Bioinspired Approaches and Advanced Biomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics and Tissue Regeneration

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic aims to foster innovative progress in the fields of cancer therapeutics and tissue regeneration by focusing on the synergistic roles of bioinspired approaches and advanced biomaterials. Novel material designs inspired by biological principles, coupled with highly functional biomaterials, are key to overcoming the limitations of conventional therapies and regenerative techniques. This collection seeks to gather a wide range of research—from fundamental studies to preclinical applications—to encourage interdisciplinary discussions and the creation of new knowledge across fields.

Scope and Focus

We invite the submission of original research articles, review papers, and perspective articles focusing on, but not limited to, the following areas:

1. Cancer Therapeutics

• Bioinspired nanocarriers and delivery systems for targeted drug and gene delivery.
• Biomaterial-based in vitro models mimicking the tumor microenvironment.
• Biomaterial platforms for combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies.
• Novel biosensors and probes for cancer diagnosis and imaging.
• Advanced materials integrated with physical therapies (e.g., photodynamic therapy, hyperthermia, radiotherapy).

2. Tissue Regeneration

• Design of bioinspired scaffolds for controlling cellular fate.
• High-performance biomaterials supporting stem cell differentiation and proliferation.
• Construction of organ and tissue models using bioprinting and 3D constructs.
• Novel biocompatible materials for promoting angiogenesis, nerve regeneration, bone regeneration, and skin repair.

Prof. Dr. Masami Okamoto
Prof. Dr. Lih-Sheng Turng
Dr. Xiao Kuang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Cancers cancers	4.4	8.8	2009	19.1 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Cells cells	5.2	10.5	2012	15.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	17.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Journal of Functional Biomaterials jfb	5.2	6.8	2010	16.8 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sci sci	-	5.2	2019	26.7 Days	CHF 1400	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Cancers Cells IJMS JFB Sci Materials

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24 pages, 2988 KB  

Open AccessReview

A Review of Acrylic Bone Cement in the Masquelet Technique: From Temporary Spacer to a Bioactive Modulator of the Induced Membrane

by Jean Paul Restucci-Orozco, Mario Fernando Muñoz-Velez, Niny Andrea Arteaga-Pedraza, Carlos David Grande-Tovar, Carlos Humberto Valencia-Llano and Jose Herminsul Mina-Hernandez

Sci 2026, 8(6), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8060125 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Critical-sized bone defects remain a major reconstructive challenge, and the Masquelet technique has become an important option in traumatic, infectious, and post-resection settings. This review examines the role of acrylic bone cement in this technique, emphasizing its evolution from a temporary spacer to [...] Read more.

Critical-sized bone defects remain a major reconstructive challenge, and the Masquelet technique has become an important option in traumatic, infectious, and post-resection settings. This review examines the role of acrylic bone cement in this technique, emphasizing its evolution from a temporary spacer to an active biomaterial that shapes the induced membrane and the local regenerative microenvironment. The article discusses the surgical and biological basis of the technique, the composition and handling characteristics of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, the rationale for antibiotic-loaded spacers, and the influence of spacer-related variables such as formulation, surface properties, and geometry on membrane quality. It also addresses emerging strategies, including bioactive PMMA modifications, multifunctional cements, and degradable alternatives aimed at improving osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and infection control. Current evidence, derived mainly from in vitro studies and animal models, suggests that the spacer may play a role beyond space maintenance by participating in induced membrane formation and influencing biological signaling related to bone repair. In contrast, the clinical evidence primarily supports the reproducible use of PMMA spacers for dead-space management, infection control, and bone reconstruction. However, important gaps still remain in the translational validation of these biological properties and in the standardization of spacer formulations and antibiotic protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Bioinspired Approaches and Advanced Biomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics and Tissue Regeneration)

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17 pages, 3137 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Bone Cements on Induced Membrane Structure in the Masquelet Technique: A Porcine Model Study

by Jean Paul Restucci-Orozco, Luisa Fernanda Pacheco-Muñoz, Carlos David Grande-Tovar, Carlos Humberto Valencia-Llano, Niny Andrea Arteaga-Pedraza, Mario Fernando Muñoz-Velez, Jose Luis Castillo-Garcia, Jenny Alexandra Lugo-Peña, Arturo Jose Aragón, Juan Camilo Madrid-Paz, Gustavo Urrego-Grueso and Jose Herminsul Mina-Hernandez

Sci 2026, 8(6), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8060121 - 25 May 2026

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Abstract

A porcine model with a stabilized segmental femoral defect was used, in which commercial or experimental bone cements were implanted following the principles of the Masquelet technique. After 45 days, considered long enough for induced membrane maturation, the samples were analyzed by optical [...] Read more.

A porcine model with a stabilized segmental femoral defect was used, in which commercial or experimental bone cements were implanted following the principles of the Masquelet technique. After 45 days, considered long enough for induced membrane maturation, the samples were analyzed by optical microscopy (H&E, Masson’s trichrome, and Gomori staining) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Histologically, both formulations induced membranes with fibrovascular tissue organization; however, the membranes associated with the experimental cement exhibited qualitatively distinct patterns of stromal organization and cell distribution compared with those of the commercial cement group. SEM analysis revealed qualitative differences in the material–tissue interaction, with the experimental cement showing a distinct distribution pattern of amorphous and fibrillar material on the surface and within the interpearl spaces, whereas the commercial cement exhibited a more focal interaction, predominantly associated with structural irregularities. Overall, these observations indicate that differences in the formulation and microstructure of bone cements may influence how tissue organizes and interacts with the material and may be associated with qualitative differences in tissue organization and material–tissue interaction within the induced membrane. These results highlight the relevance of the spacer type in the histological characteristics of the induced membrane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Bioinspired Approaches and Advanced Biomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics and Tissue Regeneration)

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18 pages, 20535 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Vanadium-Doped Bioactive Glass-Modified GelMA/CMCS/HA Injectable Hydrogel for Osteosarcoma Postoperative Therapy and Bone Regeneration

by Dazhong Jin, Miaomiao He and Guangfu Yin

Materials 2026, 19(10), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19102086 - 15 May 2026

Viewed by 283

Abstract

Surgical intervention is a primary treatment for osteosarcoma, often resulting in a tumorous bone defect with an irregular shape. Postoperative management is essential to minimize tumor recurrence risks and promote bone regeneration. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional injectable, rapidly photo-curable [...] Read more.

Surgical intervention is a primary treatment for osteosarcoma, often resulting in a tumorous bone defect with an irregular shape. Postoperative management is essential to minimize tumor recurrence risks and promote bone regeneration. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional injectable, rapidly photo-curable hydrogel composed of gelatin methacryloyl/carboxymethyl chitosan/hyaluronic acid (GelMA/CMCS/HA), modified with vanadium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (VMBG). The exceptional injectability enables seamless adaptation to irregular bone defects, offering a significant advantage over preformed implants, while the rapid photocurability of the hydrogel ensures stable fixation within minutes, thereby reducing potential risks during surgery. Furthermore, this platform exhibits dual therapeutic efficacy, characterized by antitumor activity and osteogenic induction. In vitro assessments demonstrated that V(V)/V(IV) valence cycling-driven ROS generation mediated its potent antitumor efficacy. Additionally, concurrent enhancement of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic marker expression validated its osteogenic potential. The CMCS incorporation promoted healing at the defect site, while the HA addition created binding sites for cell adhesion and growth, thereby improving scaffold bioactivity. Collectively, this study presents the development and validation of a multifunctional GelMA/CMCS/HA hydrogel, highlighting its dual capability for bone regeneration and tumor suppression within tumor-associated bone microenvironments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Bioinspired Approaches and Advanced Biomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics and Tissue Regeneration)

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