Advancing Soft-Tissue Biomaterials Through Immune-Responsive and Anti-Fibrotic Surface Design

The field of biomaterials for soft-tissue implants faces ongoing challenges related to immune response and tissue integration at the biointerface. While recent advances in surface functionalization and biointerface design have shown promise for devices interfacing with skin, tendons, nerves, and subcutaneous tissues, persistent inflammation and fibrosis frequently undermine clinical outcomes. Notably, the foreign body response that characterized by chronic macrophage activation and fibrotic encapsulation remains a primary obstacle to both the biomechanical stability and long-term functionality of implanted and tissue-engineered constructs. Although emerging evidence suggests that surface chemistry, micro/nanotopography, and engineered bioactive coatings can direct immune and stromal cell behaviors, durable soft-tissue integration is not often achieved, highlighting a pressing need for innovation. Major gaps persist in translating these advances into robust clinical solutions, especially with respect to coating stability, sterilization, and predictable in vivo performance.This Research Topic aims to advance the field of soft-tissue biointerface engineering by highlighting innovative strategies that actively modulate both immune and stromal responses to promote long-term, functional tissue integration. Central objectives include elucidating the interplay between surface modifications at the chemical, topographical, or molecular level and early cellular events, such as macrophage polarization, fibroblast recruitment, angiogenesis, and innervation. Studies addressing the durability, translational feasibility, and clinical testing of surface-engineered biomaterials are especially encouraged. This Research Topic covers strategies for engineered, immune-responsive, and anti-fibrotic biointerfaces in soft-tissue implants and the materials and approaches with potential for clinical translation. To gather further insights into this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Immunomodulatory coatings and bioinstructive surface chemistries• Anti-fibrotic materials and ECM-mimetic motifs for soft-tissue applications• Micro- and nanotopographical modifications influencing cell adhesion and tissue remodeling• Approaches to enhance vascularization and innervation at the implant interface• Stability, sterilization compatibility, and robustness of engineered surfaces• Preclinical and in vivo models for evaluating soft-tissue integration• Translational challenges and regulatory considerations for clinical application Topic editors: Zongliang Wang, Kim S Siow, Masayasu Mie, Maihemuti Yakufu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76240/advancing-soft-tissue-biomaterials-through-immune-responsive-and-anti-fibrotic-surface-design