Advances in Biomaterials Based on Peptides and TCM-Derived Small Molecules for Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

The inflammation and oxidative stress microenvironment is a common pathological basis for many major diseases and presents a significant barrier to tissue regeneration and repair, particularly in chronic inflammatory diseases, non-healing wounds, bone defects, nerve injuries, and age-related degeneration. Peptides (such as parathyroid hormone-related peptides, Pueraria lobata peptides, and ziconotide) and bioactive small molecules from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (including eugenol, lignans, and quercetin) possess multi-target properties and good biocompatibility, making them promising tools for modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, their use is often limited by low bioavailability, insufficient efficacy as single components, unclear mechanisms of action, and challenges in targeted delivery. Advances in the field of biomaterials and nanotechnology now offer new strategies to modify, engineer, and deliver these bioactive agents more effectively.This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest scientific developments in the design, synthesis, characterization, and biofunctional evaluation of biomaterials based on peptides and TCM small molecules for modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. The objective is to foster interdisciplinary research across chemistry, biology, materials science, and biomedical engineering—by emphasizing green synthesis approaches, the creation of responsive biomaterials, and the study of structure–property–function relationships in vitro, ex vivo, or in animal models. Through this Topic, we hope to facilitate the development of novel biomaterial platforms for tissue repair, regenerative medicine, and for understanding biological responses to biomaterials in relevant disease models.In this Research Topic, we focus on innovations in basic research, technology development, and preclinical biomedical applications of small molecules and peptides in the context of biomaterials. We welcome manuscripts in the following areas:• Design, synthesis, and characterization of biomaterials incorporating TCM small molecules and/or peptides, including green and sustainable fabrication methods• Investigation of structure–property–function relationships for these biomaterials in biological environments• Mechanistic studies of how biomaterials containing TCM small molecules or peptides modulate inflammation and oxidative stress in relevant in vitro, ex vivo, or animal models• Development of intelligent, responsive, or biomimetic biomaterials for precise intervention in pathological microenvironments• Novel scaffolds or systems for tissue repair—including bone regeneration, nerve repair, and chronic wound healing—based on TCM small molecules or peptides• Application of these biomaterials in models of degenerative diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc degeneration, neurodegeneration, or age-related tissue degeneration) and/or development of biomaterial-enabled physiological sensing/monitoring platforms for inflammatory and oxidative microenvironments (e.g., ROS-, pH-, cytokine-, or enzyme-responsive readouts)• Reports on interdisciplinary or international collaborative research, including multi-laboratory or multi-center studies spanning materials design, bioengineering, and preclinical validation, with clear translational rationale, particularly those addressing musculoskeletal or nervous system biomaterials• Submissions should emphasize rigorous materials characterization and reporting (e.g., composition, microstructure, mechanics, degradation/release behavior, and surface/interface properties), clear structure–function relationships, surface/interface engineering, and robust preclinical biological evaluation in relevant modelsThis Research Topic is non-clinical and focuses on biomaterials design, characterization, and preclinical evaluation. Studies involving patients, clinical cohorts, clinical trials, case reports/series, or analyses primarily reporting clinical outcomes are out of scope. Topic editors: Jun-Wu Wang, WEN MIN, Carla Martins Lopes Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76642/advances-in-biomaterials-based-on-peptides-and-tcm-derived-small-molecules-for-modulating-inflammation-and-oxidative-stress