Themed collection Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigators 2021
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigators 2021
This themed collection in Biomaterials Science highlights the work of emerging investigators in the field of biomaterials science. Editor-in-Chief Jianjun Cheng and Executive Editor Maria Southall introduce the issue.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4227-4227
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM90053F
Emerging on-chip surface acoustic wave technology for small biomaterials manipulation and characterization
Surface acoustic wave microfluidic technology has found great potential in biomaterials science thanks to its advantages in micro/nano manipulation and characterization.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1574-1582
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01269F
Biomaterial-assisted photoimmunotherapy for cancer
The biomaterials have been well designed as photoabsorbing/sensitizing agents or effective carriers to enhance the photoimmunotherapeutic efficacy and evade their side effects.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 5846-5858
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01154A
Exploiting the role of nanoparticles for use in hydrogel-based bioprinting applications: concept, design, and recent advances
The illustration highlights the different functionalities of bioinks brought on by nanoparticles. Alongside, the figure also displays some of the applications of these nanoengineered bioinks.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 6337-6354
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00605C
Molecular engineering of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)–polymer conjugates
Engineering the architectures of antimicrobial peptide-polymer conjugates provides compelling opportunities to balance bactericidal activity with stability and biocompatibility, to address the critical need for innovative antimicrobial treatments.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 5069-5091
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00423A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Biomimetic hydrogels designed for cartilage tissue engineering
Cartilage-like hydrogels based on materials like gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol are reviewed and contrasted, revealing existing limitations and challenges on biomimetic hydrogels for cartilage regeneration.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4246-4259
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01852J
Electrospun hydrogels for dynamic culture systems: advantages, progress, and opportunities
Hydrogel nanofibers build on established soft biomaterials to enable design and control of unique, dynamic cell culture systems.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4228-4245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01588A
Hydrogels to engineer tumor microenvironments in vitro
Illustration of engineered hydrogel to recapitulate aspects of the tumor microenvironment.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 2362-2383
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01943G
Biomaterials for protein delivery for complex tissue healing responses
Recent advances in biomaterial delivery vehicles have increased the ability to tailor precise protein delivery to restore normal healing cascades and stimulate robust tissue repair.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 2339-2361
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01804J
Revisiting gene delivery to the brain: silencing and editing
Neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic brain diseases, and brain tumors are debilitating diseases that severely impact a person's life and could possibly lead to their demise if left untreated.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1065-1087
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01278E
Biomaterial strategies to replicate gynecological tissue
Properties of native tissue can inspire biomimetic in vitro models of gynecological disease.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1117-1134
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01240H
Engineered drug-loaded cells and cell derivatives as a delivery platform for cancer immunotherapy
Recent advances in improving cancer immunotherapy have been summarized with a focus on using functionalized intact cells and cell derivatives.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1104-1116
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01676D
Hydrogel facilitated bioelectronic integration
Functional hydrogels show great potential for promoting the structural integration and signal transduction at bio/electronic interfaces.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 23-37
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01373K
Biomaterial-based approaches to engineering immune tolerance
The development of biomaterial-based therapeutics to induce immune tolerance holds great promise for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergy, and graft rejection in transplantation.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 7014-7032
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01171A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Biomaterials-based approaches to model embryogenesis
Biomaterials are emerging as invaluable tools to investigate key mechanisms of human development using advance in vitro models. Nanomaterials can contribute to further refine these models.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6992-7013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01485K
Engineering extracellular vesicles for cancer therapy: recent advances and challenges in clinical translation
Extracellular vesicles have shown great advantages in cancer therapy, but there are still huge challenges to be overcome to implement their wide clinical application.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6978-6991
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01385D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Materials promoting viral gene delivery
This review discusses the progress in developing materials that enhance viral transduction, including polymers, peptides, lipids, nanoparticles, and small molecules.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6113-6156
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01367F
Evaluating medical device and material thrombosis under flow: current and emerging technologies
This review highlights the importance of flow in medical device thrombosis and explores current and emerging technologies to evaluate dynamic biomaterial Thrombosis in vitro.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 5824-5845
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01284J
Immunostimulatory biomaterials to boost tumor immunogenicity
This review highlights recent progress to develop biomaterials that boost tumor immunogenicity and improve the response rate to cancer immunotherapies.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 5516-5537
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01183E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A call for action to the biomaterial community to tackle antimicrobial resistance
The global surge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern for public health and proving to be a key challenge in modern disease treatment, requiring action plans at all levels.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 4951-4974
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01160F
Functional zwitterionic biomaterials for administration of insulin
This review summarizes the structures and biomedical applications of zwitterionic biomaterials in the administration of insulin.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 4906-4919
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM00986E
Polydopamine free radical scavengers
This feature article summarizes the recent progress, challenges and future directions of free radical scavengers based on polydopamine, including the integrated mechanism, current regulating strategies, and kinds of biomedical applications.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 4940-4950
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01070G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
The regulation of nanomaterials and nanomedicines for clinical application: current and future perspectives
Nanomedicine research has increased drastically over the past ten years, however, before clinical translation many regulatory factors must be considered.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 4653-4664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM00558D
Spatial organization of biochemical cues in 3D-printed scaffolds to guide osteochondral tissue engineering
Peptide-functionalized 3D-printed scaffolds drive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation towards osteogenesis or chondrogenesis based on the presence and organization of both cartilage-promoting and bone-promoting peptides.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 6813-6829
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00859E
Enhanced efficiency of nonviral direct neuronal reprogramming on topographical patterns
Using high-throughput screening, we were able to identify topographies that can significantly improve the efficiency of nonviral neuronal reprogramming.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 5175-5191
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00400J
User-defined, temporal presentation of bioactive molecules on hydrogel substrates using supramolecular coiled coil complexes
The ability to spatiotemporally control the presentation of relevant biomolecules in synthetic culture systems has gained significant attention as researchers strive to recapitulate the endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4374-4387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00016K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Encapsulating bacteria in alginate-based electrospun nanofibers
We developed GRAS nanofibers for the delivery of viable bacteria into the gut. Model bacterium were encapsulated in alginate-based nanofibers via electrospinning and a bacteria loading of 2.74 × 105 CFU g−1 of mat was achieved.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4364-4373
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM02205E
Topical delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs using nano-hybrid hydrogels to inhibit post-surgical tumour recurrence
A nano-hybrid oligopeptide hydrogel embedded with transfersomes is developed for topical delivery of anticancer drugs to inhibit the post-surgical tumour recurrence.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4356-4363
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01766C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Bicyclic RGD peptides enhance nerve growth in synthetic PEG-based Anisogels
aECMs imparting integrin selectivity (α5β1 and αvβ3) and directional guidance cues are developed using MMP degradable PEG hydrogels, functionalized with bicyclic RGD peptides, and including aligned magnetic, short fibers for 3D oriented nerve growth.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4329-4342
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM02051F
In silico design of additively manufacturable composite synthetic vascular conduits and grafts with tuneable compliance
In silico modelling can be a powerful design tool to predict the behaviour of additively manufacturable composite synthetic vascular conduits and grafts with tuneable compliance.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4343-4355
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM02169E
Structural crystallisation of crosslinked 3D PEDOT:PSS anisotropic porous biomaterials to generate highly conductive platforms for tissue engineering applications
A new approach for obtaining highly conductive, yet biocompatible, 3D electroconductive porous scaffolds based on PEDOT:PSS and treated with sulphuric acid crystallisation, that can be processed with both isotropic and anisotropic microarchitecture.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4317-4328
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM02123G
Effect of polymeric excipients on nucleation and crystal growth kinetics of amorphous fluconazole
Three chemically distinct polymeric excipients show significantly different effects on the nucleation and crystal growth kinetics of amorphous fluconazole, a classical antifungal drug.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4308-4316
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00104C
Switching energy dissipation pathway: in situ proton-induced transformation of AIE-active self-assemblies to boost photodynamic therapy
With the morphological transformation of fluorescent self-assembled nanostructures, their functions can be varied simultaneously.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4301-4307
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1BM00044F
Illuminating endosomal escape of polymorphic lipid nanoparticles that boost mRNA delivery
Galectin8-GFP cytosolic redistribution to bright puncta serve as sensor for LNP escape from endosomal compartments.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4289-4300
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01947J
Milk exosomes with enhanced mucus penetrability for oral delivery of siRNA
High-purity milk exosomes were engineered with surface PEGylation and siRNA encapsulation for enhanced oral drug delivery.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4260-4277
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01497D
Development of wound healing scaffolds with precisely-triggered sequential release of therapeutic nanoparticles
Collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds are functionalized with alginate that responds to ultrasound by releasing nanoparticles on-demand for coordinated wound healing.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 4278-4288
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01277G
Injectable nanofibrillar hydrogels based on charge-complementary peptide co-assemblies
CATCH(+/−) peptide co-assemblies form injectable, biocompatible hydrogels with sequence-dependent viscoelastic properties.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 2494-2507
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01372B
Guest–host interlinked PEG-MAL granular hydrogels as an engineered cellular microenvironment
We report the development of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel scaffold that provides the advantages of conventional bulk PEG hydrogels for engineering cellular microenvironments and allows for rapid cell migration.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 2480-2493
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01499K
A polymeric nanoformulation improves the bioavailability and efficacy of sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
A nanoparticle-based formulation of sorafenib (NP-sfb) significantly inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing angiogenesis and promoting cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 2508-2518
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01881C
Tunable, bacterio-instructive scaffolds made from functional graphenic materials
Functional graphenic material (FGM) scaffolds instruct bacterial attachment through electrostatic interactions with the bacterial cell wall.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 2467-2479
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01471K
Surfactant location and internal phase volume fraction dictate emulsion electrospun fiber morphology and modulate drug release and cell response
Emulsion electrospinning is a versatile technique used to create tunable fibrous meshes for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1397-1408
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01751E
Helper lipid structure influences protein adsorption and delivery of lipid nanoparticles to spleen and liver
High-throughput in vivo screening identified several LNPs formulated with DOPE that preferentially accumulated in the liver, while identical LNPs formulated with DSPC preferentially accumulated in the spleen.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1449-1463
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01609H
Development of a stacked, porous silk scaffold neuroblastoma model for investigating spatial differences in cell and drug responsiveness
Stacked porous silk scaffolds support spatial, cell-driven changes in an in vitro neuroblastoma model.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 1272-1290
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01153C
Microenvironmental determinants of organized iPSC-cardiomyocyte tissues on synthetic fibrous matrices
This work provides microenvironmental design parameters to optimize iPSC-cardiomyocyte tissues formed on tunable synthetic matrices that mimic myocardial ECM.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 93-107
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01247E
Nanobody-displaying porous silicon nanoparticles for the co-delivery of siRNA and doxorubicin
Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics to cancer cells has the potential to yield high drug concentrations in cancer cells while minimizing any unwanted side effects.
Biomater. Sci., 2021,9, 133-147
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01335H
Silk fibroin photo-lyogels containing microchannels as a biomaterial platform for in situ tissue engineering
Silk photo-lyogels fabricated by di-tyrosine photo-crosslinking and ice-templating silk fibroin on 3D printed templates toward in situ tissue engineering applications.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 7093-7105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01010C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Thermostabilization of viruses via complex coacervation
Complex coacervation shows promise as a strategy to improve the thermal stability of viruses for use in vaccine formulations.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 7082-7092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01433H
Engineering a macroporous fibrin-based sequential interpenetrating polymer network for dermal tissue engineering
Macroporous and mechanically reinforced sequential IPN hydrogels combine the biological activity of fibrin with the robust mechanical properties of PEG to generate advanced scaffolds for dermal tissue engineering.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 7106-7116
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01161D
Peptide modified polycations with pH triggered lytic activity for efficient gene delivery
C6M3 peptide modified polycations can mediate efficient gene delivery through pH triggered lytic activity for endo/lysosomal escape.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6301-6308
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01231A
Silver-decorated, light-activatable polymeric antimicrobials for combined chemo-photodynamic therapy of drug-resistant bacterial infection
In this article, we describe a silver-decorated, light-activatable polymeric antimicrobial with strong synergistic chemo-photodynamic effect to combat bacterial infections.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6350-6361
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01084G
Polymer-loaded hydrogels serve as depots for lactate and mimic “cold” tumor microenvironments
Peptide hydrogels loaded with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles can recapitulate lactate concentrations and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6056-6068
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01196G
Fe3O4@GO magnetic nanocomposites protect mesenchymal stem cells and promote osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Fe3O4@GO/BMP2 protecting mesenchymal stem cells by regulating reactive oxygen species and promoting osteogenic differentiation of cells.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 5984-5993
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM00906G
Immune-modulatory alginate protects mesenchymal stem cells for sustained delivery of reparative factors to ischemic myocardium
Immune modulatory alginate encapsulation platform can be used in the pericardial space to provide enhanced therapeutic efficacy to the heart.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 5061-5070
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM00855A
Synthesis of cyclic graft polymeric prodrugs with heterogeneous grafts of hydrophilic OEG and reducibly conjugated CPT for controlled release
A novel cyclic graft polymeric prodrug with heterogeneous grafts of hydrophilic oligo (ethylene glycol) and reducibly conjugated camptothecin was synthesized with greater in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cells than the linear graft analogues.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 4206-4215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM00656D
Characterization of regulatory T cell expansion for manufacturing cellular immunotherapies
Rapamycin encapsulated in mono-(6-amino-6-deoxy)-beta cyclodextrin efficiently expands regulatory T cells for cell-based immunotherapy.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 4186-4198
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM00622J
About this collection
Biomaterials Science is proud to present this 2021 Emerging Investigators collection. This collection gathers the very best work from biomaterials scientists in the early stages of their independent careers. The 2021 Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigators were individually nominated by members of the journal Editorial and Advisory Boards, and previous Emerging Investigators, in recognition of their potential to influence future directions in the field of biomaterials.
Articles will be added to this collection as and when they are ready to be published, accompanied by an Editorial piece in the coming months.
Congratulations to all those whose work is featured. Join us in celebrating their contributions!