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elastomers (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane) or thermosensitive reflect both the rapid evolution and expanding scope of
polymers (e.g., poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) can guide organoid science.
directional growth of vascular networks. Conductive We begin with “Organoid research breakthroughs in
polymers (e.g., polypyrrole, melanin-based materials) are 2024: A review,” which offers a comprehensive overview of
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also being explored to replicate electrical signaling in neural the field’s most recent advances, spanning disease modeling,
organoids and being used in other alternative approaches. bioengineering innovations, and clinical translation. In the
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Researchers highlight that the present focus lies in coupling realm of disease modeling, “Parkinson’s disease in a dish:
the physicochemical properties of different types of The emerging role of organoids in research and therapy”
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materials with biological functions, such as cell adhesion illustrates how brain organoids are enabling mechanistic
and metabolic regulation, to achieve “functionalized” insights into neurodegeneration and offering platforms
organoids. for drug discovery. Complementing this, “Generation of

4. Future directions: Smart, multifunctional vascularized brain organoids: Technology, applications,
and prospects” explores the challenges and progress in
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materials and integrated systems engineering vascular networks within cerebral organoids,
Looking ahead, intelligent biomaterials and functional a key step toward physiologically relevant neural models.
integration will drive the next leap in organoid technology. Cancer research also takes center stage in “Application
Stimuli-responsive materials (e.g., pH-sensitive, of cancer organoids: The forefront of personalized
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temperature or enzymatic sensible hydrogels, light- oncology and pre-clinical testing,” where patient-derived
degradable polymers, and others) could enable tumor organoids are showcased as powerful tools for
spatiotemporal control over organoid development. individualized therapy selection and drug screening.
Meanwhile, nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots, carbon Expanding the organoid paradigm into musculoskeletal
nanotubes, natural nanoparticles) may equip organoids repair, “A trabeculae-like biomimetic bone-filling material
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with real-time monitoring or drug-delivery capabilities. as a potential organoid for bone defect treatment”
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For instance, embedding magnetic nanoparticles into proposes a novel strategy for bone regeneration, blurring
scaffolds could allow precise morphogenesis manipulation the lines between bioactive scaffolds and organoid systems.
through external fields. Cutting-edge innovations include Finally, “Organoids: Applications and challenges of
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DNA origami-based molecular scaffolds and microfluidic- advanced hydrogels in tissue systems” provides a materials
organoid chip systems that synergize biomaterials with fluid science perspective, emphasizing the role of hydrogels in
dynamics. Several other biomaterials experts predict mimicking the native extracellular matrix and supporting
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that within the next decade, tailor-made multifunctional organoid development across diverse tissues.
materials will overcome present complexity barriers, Together, these contributions highlight the
empowering organoids to advance personalized medicine interdisciplinary nature of organoid research and
and organ replacement therapies. underscore the vital role of biomaterials in shaping its
future.
5. Addressing translational barriers:
Standardization and clinical readiness Conflict of interest
Despite the versatility of biomaterials, challenges persist The author declares no conflict of interest.
in standardization and clinical translation. Challenges
to achieving long-term biosafety of synthetic or natural References
biomaterials, matching degradation rates to tissue 1. Li M, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Organoids - preclinical models of
regeneration timelines, and ensuring cost-effective human disease. N Engl J Med. 2019;380:569-579.
scalability demand urgent solutions. To address these doi: 10.1056/nejmra1806175
issues, the global biomaterials community is advocating
for unified characterization protocols and performance 2. Gaharwar AK, Singh I, Khademhosseini A. Engineered
biomaterials for in situ tissue regeneration. Nat Rev Mater.
benchmarks. Collaborative efforts with clinicians are also 2020;5:686-705.
intensifying to ensure material designs align with real-
world medical needs. doi: 10.1038/s41578-020-0209-x
Organoid research is dedicated to highlighting 3. Chaudhuri O, Cooper-White J, Janmey PA, Mooney DJ,
pioneering research at the biomaterial-organoid interface, Shenoy VB. Effects of extracellular matrix viscoelasticity on
cellular behaviour. Nature. 2020;584:535-546.
fostering a global dialogue that will propel the next
generation of biomedical breakthroughs. In this issue, we doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-2612-2
feature a collection of timely and innovative articles that 4. Corsini NS, Knoblich JA. Human organoids: New strategies

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/OR025210018