Recent advances in the use of gelatin as a biomaterial for tissue engineering

The continuous advancement of tissue engineering demands the development of novel biomaterials and strategies to create functional and translational tissue constructs. Despite the emergence of new materials, gelatin remains one of the most practical and versatile, widely used biomaterials, combining biocompatibility, tunable properties, and ease of processing, while its biodegradability and derivation from circular economy resources further position it as a sustainable option. This review unfolds the recent trends in gelatin uses across three key areas. First, advances in functionalization, including chemical modifications that enhance mechanical properties and enable smart, self-healing systems, as well as hybridization with natural, synthetic, or inorganic components to expand multifunctionality. Second, innovations in fabrication techniques, from lyophilization and electrospinning to 3D and 4D bioprinting, which allow precise architectural control and patient-specific scaffold design. Third, emerging applications in tissue engineering, demonstrating the latest achievements of gelatin-based hydrogels, nanoparticles, and composites for skin, soft tissue, bone, cartilage, and ocular regeneration, including drug delivery and stimulus-responsive platforms. As predicted in previous reports on gelatin use, this versatile biomaterial continues to be one of the most widely applied and highly valued materials for tissue engineering purposes.