Polymer based biomaterials are increasingly recognized as essential drivers of next generation biomedical technologies thanks to their versatility, tunable physicochemical properties, and unmatched ability to modulate complex biological environments [1]. Across a wide spectrum of pathological conditions including bone degeneration, cancer, chronic inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders, advanced polymeric systems provide powerful tools for controlling cell behavior, guiding tissue regeneration, and enabling precise delivery and detection of therapeutic signals [2,3]. Chitosan based 3D scaffolds exemplify how polysaccharide polymers can simultaneously regulate inflammatory cascades and promote osteogenesis. In the context of neuroregeneration, eumelanin decorated Poly-l-Lactic Acid (PLLA) microfibers highlight how polymeric architectures can direct cellular fate. Their aligned structure and surface chemistry support neuronal‑like differentiation, and reduce microglia‑mediated oxidative and inflammatory stress. Building on this concept, an advanced PLLA/H‑AGMA20 composite hydrogel highlights the potential of polymer‑based systems in neuroregeneration by promoting neuronal differentiation and providing strong neuroprotective effects through inflammatory pathway modulation. The present work extends the application of polymeric systems to neurodegenerative therapeutics including Hyaluronic acid-tyramine (HA‑Tyr) hydrogels as intranasal carriers for natural extracts, aiming to enhance nose‑to‑brain delivery in Parkinson’s disease. The hydrogels provided strong neuroprotective activity reducing oxidative stress and modulating key neurodegenerative pathways. Another polymer‑based strategy involves integrating electrospun PLLA fibers with 3D printed Methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) to create an innervated 3D skin model colonized with patient‑derived fibroblasts for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. The platform detected key pyroptosis‑related biomarkers, reflecting disease severity in slow and fast ALS progressors. This approach shows how electrospun and 3D printed polymers can model neurodegenerative inflammation, aid biomarker discovery, and support minimally invasive diagnostic strategies. In oncology, polymer-assisted delivery systems unlock innovative therapeutic strategies. A Smart Injectable Hydrogel composed of chitosan and pluronic polymers (SIHD-Ka) encapsulates and releases a potassium channel activator NS1643 in sustained manner. This polymeric platform markedly suppresses tumor growth in a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) model without inducing adverse effects and enabling precise modulation of tumor bioelectricity and introduce a safer, localized anticancer treatment. Together, these studies show that polymers function as versatile, design‑driven platforms capable of directing cell behavior, modulating inflammation, regenerating tissues, enabling targeted drug delivery, and supporting advanced diagnostics. Their adaptability, biocompatibility, and tunable structures make polymer‑based biomaterials essential for future tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and disease‑targeted therapies.

References

1- S. Treccani, I. Bonadies, P. Ferruti, J. Alongi, E. Scarpa, P. Laurienzo, M.G. Raucci, I. Fasolino, E. Ranucc. Biomater Adv. 2025, 177, 214415.

2- E. Scarpa, U. D'Amora, N. De Cesare, I. Bonadies, R. Dubbioso, M. Nolano, P. Dardano, L. De Stefano L, A. Fasolino A, S. Zeppetelli, A. Silvestri, C. Zanardi, E. Milella, I. Fasolino ACS App.l Mate.r Interfaces. 2026, 18, 14603.

3- D. Delisi, U. D'Amora, E. Scarpa, F. Sodano, M.E. Schiano, N. Pinheiro, M. Engevik, S. Gentile, I. Fasolino. ACS Appl Mater. Interfaces. 2025, 17, 38947.