Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:37
Polarization and Characterization of M1 and M2 Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages on Implant Surfaces
Published on: December 6, 2024
Biomaterial-guided macrophage modulation: Therapeutic engineering of immune microenvironments
Jordan Popov1, Andreas Patsalos2, Hai-Quan Mao3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA.
Trends in Immunology
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Biomaterials can be engineered to control macrophage behavior, impacting immunity and disease. This review explores how biomaterial properties influence macrophages for therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Macrophages are key regulators of immunity, tissue repair, and homeostasis.
- Dysfunctional macrophages contribute to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, impaired healing, and cancer.
- Biomaterials offer a platform to modulate macrophage activity via localized signals and instructive microenvironments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review macrophage-biomaterial interactions.
- To discuss strategies for modulating macrophage phenotype and function using biomaterials.
- To highlight the potential of biomaterial-based macrophage modulation in improving disease outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Examination of how biomaterial properties (surface chemistry, topography, mechanics, porosity, degradation) influence macrophage recruitment and phenotype.
- Discussion of emerging strategies like programmable biomaterials for spatiotemporal control of immune signaling.
- Analysis of design, characterization, and translational challenges for clinical implementation.
Main Results:
- Biomaterial characteristics significantly shape macrophage behavior and function.
- Programmable biomaterials offer advanced control over immune responses.
- Targeted biomaterial strategies hold promise for treating various diseases.
Conclusions:
- Biomaterial design is critical for effective macrophage modulation.
- Overcoming translational challenges is essential for clinical application of macrophage-targeted biomaterials.
- Further research in biomaterial-based immunomodulation can lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
