Single-Cell and Spatial Omics–Driven Bioengineering Strategies for Cancer Diagnosis, Therapeutics, and Microenvironment Modulation

Recent advances in single-cell sequencing and spatial multi-omics have transformed our ability to resolve tumor ecosystems at unprecedented resolution. These technologies illuminate the heterogeneity of cancer cells, dynamic interactions with stromal and immune compartments, and microenvironmental cues that regulate tumor progression and therapeutic response. At the same time, bioengineering and biotechnology innovations, ranging from biomaterials and biosensors to organoid and organ-on-chip systems, are increasingly integrated with high-resolution omics to model cancer biology with improved physiological relevance. Bridging these fields creates powerful opportunities to accelerate the development of next-generation diagnostics, targeted therapies, and engineered microenvironments. This Research Topic aims to gather cutting-edge studies that leverage single-cell or spatial omics to drive progress in translational bioengineering for cancer.The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight how single-cell and spatial omics can be strategically integrated with bioengineering approaches to address key bottlenecks in tumor biology and therapeutic development. Although high-dimensional omics data have revealed fundamental principles of tumor heterogeneity, many challenges remain in translating these discoveries into functional biological insights and real-world applications. Recent progress, including multi-omics-guided biomaterial design, organoid systems that recapitulate spatial architecture, engineered immune-cell therapies informed by single-cell profiling, and biosensors capable of detecting cell-state transitions, suggests a rapidly expanding interface between omics technologies and bioengineering innovation.We invite studies that generate mechanistic understanding, engineer new diagnostic or therapeutic solutions, or develop validated models that capture the complexity of tumor tissues. By bringing together contributions across cancer bioengineering, the collection aims to accelerate translational pipelines, support SDG 3 (health and well-being), and promote technologies capable of improving patient outcomes.This Research Topic welcomes experimental, methodological, and translational bioengineering studies that incorporate single-cell or spatial omics to advance biological diagnostics, therapeutic design, biomaterials, engineered tissues, or microenvironmental modulation in cancer. Suitable themes include, but are not limited to:• Omics-informed biomaterials, drug-delivery systems, or nanobiotechnology• Organoids, tumor-on-chip, or 3D biofabricated systems guided by spatial architecture• Biosensors or molecular diagnostics derived from single-cell features• Engineering cell therapies or synthetic biology tools based on cell-state mapping• Mechanistic studies linking omics-level heterogeneity to functional validationWe welcome Original Research, Methods, Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Technology and Code papers. Manuscripts must include biological or bioengineering validation and should not be solely computational or clinical in nature, in accordance with journal guidelines. Topic editors: Petar Ozretić, Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Sudipto Datta Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78977/single-cell-and-spatial-omics-driven-bioengineering-strategies-for-cancer-diagnosis-therapeutics-and-microenvironment-modulation