Call for Papers: Polymers in Biotechnology

Through the examination of molecular‑scale interactions, self‑assembly behavior, polymer-cell interfaces and how these give rise to functional properties, researchers can make targeted advances in therapeutic delivery, tissue regeneration, and the design of biointeractive materials. This Special Issue from Bioconjugate Chemistry and Biomacromolecules unites the fundamental physics of natural and synthetic biopolymers with their high-impact applications in biotechnology.

This Special Issue reflects the full scientific scope highlighted in the APS DPOLY 2026 Short Course, which covers biopolymer physics, polymer‑based drug delivery, biomimetic systems, and novel bio‑derived materials: polymer science through the lens of biotechnology. These demonstrate how mechanistic understanding drives translational innovation at the polymer-biology interface.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Fundamental physics of biopolymers and self-assembly
  • Macromolecular structure, chain dynamics, and emergent conformational behavior
  • Multiscale simulation for predictive material design
  • AI/ML studies on biopolymer characterization
  • Programmable self-assembling systems
• Bio-inspired and biomimetic polymeric materials
  • Design of polymers & polymer conjugates
  • Extracellular matrix mimicry
  • Supramolecular assembly
  • Bioactive coatings for next-generation medical devices
• Polymeric (bio)materials for applications in tissue engineering
  • Tissue scaffolds
  • Hydrogels and networked biomaterials
  • Biocompatible architectures and bio-responsive polymers
  • 3D-printed or modular tissue-engineering biomaterials
• Polymers for drug delivery of small molecules and biomolecules
  • Controlled release
  • Targeted delivery
  • Sequential-release delivery systems
  • Polymeric nanoarchitectures

Organizing Editors

Prof. Allie Obermeyer, Topic Editor, Bioconjugate Chemistry
Columbia University, United States

Prof. Alex Marras, Guest Editor
University of Texas at Austin, United States

Submission Information

We welcome submissions for this Special Issue through October 31, 2026. Authors are encouraged to adhere to FAIR Data Principles when submitting their work.

Bioconjugate Chemistry will consider submissions of Research Articles, Communications, and Reviews. Author guidelines for Bioconjugate Chemistry can be found here.

Biomacromolecules will consider submissions of Research Articles, and proposals for Perspective articles. Proposals should be submitted through the relevant form, for pre-submission review by the Associate Editors. Author guidelines for Biomacromolecules can be found here.

Manuscripts submitted for consideration will undergo the full rigorous peer review process expected from ACS journals. Articles accepted for publication for this Special Issue will be available ASAP (as soon as publishable) online. After all submissions have been published, they will then be compiled online on a dedicated landing page to form the Special Issue.

How to Submit

• Log in to the ACS Publishing Center.
• Select the "Journals" tab.
• Choose Bioconjugate Chemistry or Biomacromolecules.
• Click "Submit."
• Select your manuscript type, and, under "Special Issue Selection," choose “Polymers in Biotechnology."
• Reminder: Proposals for Perspectives in Biomacromolecules should be sent prior to submission through the relevant form.