitro cell response of human fetal osteoblasts as well as antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of PCL:HA:ZnO and PCL:ZnO scaffolds were here evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of ZnO nanostructures at different concentrations on in vitro degradation of PCL electrospun scaffolds was analyzed. The results proved that higher concentrations ZnO may induce early mineralization, as indicated by high alkaline phosphatase activity levels, cell proliferation assays and positive Alizarin-Red-S-stained calcium deposits. Moreover, all PCL:ZnO scaffolds particularly showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus which may be attributed to release of Zn2+ ions. Additionally, results here obtained showed a variable PCL degradation rate as a function of ZnO concentration. Therefore, this work suggests that our PCL:ZnO scaffolds may be promising and competitive short-, mid- and long-term resorption systems against current clinical solutions for bone tissue regeneration.

The effect of CaTiO₃ compounded with different amounts of CaCO₃ on osteoblastic KUSA/A1 cells was evaluated. CaTiO₃-CaCO₃ composites were obtained by alkoxide method, a simple, low-cost and reproducible technique used for large-scale production of material. The content of CaCO₃ in our samples was controlled by varying the sintering time of the overall process. Composite morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showing particles with sizes ranging from100 to 500 nm. The presence of CaCO₃ was revealed by XRD and thermogravimetric analyses, which suggested that samples treated at 650℃ for 30 min contained higher amounts of CaCO₃ than samples treated for 2 and 10 h. Additionally, in vitro studies demonstrated that CaTiO₃–CaCO₃ composites sintered for 30 min induced augmented cell proliferation and mineralization in comparison to composites sintered for longer periods of time. Hence, our findings clearly suggest that the amount of CaCO₃ within CaTiO₃-CaCO₃ composites exerts a critical effect on osteoblastic cells response. Enhanced bone regeneration could be achieved by increasing the content of CaCO₃ within the composites, thus establishing CaTiO₃-CaCO₃ as a promising material for bone augmentation procedures in dental field.

The human body, once regarded primarily as a spiritual vessel, is now understood as a highly complex biological system governed by intricate cellular and molecular processes. As civilizations and technologies have evolved, so too have the methodologies, materials, and epistemologies surrounding wound care. From herbal applications in ancient cultures to the development of bioengineered dressings in contemporary medicine, the field of wound healing reflects a continuous trajectory of innovation and adaptation. This review presents a concise overview of wound management practices across diverse cultural contexts, highlighting the contributions of ancestral knowledge systems. It further examines the current landscape of wound dressing technologies, with particular emphasis on soft materials engineered, such as polymers, gels, and foams, to optimize healing outcomes in both acute and chronic wounds. In seeking deeper integration of ancestral knowledge into biomedical innovation, this review explores clinical trials, patent activity, regulatory standards, and epistemological considerations related to medicinal plant applications. By honoring origin and embracing plural knowledge systems, we aim to advance the development of wound care nanotechnologies that are not only scientifically robust but also culturally inclusive, ethically grounded, and accessible across diverse healthcare settings. The second part of this review summarizes tissue engineering in the market and clinical trials, plant-based remedies and pharmacopoeias, medicinal activities of the plants, analyzing skin wound healing from traditional cataplasm to advanced wound dressings within a holistic framework.

En este escrito presentamos el resultado de proyectos interculturales y de vinculación tecnológica sobre plantas medicinales en un valle de altura situado en el oeste de Catamarca (Argentina), realizados entre 2018 y 2023. Destacamos la utilización de la etnometodología del Círculo de Palabra en la creación y el desarrollo de “La Yuyería. Saberes Ancestrales” en el Museo Rural Comunitario del valle de El Bolsón (Municipio Termas de Villa Vil). Por un lado, en conjunto con la población local, se identificaron 54 yuyos o “remedios de los cerros”. Se describieron los usos más comunes de las plantas recolectadas, así como las afecciones y dolencias para las cuales son utilizadas. Por otro, se registraron algunas recetas/preparados tradicionales y se realizaron innovaciones para la elaboración local de productos de cosmética y cuidado personal con algunas de las plantas medicinales cosechadas en el valle. Este trabajo, basado en una metodología participativa en sintonía con los objetivos del museo, contribuye al fortalecimiento de la memoria local, al diálogo intergeneracional y al desarrollo de proyectos que beneficien a la comunidad.