Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of Alginate-Based Biomaterials

Alginate-based biomaterials have emerged as a pivotal area of research in bioengineering due to their remarkable biocompatibility, abundance, and versatility. Traditionally extracted from brown seaweed and bacteria or synthesized commercially through marine algae, alginate’s physicochemical properties, such as low toxicity, easy processing, and low cost, have enabled extensive innovation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Alginate materials have been successfully processed into diverse forms, including hydrogels, fibers, and microspheres, supporting advancements in drug delivery and cell encapsulation. Furthermore, products such as Kaltostat®, Askina® Calgitrol® Ag, and Emdogain® exemplify the material’s clinical translation and regulatory approval. Despite this progress, considerable challenges remain, particularly concerning material reproducibility, cell interaction, mechanical robustness, and degradation behavior.This Research Topic aims to showcase and stimulate research focused on advancing the fundamental science and practical translation of alginate-based biomaterials. Central goals include elucidating how chemical modifications and innovative processing strategies can overcome limitations like poor cell adhesion and mechanical weakness, as well as developing sustainable and scalable sourcing techniques. Specific objectives are to highlight next-generation alginate chemistries, improve biomanufacturing consistency, and enhance the clinical utility of alginate systems in soft tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and immunomodulation. We encourage submissions that not only fill current gaps in knowledge but also propose fresh concepts to expand the biomedical applications of alginate-based biomaterials.To gather further insights in alginate-based biomaterial innovation and application, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Fundamental advances in alginate science, including next-generation alginate chemistries, structure–function relationships, and sustainable sourcing methods• Physical and chemical modifications to alginate that enhance downstream processing, and strategies to improve the mechanical properties of alginate-based materials• Innovations in 3D bioprinting of alginate bioinks, hybrid alginate composites, and alginate-based scaffold design for tissue engineering• Development of stimuli-responsive alginate drug delivery systems, immunomodulatory platforms, and microencapsulation technologies• Microfluidic production of alginate microgels for cell encapsulation and generation of cell factories• Improving biocompatibility and immune evasion using surface coatings and anti-fibrotic strategies• Advances in manufacturing approaches to fabricate aerogels, cryogels, and injectable alginate systems Topic editors: Chandra Kothapalli, Prabaha Sikder, Yangjun Chen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79469/recent-advances-and-future-perspectives-of-alginate-based-biomaterials