Regenerability

Regenerability refers to the capacity of a system to restore its structure or function after damage or loss. It is used in biology, ecology, medicine, and engineering to describe recovery and renewal.

In biology, regenerability describes how tissues or organs regrow after injury. Some species, such as salamanders or zebrafish, show high regenerative capacity; many mammals regenerate only limitedly, often through scar formation. Regeneration involves stem or progenitor cells, dedifferentiation, blastema formation, and signaling pathways such as Wnt, FGF, Notch, and BMP. Outcomes are influenced by age, immune response, blood supply, and extracellular matrix. Complete restoration is not universal.

In engineering and materials science, regenerability denotes a system's ability to recover performance after damage or to be renewed through repair, refurbishment, or recharging. Examples include self-healing polymers or concretes, regenerative energy storage, and modular components designed for easy replacement. Design choices that enhance regenerability emphasize redundancy, accessibility, and materials capable of repairing microcracks or restoring function. Regenerability supports resilience in infrastructure and devices, but raises considerations about cost, maintenance, and environmental impact.