Hydrogel biomaterials have emerged as pivotal components in organ medicine, owing to their unique physicochemical properties that closely replicate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Their inherent biocompatibility, high water content, and tunable mechanical features allow hydrogels to serve as versatile platforms for organ-specific regenerative medicine. As organ failure and tissue degeneration continue to represent significant medical challenges worldwide, the role of hydrogels as advanced biomaterials in therapeutic strategies is becoming increasingly indispensable. Therefore, this special issue aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the latest innovations and breakthroughs in hydrogel biomaterials tailored for organ medicine. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the design and functionalization of hydrogels to meet the specific requirements of different organs, leading to unprecedented advances in organ repair, replacement, and regenerative therapies. The adaptability of hydrogels has enabled the development of organ-targeted solutions with functionalities that can address complex pathophysiological conditions. For example, conductive hydrogels are being used in cardiac tissue engineering to enhance electrical signal transmission, thereby improving cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Similarly, bioactive hydrogels with liver-mimetic biochemical cues have shown promising results in promoting hepatocyte function and facilitating liver regeneration. The versatility of hydrogels extends to neural tissue engineering, where hydrogels designed with specific mechanical and biochemical properties have been utilized to support neural growth and synaptic connectivity, highlighting their potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the integration of responsive elements into hydrogel systems has led to the development of "smart" hydrogels capable of responding to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, light, or electric fields. These stimuli-responsive hydrogels have significant implications for precision medicine, particularly for delivering drugs or growth factors in a controlled manner, which is critical for organ-specific applications. Advances in 3D bioprinting have further expanded the utility of hydrogels, enabling the fabrication of complex patient-specific tissue constructs that can mimic the intricate architecture of native organs. Such technologies not only have improved the fidelity of engineered tissues but have also brought the field closer to the realization of fully functional organ substitutes. This special issue, Advanced Hydrogel Biomaterials in Organ Medicine, seeks to gather cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of hydrogel technology to address the multifaceted challenges of organ medicine. We welcome contributions that dive into the synthesis of novel hydrogel formulations, the exploration of new fabrication techniques, and the development of organ-specific design strategies that enhance clinical outcomes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, advanced hydrogel chemistries, dynamic and stimuli-responsive hydrogels, 3D bioprinting and biofabrication of hydrogel-based tissues, and translational studies that bridge preclinical research to clinical applications. Through the compilation of a comprehensive collection of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives, this special issue aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform that highlights both the depth and breadth of research on hydrogel biomaterials in organ medicine. We hope to foster a deeper understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, inspire collaborative efforts between disciplines, and ultimately contribute to the development of transformative therapies that can address the unmet needs in organ medicine.

Topics for this call for papers include but are not restricted to:

• Design and Synthesis of Organ-Specific Hydrogels for Targeted Regenerative Therapies.
• Advanced fabrication techniques for hydrogel-based tissue engineering, including 3D bioprinting
• Development of conductive hydrogels for cardiac tissue repair and regeneration
• Stimuli-responsive hydrogels for controlled drug delivery and precision medicine
• Bioactive hydrogels for liver tissue engineering and hepatocyte function enhancement.
• Hydrogels for neural tissue engineering and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
• Smart hydrogels for on-demand therapeutic interventions in organ medicine
• Translational studies on hydrogel biomaterials from preclinical research to clinical applications
• Biocompatibility and immunomodulatory properties of hydrogels in organ regeneration
• Hydrogel-based biofabrication of complex, patient-specific organ constructs

Guest Editor:

Dr. Heyuan Huang
Northwestern Polytechnical University
China

Submission Guidelines/Instructions

Please refer to the Author Guidelines to prepare your manuscript. When submitting your manuscript, please answer the question: "Is this submission for a special issue?" by selecting the special issue title from the drop-down list.