The article discusses the advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM), focusing on the use of biomaterials and scaffolds. It highlights the rapid evolution of methods in this field, driven by the need to repair damaged tissues and model diseased organs. The BMC Methods Collection aims to compile the latest methodologies for characterizing biomaterials and fabricating scaffolds for TERM purposes. Over the past three decades, the number of approaches to engineer new functional tissues has grown exponentially. Since the initial work of Langer and Vacanti, TERM methodologies have focused on using biomaterials and cellular components to create functional substitutes. New technologies, such as 3D bioprinting and organoids, are enabling the development of new approaches for engineering functional implants. TERM approaches rely heavily on biomaterials to build scaffolding structures with or without cells to produce viable implantable tissues. Engineered constructs are composed of biocompatible and biodegradable biomaterials that allow the degradation of the implantable tissues and support tissue maturation and regeneration. Scaffolding materials provide a framework for cells to adhere, proliferate, and differentiate. However, there is a need for functional polymers that can mimic the physiological extracellular matrix (ECM). New methodologies are being developed to decorate biomaterials with bioactive peptides that can enhance the physicochemical properties and biological functionality of biomaterials. Researchers are developing new approaches for decellularizing tissues to produce ECM-based materials that better resemble human physiology. Tissue-derived materials are ideal for encapsulating new cellular and biologics components, supporting in vivo delivery for ad-hoc degradation and tissue maturation. Native matrices recapitulate physiological ECM, providing support for cell division, differentiation, and further maturation in vitro and in vivo. Organoids are cellular aggregates capable of recapitulating a wide variety of physiological functions in vitro without the need for supporting biomatrices. However, there are still limitations associated with the use of organoids for drug screening, such as poor viability due to the absence of vasculature and limited scalability in laboratory facilities. Researchers and clinicians face many challenges in translating tissue-engineered constructs to clinical applications. These include the need for improved vascularization, interfacial tissues, cell density and maturation, and immunomodulation. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing new protocols and methodologies to advance TERM and improve clinical outcomes.The article discusses the advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM), focusing on the use of biomaterials and scaffolds. It highlights the rapid evolution of methods in this field, driven by the need to repair damaged tissues and model diseased organs. The BMC Methods Collection aims to compile the latest methodologies for characterizing biomaterials and fabricating scaffolds for TERM purposes. Over the past three decades, the number of approaches to engineer new functional tissues has grown exponentially. Since the initial work of Langer and Vacanti, TERM methodologies have focused on using biomaterials and cellular components to create functional substitutes. New technologies, such as 3D bioprinting and organoids, are enabling the development of new approaches for engineering functional implants. TERM approaches rely heavily on biomaterials to build scaffolding structures with or without cells to produce viable implantable tissues. Engineered constructs are composed of biocompatible and biodegradable biomaterials that allow the degradation of the implantable tissues and support tissue maturation and regeneration. Scaffolding materials provide a framework for cells to adhere, proliferate, and differentiate. However, there is a need for functional polymers that can mimic the physiological extracellular matrix (ECM). New methodologies are being developed to decorate biomaterials with bioactive peptides that can enhance the physicochemical properties and biological functionality of biomaterials. Researchers are developing new approaches for decellularizing tissues to produce ECM-based materials that better resemble human physiology. Tissue-derived materials are ideal for encapsulating new cellular and biologics components, supporting in vivo delivery for ad-hoc degradation and tissue maturation. Native matrices recapitulate physiological ECM, providing support for cell division, differentiation, and further maturation in vitro and in vivo. Organoids are cellular aggregates capable of recapitulating a wide variety of physiological functions in vitro without the need for supporting biomatrices. However, there are still limitations associated with the use of organoids for drug screening, such as poor viability due to the absence of vasculature and limited scalability in laboratory facilities. Researchers and clinicians face many challenges in translating tissue-engineered constructs to clinical applications. These include the need for improved vascularization, interfacial tissues, cell density and maturation, and immunomodulation. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing new protocols and methodologies to advance TERM and improve clinical outcomes.