Biomimetic Biomedicine and Biomaterials in Oncology

Dear Colleagues,

Biomedicine and biomaterials represent closely intertwined fields that are increasingly shaping the future of oncology, offering innovative solutions related to cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and regenerative approaches. The emerging integration of biomimetic strategies—inspired by natural biological systems—further amplifies this potential, enabling designs that closely replicate the complexity of human tissues and tumor microenvironments.

Biomedicine applies biological and physiological principles to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, guiding the development of targeted therapies and advanced diagnostic technologies. Here, biomimetic approaches, such as bioinspired molecular probes or synthetic systems that mimick cellular communication, are enhancing the precision of cancer detection and intervention. In parallel, biomaterials are engineered to interact with biological systems, enabling novel drug delivery platforms, improving tissue engineering for oncologic reconstruction, and enhancing local therapeutic precision. By incorporating biomimetic designs—such as tumor-homing nanoparticles that mimick leukocyte adhesion or scaffold architectures that replicate extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics—these materials achieve unprecedented biocompatibility and functional specificity.

The synergy between these disciplines, augmented by biomimicry, offers transformative opportunities: from early detection using nature-inspired biosensors to individualized therapies leveraging synthetic biomimetic organelles, and from tumor microenvironment modulation via ECM-mimicking hydrogels to post-surgical regeneration with bioengineered, tissue-like constructs.

This Special Issue aims to collect innovative research and comprehensive reviews that focus on the application of biomedicine and biomaterials in oncology, with an emphasis on biomimetic innovations. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Biomimetic drug carriers (e.g., cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles, viral-mimetic delivery systems);
• Bioinspired molecular diagnostics (e.g., DNA origami probes, synthetic biomarker mimics);
• Tumor-specific scaffolds replicating native tissue hierarchy;
• Bioactive materials for post-oncologic reconstruction (e.g., ECM-mimicking matrices, growth factor-trapping hydrogels);
• Translational models integrating biomimetic materials with personalized therapies.

By highlighting the convergence of biomedicine, biomaterials, and biomimetics in cancer research, this Special Issue seeks to foster scientific dialogue and promote innovations with the potential to reshape modern oncologic practice.

Dr. Damiano Caputo
Dr. Roberto Cammarata
Dr. Federica Giordano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• biomimetics
• biomaterials
• biomedicine
• cancers
• biomarkers
• tissue engineering