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

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

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