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 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.