Work

Biomaterials in the management of cleft lip and palate: current applications and future directions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cleft lip and palate (CL/P) management spans diverse developmental phases, imposing dynamic requirements on adjunctive biomaterials. Although these materials hold significant promise for wound closure, infection control, fibrosis mitigation, tissue replacement, and drug delivery, their translation remains largely preclinical and uneven. The principal challenge lies in matching material design to specific surgical problems, necessitating rigorous indication-specific validation. To clarify this landscape, this review organizes the evidence around primary repair, secondary reconstruction, and prenatal or experimental applications, distinguishing established practices from emerging concepts to define design requirements for future translation.

Source: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1992200

Authors: Kangzhe Wang, Xiang Li, Xueni Zhao, Xu Cheng, Lixian Chen, Hanyao Huang

Institutions: Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Language: English

Topic: Cleft Lip and Palate Research

Subfield: Oral Surgery

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801