Regenerative biomaterials provide the necessary substances to support the growth of cells and tissues, maintain the shape and mechanical properties of regenerated tissues, and promote the integration with surrounding tissues. The surfaces and interfaces of biomaterials interact directly with cells and tissues, and thus significantly influencing on many cellular behaviors such as adhesion, spreading, proliferation, migration and differentiation as well as the outcomes of tissue repair and regeneration. Moreover, most tissues and organs possess a 3 dimensional shape with specific microstructures. Therefore, the construction of regenerative biomaterials with a 3 D shape and control over their microstructures are key issues as well. In this review, the recent works on the factors affecting cellular uptake of colloidal particles and cell adhesion are introduced. The adhesion and directional migration of cells mediated by gradient biomaterials are summarized. The latest works on migration of cells into 3 D hydrogels are reviewed. The implantable biomaterials with 3D microstructures for skin and cartilage repair and regeneration are also introduced. Finally, the application and perspectives of biomaterials in tissue regenerative are discussed.