Advancing Sustainable Biomaterials in 3D and 4D Biofabrication

This Research Topic centers on the dynamic field of biomaterials, highlighting recent advances in the development and application of blue and green biomaterials specifically for 3D and 4D biofabrication. Blue biomaterials, often sourced from marine organisms or inspired by aquatic systems, and green biomaterials, derived from sustainable or renewable resources, are gaining traction as alternative platforms due to their abundance, biocompatibility, and potential for tailored functionalities. Despite the pressing need for eco-friendly and biologically compatible materials in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and device fabrication, comprehensive studies that elucidate the structure-property-function relationships of these emerging materials are still limited. State-of-the-art investigations have demonstrated the capacity of blue and green biomaterials to support cell growth, guide tissue regeneration, and enable controlled degradation; however, gaps remain in optimizing their immunological profiles, scaling up their synthesis, and precisely tuning their physicochemical properties for complex biofabrication processes.This Research Topic aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and innovative strategies in the design, engineering, and functionalization of blue and green biomaterials tailored for 3D and 4D biofabrication. The objective is to showcase studies that deepen our understanding of how these biomaterials interact with biological systems, support physiologically relevant outcomes, and overcome challenges related to immunological response, mechanical integrity, and bioactivity. Key questions to be addressed include: How can these materials be sustainably sourced and manufactured? What modifications or functionalizations enhance their biocompatibility and performance? And how do they enable temporal and dynamic features in biofabrication relevant to next-generation medical and industrial applications?This Research Topic encompasses research dedicated to the preparation, characterization, and application of blue and green biomaterials for 3D and 4D biofabrication, without focusing on unrelated clinical studies, drug discovery, virology, or bibliometrics. Coverage includes, but is not limited to, fundamental and applied investigations of biomaterials’ biological interactions, structure-property relationships, and suitability for device and tissue replacement or regeneration. To gather further insights in this rapidly evolving area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Biocompatibility, immunological, and toxicology evaluation of blue and green biomaterials- Preparation, synthesis, and advanced characterization of sustainable biomaterials for biofabrication- Engineering and surface functionalization of biomaterials for improved integration and biofunctionality- New methods for in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assessment of biomaterials’ performance in 3D and 4D contexts- Biomimetic and bioresponsive materials for controlled biological interaction and functionality- Biomaterials supporting regenerative medicine, tissue and organ replacement, or medical devices- Age and gender differences in biological responses to novel biomaterials- Materials for sensing, imaging, or delivery within biofabricated constructs Topic editors: Giovanni Vozzi, Gianluca Cidonio, ELISA BATONI Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80532/advancing-sustainable-biomaterials-in-3d-and-4d-biofabrication