1. Stevo Najman, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Serbia
2. Milena Radenković, University of Niš Faculty of Medicine, Serbia
3. Sanja Stojanović, Medicinski fakultet Univerziteta u Nišu, Serbia
Preclinical evaluation of biomaterials using relevant in vivo animal models remains a critical milestone in assessing complex host-biomaterial interactions that cannot be fully replicated in vitro. Over the course of our research projects, we have implemented and standardized various animal models to test biomaterials differing in composition, origin, physicochemical properties, architecture, and functional applications. Here, we outline the primary in vivo models used in our laboratory, detailing their application in evaluating biocompatibility, tissue integration, regenerative capacity, and healing kinetics. To evaluate biomaterials engineered for bone regeneration, a spectrum of orthotopic models was employed, including calvarial critical-sized defects in rats and rabbits, as well as femoral defects in rats and tibial/femoral defects in rabbits. Additionally, ectopic models involving subcutaneous and intramuscular implantation in mice and rats were utilized for bone-related assessments. For investigating cartilage and tendon repair, targeted injury models were established in rats. General in vivo biocompatibility, degradation profiles, and host tissue responses were evaluated through standardized subcutaneous implantation model in both mice and rats. Furthermore, to examine biomaterials intended for soft tissue applications, various incisional and excisional full-thickness wound healing models were implemented. This presentation provides a comprehensive summary of all utilized in vivo animal models—highlighting their methodology, specific advantages, limitations, and key recommendations for optimizing preclinical testing pipelines—along with representative results from our research on biomaterials with diverse characteristics and intended biomedical applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, program PRISMA, #7617, Multilevel approach to study chronic wounds based on clinical and biological assessment with development of novel personalized therapeutic approaches using in vitro and in vivo experimental models – CHRONOWOUND and by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation (Contracts No. 451-03-34/2026-03/200113 and 451-03-33/2026-03/200113). This research is also part of the projects supported by the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA) – branch in Niš, number O-41-26 and O-42-26.
Ključne reči :
Tematska oblast:
SIMPOZIJUM B - Biomaterijali i nanomedicina
Datum:
03.08.2026.
Contemporary Materials 2026 - Savremeni Materijali
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