Engineering Novel Imaging Technologies for Oncology: From Molecular Design to Preclinical Validation

Advances in bioengineering have driven the development of innovative imaging technologies that enable precise molecular characterization and monitoring of tumors at the preclinical level. Emerging approaches, including engineered molecular imaging probes, nanobiotechnology-based contrast agents, multimodal imaging platforms, and AI-integrated analytical pipelines, are expanding our ability to interrogate tumor biology and therapeutic response with high spatial and molecular resolution. These innovations draw on disciplines including materials science, nanotechnology, biosensor engineering, and computational image analysis. Despite significant progress, key engineering challenges remain in probe design, signal optimization, multimodal data integration, and robust validation in relevant preclinical models. Advancing the engineering foundations of oncology imaging is essential to developing reproducible, high-performance tools that characterize tumor microenvironments, track therapeutic efficacy, and support biomarker discovery.This Research Topic aims to showcase cutting-edge bioengineering approaches to imaging technology development with direct applications in preclinical oncology research. We seek to highlight innovative strategies that integrate molecular probe engineering, nanobiotechnology, AI-driven image analysis, and multimodal imaging platforms to enable comprehensive tumor profiling at cellular and molecular resolution. Contributions may address engineering challenges such as improving spatial and temporal resolution, enhancing probe sensitivity and specificity, developing biomaterial-based contrast and theranostic agents, and building robust computational pipelines for complex imaging datasets. By fostering collaboration between bioengineers, materials scientists, molecular biologists, and imaging specialists, this collection will provide actionable insights into how technology development can advance preclinical oncology research and lay the groundwork for future biomedical application. Ultimately, this Research Topic intends to accelerate the engineering and validation of novel imaging tools that bridge the gap between technological innovation and biomedical discovery.We invite original research, reviews, and perspective articles that explore the engineering and development of innovative imaging technologies with applications in oncology. Themes include, but are not limited to:o Molecular imaging probe design and synthesiso Nanobiotechnology-based contrast and theranostic agentso Multimodal imaging platform developmento AI-assisted image acquisition and analysiso Biosensor-integrated imaging systemso Biofabrication of imaging scaffoldso Imaging–omics data integration pipelinesManuscripts should emphasise engineering principles, preclinical validation, and technological innovation, with clear relevance to biological or biomedical phenomena. Submissions addressing methodological advances in probe engineering, imaging device development, computational imaging tools, and preclinical biomarker identification are strongly encouraged. Authors are welcome to discuss engineering challenges, material design strategies, and emerging technological trends. Topic editors: Yisheng Peng, Hongwei Cheng, Huimeng Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82248/engineering-novel-imaging-technologies-for-oncology-from-molecular-design-to-preclinical-validation