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Biomolecules
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Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition
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Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 5209

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sabrina Morelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR c/o University of Calabria, Via P.Bucci, cubo 17/C, I-87036 Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: polymeric membrane systems for tissue engineering; regenerative medicine and bioartificial organs; 3D membrane-based tissue models for tissue repair; pharmacological screening; and disease modeling; membrane bioreactors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Antonella Piscioneri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Research Council of Italy, Institute on Membrane Technology, CNR-ITM, Via P. Bucci, cubo 17/C, I-87036 Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: tissue engineering; in vitro platform for disease modeling; membrane devices; biomimetic cell culture systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Chien-Chung Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: polymeric materials; medical devices; regenerative medicine; electrospinning
Dr. Loredana De Bartolo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Research Council of Italy, Institute on Membrane Technology, CNR-ITM, Via P. Bucci, cubo 17/C, I-87036 Rende, CS, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; bioreactors; membranes; interfaces; bioartificial organs/tissues; cell-material interactions; tissue engineering; disease modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To date, biomolecules and materials-based approaches have gained tremendous attention in the biomedical field as they represent advanced strategies that are rapidly transforming the areas of biomedical diagnostics, therapeutics, pharmaceutics, and drug delivery.

Biomolecules range from small molecules, such as amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids, neurotransmitters, and hormones, to macromolecules, which include proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and enzymes. Intense research activity in the field has highlighted their crucial roles in both biological processes and pathologies. Besides their well known role within the human body, they are potential therapeutic molecules and biomarkers for disease diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development.

Materials-based systems, fabricated in many forms, including films, membranes, tubes, fibers, particles and capsules, nanofiber scaffolds and hydrogels, made of natural, synthetic or blend polymers, and bioreactors, are used in a wide range of biomedical applications. Material characteristics, including morphological, mechanical, physico-chemical, and transport properties, influence the viability, growth, and functions of cells and, consequently, affect new tissue formation. Therefore, the selection of materials plays a key role in the design and development of biomedical products. The challenge is providing biofunctionality, biophysical, mechanical and topographical features of the target tissue in order to improve its repair and regeneration. Currently, different types of materials are used as implants to mimic the structure and function of tissues/organs, organ regeneration, tissue engineering, wound healing, diagnosis of diseases and treatment, and delivery of drugs. Recently, material systems are emerging as investigational tools in preclinical research.

Bioinspired functional material can be developed by the synergistic combination of biomolecules with organic/inorganic materials; indeed, biomolecule-loaded materials, having a greater biocompatibility, are able to promote cell recruitment and attachment leading to the tissue analogue development. Immobilized biomolecules on material surfaces can also act as probes representing a valid platform for early diagnostic detection, representing a promising approach for the building up of very sensitive biosensors.

This Special Issue of Biomolecules aims to provide a comprehensive overview of State-of-the-Art of biomolecules and material-based approaches in biomedical fields; offering to the reader the latest advancements of biomolecules use for different biomedical purposes. We invite research papers that will consolidate our understanding in this area. The Special Issue will publish full research articles and systematic reviews. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following research areas:

  • Biomolecules roles in biological processes and pathologies;
  • Therapeutic molecules;
  • Biomarkers;
  • Biomolecules for disease diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development;
  • Cell signaling biomolecules;
  • Biomaterials for biomedical applications;
  • Self-assembled biomaterials;
  • Biofunctionalization of materials;
  • New fabrication technologies (e.g., 3D printing);
  • Biosensors for disease diagnostics and/or prognosis;
  • 3D scaffolds and hydrogels;
  • 3D material-based tissue models;
  • Membrane bioreactors;
  • Bioartificial organs;
  • Materials for cell-/drug-delivery systems;
  • In vitro material platforms for disease modeling/drug screening ;
  • Materials for fabricating microfluidic systems.

Dr. Sabrina Morelli
Dr. Antonella Piscioneri
Prof. Dr. Chien-Chung Chen
Dr. Loredana De Bartolo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Biomolecules 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 2700 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.

Keywords

  • biomolecules roles in biological processes and pathologies
  • therapeutic molecules
  • biomarkers
  • biomolecules for disease diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development
  • cell signaling biomolecules
  • biomaterials for biomedical applications
  • self-assembled biomaterials
  • biofunctionalization of materials
  • new fabrication technologies (e.g., 3D printing)
  • biosensors for disease diagnostics and/or prognosis
  • 3D scaffolds and hydrogels
  • 3D material-based tissue models
  • membrane bioreactors
  • bioartificial organs
  • materials for cell-/drug-delivery systems
  • in vitro material platforms for disease modeling/drug screening
  • materials for fabricating microfluidic systems

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2903 KiB  
Article
Field-Effect Transistor Based on Nanocrystalline Graphite for DNA Immobilization
by Bianca Adiaconita, Eugen Chiriac, Tiberiu Burinaru, Catalin Marculescu, Cristina Pachiu, Oana Brincoveanu, Octavian Simionescu and Marioara Avram
Biomolecules 2025, 15(5), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15050619 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
In recent years, field-effect transistors (FETs) based on graphene have attracted significant interest due to their unique electrical properties and their potential for biosensing and molecular detection applications. This study uses FETs with a nanocrystalline graphite (NCG) channel to detect DNA nucleobases. The [...] Read more.
In recent years, field-effect transistors (FETs) based on graphene have attracted significant interest due to their unique electrical properties and their potential for biosensing and molecular detection applications. This study uses FETs with a nanocrystalline graphite (NCG) channel to detect DNA nucleobases. The exceptional electronic properties of NCG, and its high surface area, enable strong π–π stacking interactions with DNA nucleobases, promoting efficient adsorption and stabilization of the biomolecules. The direct attachment of nucleobases to the NCG channel leads to substantial changes in the device’s electrical characteristics, which can be measured in real time to assess DNA binding and sequence recognition. This method enables highly sensitive, label-free DNA detection, opening up new possibilities for rapid genetic analysis and diagnostics. Understanding the interactions between DNA nucleobases and graphene-based materials is crucial for advancing genetic research and biotechnology, paving the way for more accurate and efficient diagnostic tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 11892 KiB  
Article
UPLC-MS/MS High-Risk Screening for Sphingolipidoses Using Dried Urine Spots
by Tristan Martineau, Bruno Maranda and Christiane Auray-Blais
Biomolecules 2024, 14(12), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14121612 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1003
Abstract
Background: Early detection of sphingolipidoses is crucial to prevent irreversible complications and improve patient outcomes. The use of urine samples dried on filter paper (DUS) is a non-invasive strategy that simplifies the collection, storage, and shipping of samples compared to using liquid urine [...] Read more.
Background: Early detection of sphingolipidoses is crucial to prevent irreversible complications and improve patient outcomes. The use of urine samples dried on filter paper (DUS) is a non-invasive strategy that simplifies the collection, storage, and shipping of samples compared to using liquid urine specimens. Objectives: (1) Develop and validate a multiplex ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methodology using DUS to quantify twenty-one lysosphingolipids normalized to creatinine for eight different sphingolipidoses. (2) Establish normal reference values to evaluate the clinical utility of the methodology. Methods: Samples were eluted from a 5 cm filter paper disk (~1 mL of urine) and extracted on Oasis MCX solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to injection in the UPLC-MS/MS system. Results: Urinary lysosphingolipids were stable on DUS at −80 °C and −30 °C for 117 days, at 21.5 °C and 4 °C for at least 26 days, and at 35 °C for 3 days. Globotriaosylsphingosine, glucosylsphingosine, and their analogs were elevated in patients with Fabry disease and Gaucher disease, respectively, compared to controls (p-value < 0.0001). The analysis of related analog profiles suggests a better overall reliability in detecting patients early, especially for Fabry patients. Conclusions: This approach is feasible and might be useful for the early detection, monitoring, and follow-up of patients with sphingolipidoses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 3107 KiB  
Article
Comparative Effects of GLP-1 and GLP-2 on Beta-Cell Function, Glucose Homeostasis and Appetite Regulation
by Asif Ali, Dawood Khan, Vaibhav Dubey, Andrei I. Tarasov, Peter R. Flatt and Nigel Irwin
Biomolecules 2024, 14(12), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14121520 - 27 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2114
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) are related intestinal L-cell derived secretory products. GLP-1 has been extensively studied in terms of its influence on metabolism, but less attention has been devoted to GLP-2 in this regard. The current study compares the effects [...] Read more.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) are related intestinal L-cell derived secretory products. GLP-1 has been extensively studied in terms of its influence on metabolism, but less attention has been devoted to GLP-2 in this regard. The current study compares the effects of these proglucagon-derived peptides on pancreatic beta-cell function, as well as on glucose tolerance and appetite. The insulin secretory effects of GLP-1 and GLP-2 (10−12–10−6 M) were investigated in BRIN-BD11 beta-cells as well as isolated mouse islets, with the impact of test peptides (10 nM) on real-time cytosolic cAMP levels further evaluated in mouse islets. The impact of both peptides (10−8–10−6 M) on beta-cell growth and survival was also studied in BRIN BD11 cells. Acute in vivo (peptides administered at 25 nmol/kg) glucose homeostatic and appetite suppressive actions were then examined in healthy mice. GLP-1, but not GLP-2, concentration dependently augmented insulin secretion from BRIN-BD11 cells, with similar observations made in isolated murine islets. In addition, GLP-1 substantially increased [cAMP]cyt in islet cells and was significantly more prominent than GLP-2 in this regard. Both GLP-1 and GLP-2 promoted beta-cell proliferation and protected against cytokine-induced apoptosis. In overnight fasted healthy mice, as well as mice trained to eat for 3 h per day, the administration of GLP-1 or GLP-2 suppressed appetite. When injected conjointly with glucose, both peptides improved glucose disposal, which was associated with enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by GLP-1, but not GLP-2. To conclude, the impact of GLP-1 and GLP-2 on insulin secretion is divergent, but the effects of beta-cell signaling and overall health are similar. Moreover, the peripheral administration of either hormone in rodents results in comparable positive effects on blood glucose levels and appetite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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36 pages, 6162 KiB  
Review
Biomolecule-Based Coacervation: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Perspectives in Biomedical and Biotechnological Fields
by Dong Hyun Kim, Mi-Ran Ki, Da Yeon Chung and Seung Pil Pack
Biomolecules 2025, 15(6), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15060861 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 95
Abstract
Coacervate is a form of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in which a solution containing one or more charged components spontaneously separates into two immiscible liquid phases. Due to their ability to mimic membraneless cellular environments and their high biocompatibility, coacervates have found broad [...] Read more.
Coacervate is a form of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in which a solution containing one or more charged components spontaneously separates into two immiscible liquid phases. Due to their ability to mimic membraneless cellular environments and their high biocompatibility, coacervates have found broad applications across various fields of life sciences. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biomolecule-based coacervation for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Encapsulation via biomolecule-based coacervation enables high encapsulation efficiency, enhanced stability, and the sustained release of cargos. In the field of tissue engineering, coacervates not only support cell adhesion and proliferation but also serve as printable bioinks with tunable rheological properties for 3D bioprinting. Moreover, biomolecule-based coacervates have been utilized to mimic membraneless organelles, serving as experimental models to understand the origin of life or investigate the mechanisms of biochemical compartmentalization. This review discusses the mechanisms of coacervation induced by various types of biomolecules, evaluates their respective advantages and limitations in applied contexts, and outlines future research directions. Given their modularity and biocompatibility, biomolecule-based coacervates are expected to play a pivotal role in next-generation therapeutic development and the construction of controlled tissue microenvironments, especially when integrated with emerging technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 2422 KiB  
Review
Current Modalities in Soft-Tissue Reconstruction and Vascularized Adipose Engineering
by Jessica C. El-Mallah, Connie Wen, Olivia Waldron, Neekita R. Jikaria, Mohammad Hossein Asgardoon, Kevin Schlidt, Dana Goldenberg, Summer Horchler, Mary E. Landmesser, Ji Ho Park, Urara Hasegawa, Yong Wang and Dino J. Ravnic
Biomolecules 2025, 15(6), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15060780 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Soft-tissue loss resulting from trauma or oncologic resection is a significant problem worldwide. Surgical reconstruction using adipose tissue has long been the gold-standard solution. However, these surgeries are often highly morbid, not always feasible in patients with insufficient adipose, and can have unpredictable [...] Read more.
Soft-tissue loss resulting from trauma or oncologic resection is a significant problem worldwide. Surgical reconstruction using adipose tissue has long been the gold-standard solution. However, these surgeries are often highly morbid, not always feasible in patients with insufficient adipose, and can have unpredictable results. Engineered soft-tissue replacements present a promising alternative. Many cell types, such as adipose-derived stem cells, have been recognized as a viable starting platform upon which new avenues in tissue engineering can be built. Additionally, efforts to develop scaffolds that can mimic the native extracellular matrix have been made with varying success. However, the suboptimal vascularization of engineered replacements is still a major limiting factor for achieving clinical translation. The current research explores the integration of all these techniques, including the use of growth factors, bioactive molecules, and advanced microsurgical techniques to enhance the vascularization process. This translational review covers the clinically standard methods of soft-tissue reconstruction and dives into emerging engineering techniques to develop vascularized adipose alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field: 2nd Edition)
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