4D Printing of Oxygen-Generating Biomaterials for Translational Bone Regenerative Engineering

Bone tissue engineering has emerged to address the critical challenges that conventional treatments—such as metallic implants and bone grafts—face in repairing large defects. Because of inadequate vascularization and hypoxic microenvironments, problems of cell survival and tissue integration still persist during regeneration. Despite numerous advances, researchers continue to explore ways of improving cells’ access to oxygen through scaffolds, thereby enhancing cell survival, differentiation, and accurate tissue reconstruction. Moreover, coupling oxygen-generating biomaterials with 4D printing offers promising solutions for the design of dynamic, functional tissue constructs. Oxygen tension regulates cellular behavior, which in turn affects tissue regeneration through metabolic programming. Incorporating oxygen-generating biomaterials into 4D-printed scaffolds can provide localized and sustained oxygen release, which further enhances angiogenesis and osteogenesis.This Research Topic focuses on integrating the oxygen-releasing capability of biomaterials with programmable structural changes—a significant step toward translational applications that can improve clinical outcomes in bone regeneration, especially for critical-sized defects and compromised healing conditions. It further seeks a comprehensive investigation of the fabrication of oxygen-generating scaffolds (OGSCs), their target tissues, the underlying biological pathways, and the challenges of regenerative application that have not yet been fully explored.This Research Topic aims to advance the state of the art by encouraging the development of next-generation smart biomaterials that integrate oxygen-releasing properties with stimuli-responsive behavior. The primary goal is to identify innovative design strategies that use 4D printing to develop tissue constructs supporting dynamic shape transformation and controlled oxygen delivery to mitigate hypoxia and enhance vascularization in bone defects. We seek contributions that investigate material formulation, fabrication techniques, and the structure–function relationships governing oxygen-release kinetics and scaffold performance. We also emphasize the importance of understanding cellular and molecular responses in the presence of oxygen generation, including angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and associated signaling pathways. Another key objective is to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale innovation and clinical translation by addressing challenges related to biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, scalability, and regulatory considerations. Additionally, this Research Topic encourages interdisciplinary approaches that combine biomaterials science, additive manufacturing, 4D printing, and regenerative biology to develop clinically sustainable solutions. Overall, the goal is to provide a comprehensive platform for disseminating cutting-edge research that accelerates the translation of oxygen-generating 4D-printed scaffolds toward effective bone regeneration therapies.We welcome articles on themes including, but not limited to:• Design, synthesis, and characterization of oxygen-generating composites, including peroxide-based systems, oxygen-releasing polymers, and hybrid nanocomposites. • Development of 4D-printed scaffolds with stimuli-responsive behavior, shape-morphing capability, and controlled oxygen release. • Investigation of oxygen-release kinetics and structure–function relationships in scaffold performance. • Advanced fabrication techniques such as direct ink writing (DIW), fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography, and other additive manufacturing methods. • Evaluation of mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and structural stability for load-bearing bone applications. • Studies of cellular responses under hypoxic conditions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. • In vitro and in vivo validation of oxygen-generating scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration. • Translational aspects, including biocompatibility, scalability, reproducibility, and regulatory considerations. Topic editors: Jasvinder Singh, Stefano Cinti, Gurminder Singh Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81717/4d-printing-of-oxygen-generating-biomaterials-for-translational-bone-regenerative-engineering