Nanomedicine, a convergence of nanotechnology and medical sciences, has unleashed transformative potential in healthcare. However, harnessing the benefits of nanomedicine requires a thorough understanding of its regulatory landscape. An in-depth discussion of regulatory considerations, including molecular safety assessment, harmonization of the regulatory landscape, and shaping the future of innovation, is presented in this discourse. The molecular safety assessment entails evaluating interactions between nanoparticles and biomolecules, ensuring compatibility at the molecular level. Harmonization involves developing international standards and guidelines for a consistent regulatory approach, while shaping innovations emphasizes integrating molecular safety assessments into early stages of development. Challenges encompass the need for standardized assessment methods, balancing innovation with safety, and addressing unique features of novel molecular designs. As the nanomedicine landscape evolves, effective regulatory strategies must navigate the intricate interplay of molecules and technologies, ensuring both patient access and product safety.

Translating biomaterials research into clinical products is a multidisciplinary yet rewarding journey. It should primarily aim to improve patient treatment and clinical outcomes by addressing unmet clinical needs. Four examples of commercial development of biomaterial implants illustrate the diversity of paths, starting from academic research work (AlchiMedics, TISSIUM, Cousin Surgery) or corporate initiatives to develop new products (Medtronic-Sofradim Production). They have been selected from the Translational Research session of the 2022 Conference of the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB) in Bordeaux (France). Commitment, agility, and perseverance were among the key common skills to successfully meet challenges, especially the most unexpected ones. All dimensions of translation projects must be integrated from the start, including the regulatory strategy.

The use of autologous cartilage and bone grafts remains the gold standard in augmentation rhinoplasty performed to reconstruct of the nasal dorsum. Meanwhile, limited number of available sources, donor site morbidity, and unpredictable graft resorption represent significant disadvantages of autografting. The aim of this study is to test combination of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and commercially available bone substitutes (BSs) as new tissue-engineered grafting material (GM) for rhinoplasty. A series of consecutive cases includes four adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct saddle nose deformity (SND) using the new graft technique. SVF was isolated from liposuction aspirate using standard methodology of enzymatic digestion. Two types of BSs were combined with SVF: Bio-Oss granules to create a moldable graft (M-graft), and block-shaped BoneMedik-S to create rigid grafts (R-grafts). The moderate SND was treated using an M-graft. In case of major or complex SND, the nasal dorsum was reconstructed with dorso-columellar L-shaped framework made of R-grafts. The results were evaluated over a period of 6 months to 3 years postoperatively using photogrammetry and FACE-Q appearance appraisal scales. Computerised tomography (CT) scanning of the reconstructed nose and histological analysis of grafted material were also carried out. No complications were observed. The photograms show the restoration of the correct contour of the nose. FACE-Q appraisal scale scores increased significantly, including satisfaction with nose appearance, psychological well-being, and social function. In CT evaluation, there was no substantial resorption or warping of the grafts. Histological findings show osteogenic remodeling of the grafted material. Thus, combining autologous SVF with BSs is a promising strategy for developing rhinoplasty GM.

Improving the performance of blood-contacting medical implants is a global health necessity aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Surface modification of the biomaterials from which the vascular grafts are constructed has been used to reduce the risk of complications such as thrombosis and infection. Herein with a focus on vascular tissue engineering, we provided an overview of (a) fundamental hemodynamic considerations for blood-contacting biomaterials, (b) surface modification strategies to attenuate nonspecific adhesion of proteins, improve hemocompatibility, and induce the formation of a confluent endothelial lining, and (c) the guidelines for the clinical development of surface modified biomaterials.