Biomaterial-mediated Cell Atlas: an insight from single-cell and spatial transcriptomics

Biomaterials serve as bridges between synthetic structures and biological systems, facilitating interactions with bodily tissues and regulating cellular responses. However, the intricate mechanisms governing cell–material interactions within the body are not fully understood. To address these challe...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xiaokun Yang, Mingshu Huang, Huan Chen, Jingtao Dai, Jiahao Chen, Kai Chen, Jiannan Zhou, An Li, Ping Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2025-12-01
Series:Bioactive Materials
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452199X25003470
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Summary:Biomaterials serve as bridges between synthetic structures and biological systems, facilitating interactions with bodily tissues and regulating cellular responses. However, the intricate mechanisms governing cell–material interactions within the body are not fully understood. To address these challenges, single-cell transcriptomics and spatial technologies have emerged as promising tools. This review introduces the concept of the ‘Biomaterial-mediated Cell Atlas’ and summarizes its recent advances in biomaterials research. Building upon the framework of the Human Cell Atlas, it can extend its scope to include biomaterial-mediated cellular responses. The principles and workflows of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics are then presented, emphasizing their potential to reveal cellular diversity and spatial arrangements affecting material–cell interactions. Furthermore, transcriptomics-driven approaches are highlighted for their potential in mapping biomaterial–cell communication pathways, which are essential for elucidating biological mechanisms and guiding material design. Challenges inherent to current methodologies and emerging frontiers in this interdisciplinary field are discussed.
ISSN:2452-199X