Nature reviews bioengineering最新文献

{"title":"Mechanomedicine","authors":"Zeyang Liu, Guorui Chen, Min-Seung Jo, Viola Vogel, Jun Chen, John A. Rogers, Song Li","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00391-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00391-6","url":null,"abstract":"Mechanical forces act throughout the body across multiple scales, from organs and tissues to cells and molecules, playing a vital role in maintaining tissue integrity, regulating cellular functions and supporting physiological performance. Importantly, alterations in mechanical forces and properties can be hallmarks of tissue injury and disease, and can thus serve as valuable biomarkers for disease monitoring and diagnostics and can be harnessed to modulate biological processes for therapeutic benefit. This concept, termed mechanomedicine, offers an important strategy in disease diagnosis and therapy. In this Review, we first introduce biomechanics and mechanobiology as the underlying principles of mechanomedicine and outline the properties and measurements of key mechanical signatures in health and disease. We then explore the application of mechanomedicine across scales, from organ-level and tissue-level diagnostics to cellular and molecular mechanotherapeutics, including strategies for tissue regeneration and rehabilitation. Finally, we highlight challenges and opportunities in the clinical translation of mechanomedicine approaches, in particular with regards to the innovation of materials and devices, the manufacturing of cells and organoids, the definition and standardization of mechanical biomarkers, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Mechanical forces are crucial regulators of biological functions in health and disease, offering measurable biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This Review introduces the principles of mechanomedicine and highlights its translational potential across scales, from tissue diagnostics to molecular mechanotherapeutics.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 3","pages":"216-235"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147570402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microrobots for pulmonary drug delivery","authors":"Zhengxing Li, Hao Luan, Zheng Fang, Shichao Ding, Robert Kobrin, Ronnie H. Fang, Liangfang Zhang, Joseph Wang","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00381-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00381-8","url":null,"abstract":"Pulmonary drug delivery offers several advantages over systemic administration, including localized targeting of diseased lung tissue, rapid absorption through the extensive alveolar surface area, and minimized systemic side effects owing to reduced off-target distribution. These benefits make it a promising approach for treating a range of respiratory and systemic conditions. However, mucociliary clearance, immune surveillance and enzymatic degradation pose major challenges to drug retention in the lungs. In this Review, we discuss microrobotic delivery systems for tackling the challenges of pulmonary drug delivery. We first outline key considerations for the design of microrobots for pulmonary delivery, including propulsion systems, targeting, controlled drug release, overcoming of biological barriers, delivery routes and clearance, and we then highlight applications for lung-related conditions. In particular, we outline biohybrid platforms based on green algae and inhalable platforms for the treatment of pneumonia and lung metastasis. Finally, we examine the engineering of microrobotic swarms and survey future opportunities and milestones for microrobotic pulmonary delivery. Delivering drugs directly to the lungs enables targeted treatment and long-term drug retention, while minimizing systemic side effects. This Review explores the design of microrobotic platforms engineered for pulmonary drug delivery.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 4","pages":"319-335"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147686410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artefacts in continuous neuromonitoring","authors":"Xuhang Chen, Stefan Yu Bögli, Ihsane Olakorede, Wenhao Xu, Erta Beqiri, Chenyu Tang, Luigi Giuseppe Occhipinti, Shuo Gao, Peter Smielewski","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00378-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00378-3","url":null,"abstract":"Continuous neuromonitoring is essential in neurocritical care units, providing real-time insights into dynamic cerebral physiology for patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke and neurotrauma. Multiple modalities such as intracranial pressure, arterial blood pressure and near-infrared spectroscopy enable high-resolution dynamic tracking of cerebral perfusion pressure, and related variables critical for life-saving decisions. However, inherent, commonly unavoidable artefacts obscure insights into patient states and complicate treatment decisions. In this Review, we explore primary sources of artefacts in continuous neuromonitoring modalities, including clinical procedure activities, patient-related physiology, technical equipment properties and environmental factors, and their impacts on data integrity and clinical implications. We discuss emerging artefact management strategies, including domain knowledge and data-driven methods to mitigate impact and enhance data reliability. Additionally, we identify key translational challenges, indications for neurosensor design, harmonization and future artificial intelligence pathways, highlighting the need for robust, automated, real-time artefact management to enable precise, individualized patient care. Continuous neuromonitoring is vital for guiding neurocritical care, yet artefacts frequently obscure cerebral physiological signals and hinder clinical decisions. In this Review, sources of artefacts and their clinical impact are examined, alongside emerging strategies — both knowledge-based and data-driven — for artefact mitigation, sensor design and artificial intelligence-enabled real-time monitoring in precision neurocare.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 4","pages":"371-385"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147686415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular engineering of cellulose and its applications","authors":"Lin Xu, Yimin Mao, Liangbing Hu","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00377-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00377-4","url":null,"abstract":"Cellulose is an abundant biopolymer found in plant cell walls, in which it provides structural support to maintain cell integrity. During biosynthesis, aligned cellulose chains aggregate and form crystals — with a cellobiose unit repeatedly packed in 3D — which can be engineered at the molecular level to achieve functionalities such as ion conductance and thermal transport. For example, swelling the cellulose chains in an alkaline environment and coordinating them with transition metal ions, such as Cu2+, can be used to create porous cellulose materials with directional ion transport and antimicrobial properties called nanochannels. In this Review, we explore how molecular engineering of the cellulose crystal structure can be utilized to impart new functionality and expanded applications, such as thermoelectric materials for low-grade heat harvesting, ion conductors for aqueous applications, solid-state battery electrolytes and antimicrobial textiles. Additionally, we discuss how this design principle can be leveraged in other natural materials, such as chitin derived from fishery by-products. Overall, molecular engineering, closely related to the top-down processing method, can serve as a potential approach to convert biomass into value-added products. Cellulose crystals can be engineered at the molecular level, creating porous structures consisting of aligned, functionalized nanochannels. This approach enables the development of advanced materials with directional ion transport and antimicrobial properties for applications such as thermoelectric devices, solid-state batteries and long-lasting antimicrobial textiles.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 6","pages":"490-502"},"PeriodicalIF":42.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148262026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomaterials with droplet microfluidics","authors":"Yangteng Ou \u0000 (, ), Zexiang Han \u0000 (, ), Shenglin Cai \u0000 (, ), Jan R. Heck, Zenon Toprakcioglu, Ziyi Yu \u0000 (, ), David A. Weitz, Tuomas P. J. Knowles","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00389-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00389-0","url":null,"abstract":"Generating biomaterials with controlled structure, morphology and physicochemical properties is a key enabler of modern bioengineering, with applications in areas ranging from tissue engineering to drug delivery. In this context, microgels — hydrogel particles with characteristic dimensions in the micrometre range — have become a foundational, modular and versatile platform for building biomaterials. Their design can be tailored across multiple length scales, integrating a range of scientific and engineering principles. In this Review, we focus on the power of droplet microfluidics to make materials drop by drop, and how this allows us to control and tailor the properties of microgels. We outline the basic principles of droplet microfluidics-enabled microgel fabrication and explore microfluidic strategies for the production of microgels and modulation of their physicochemical properties, extending beyond simple isotropic designs. We then review their applications, distinguishing between single microgels and their assemblies. We highlight how microgel features, such as size, porosity and modularity, enable unique opportunities in analytical chemistry, cell culture and drug delivery applications. Collective assemblies of microgels into jammed scaffolds are also discussed in the context of tissue engineering and biofabrication. Finally, we discuss current limitations in microgel fabrication and characterization, and outline emerging directions for future research in the field. Droplet microfluidics enables the precise fabrication of microgels, which are microscale hydrogel particles that serve as modular building blocks for biomaterials. This Review outlines principles of microfluidic microgel production, strategies for tailoring structure and functionality, and applications spanning drug delivery, cell culture and tissue engineering, while highlighting current challenges and future directions.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 4","pages":"353-370"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147686414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SoilTech innovations for sustainable soil and food security","authors":"Samuele Risoli, Francesca Turetta, Matteo Leonardi, Andrea Serfati, Giacomo Lorenzini, Enrico Costanzo","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00399-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00399-y","url":null,"abstract":"Climate change and geopolitical uncertainties require proactive measures to ensure food security and human resilience, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices and soil preservation. We explore innovative solutions to preserve, improve and restore soil health and highlight how they can address global soil degradation and ensure sustainable food production.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 2","pages":"110-111"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance metrics for implantable artificial muscles","authors":"Martin Garrad, Ross Burdis, Marcus Drake, Avril D. McCarthy, Jonathan Rossiter","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00400-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00400-8","url":null,"abstract":"Ageing, disease and trauma can lead to impaired muscle function, which could be restored by implantable artificial muscles. Here we outline key performance metrics required for soft artificial muscles to restore function in stress urinary incontinence and to enable sit-to-stand transfer.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 2","pages":"104-106"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated hydrogel microneedle aptamer sensor for wearable insulin monitoring","authors":"Mayank Garg, Stephen Chupil, Jonathan L’Heureux-Hache, Rayhan A. Lal, Mahla Poudineh, Leyla Soleymani","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00394-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00394-3","url":null,"abstract":"Wearable biosensors can continuously monitor disease biomarkers, therapeutic drugs and health-related analytes to provide real-time diagnostic insights. The wearable biosensor Aptalyzer integrates hydrogel microneedles and an electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor to assess biomarkers in the skin interstitial fluid.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 2","pages":"107-109"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146127705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioengineering goes environmental","authors":"","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00395-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00395-2","url":null,"abstract":"Biomedical engineering innovations are being reimagined to address climate and environmental challenges, from food safety and crop engineering to plastic degradation and soil remediation.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"3 12","pages":"993-993"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s44222-025-00395-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145706658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interaction-driven classification of hyaluronic acid products","authors":"Ryan Granché, Kavita Parekh, Ehsan Farjood, Sydney Shriver, Richard McFarland, Howard Ying, Manasi Kumar, Pranav Addepalli, George J. Christ, Kevin E. Healy","doi":"10.1038/s44222-025-00376-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44222-025-00376-5","url":null,"abstract":"Hyaluronic acid (HyA), also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate in its salt form, is a linear glycosaminoglycan biopolymer that has been used in therapeutics and biomaterials engineering owing to its abundant distribution in biological tissues and diverse roles in biological processes. The well-established biocompatibility of HyA has facilitated its adoption in numerous medical devices, particularly in reconstructive surgery and tissue regeneration applications. The interactions of HyA with cells and their respective surface receptors across tissues throughout the body mediate the effects of the former in the context of development, wound healing, tissue repair and regeneration. In this Review, we address the impact of HyA on tissue regeneration and discuss muscle injuries as an example in which strategies for HyA-based products could enhance muscle’s intrinsic regenerative capabilities. Finally, we consider the evolving regulatory oversight of HyA-based products by the Food and Drug Administration in the context of the roles of HyA in biological processes to understand these products’ putative modes of action. Deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of HyA in the body can inform the regulatory classification of future HyA-based products. This Review explores the multifunctional roles of hyaluronic acid in wound healing, tissue repair and regeneration, with a focus on medical product development. By linking hyaluronic acid’s molecular interactions with regulatory classification(s), this report provides a conceptual framework for optimizing and evaluating future indications, including hyaluronic acid’s potential for treatment of traumatic skeletal muscle injuries.","PeriodicalId":74248,"journal":{"name":"Nature reviews bioengineering","volume":"4 3","pages":"269-286"},"PeriodicalIF":37.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147570400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}