Innovative Molecular Strategies in Biomedical Research and Therapeutics: Harnessing Peptides, Bioprinting and Nanotechnology

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to highlight the rapid advances in molecular sciences and biotechnology that have opened new avenues for biomedical research and therapeutics. We emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the current challenges in this field and the groundbreaking potential of innovative methods to tackle these complex problems.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Bioprinting on organ-on-chip development and applications: We invite research that explores the integration of bioprinting technologies with organ-on-chip systems. The focus is on how these innovative platforms can mimic human physiology for applications in drug testing, disease modeling and personalized medicine.
2. Development of novel cancer therapies from snake venom: Contributions are invited for research into peptides and proteins from snake venom as potential cancer therapies. Submissions should include studies on their mechanisms of action, specificity and efficacy in preclinical models.
3. Bioprinting of 3D in vitro skeletal muscle models: We are seeking papers on the use of bioprinting to produce three-dimensional skeletal muscle models. These models are crucial for the study of muscle physiology and disease, and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
4. Production of toxic peptides and peptide expression: Contributions are sought on the production and expression of toxic peptides, with a focus on new methods for their synthesis, characterization and potential applications in biomedicine.
5. Nanoparticles functionalized with toxins: Research on the functionalization of nanoparticles with toxin-derived peptides or proteins for targeted drug delivery, imaging and therapy. Submissions should focus on the design, synthesis and biomedical applications of these nanoparticles.
6. An update on protein and peptide drug delivery strategies: We solicit reviews and original research articles on the latest protein and peptide drug delivery strategies. Topics of interest include advances in delivery systems, formulation techniques and overcoming biological barriers.
7. Peptides and peptide-based biomaterials: Papers are sought on the development and application of peptide-based biomaterials in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and drug delivery. The contributions should highlight their biocompatibility, bioactivity and functionalization.
8. Self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels: Submissions on the design and application of self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels are encouraged. These hydrogels are used as scaffolds for tissue engineering, as controlled release drug delivery systems and as matrices for 3D cell culture.

The integration of bioinformatics tools and methods is critical to achieving the goals of this special issue. By looking at complex biomedical challenges through the lens of bioinformatics, we can improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms, increase the precision of bioprinting techniques and facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic strategies. This Special Issue aims to not only present cutting-edge research, but also stimulate further interdisciplinary collaboration in the search for innovative solutions in biomedical research and therapy.

Dr. Rui Vitorino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• bioprinting
• organ-on-chip
• venom-derived therapeutics
• 3D in vitro models
• skeletal muscle models
• toxic peptides
• peptide expression
• nanoparticles in medicine
• protein and peptide drug delivery
• peptide-based biomaterials
• self-assembled hydrogels
• molecular therapeutics
• nanotechnology in drug delivery
• regenerative medicine
• tissue engineering