Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the second most common cause of disability worldwide, impacting more than 1.7 billion people. Among many conditions related to MSK, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that does not currently have a permanent cure. Scientists around the globe are facing many challenges in developing appropriate treatments for the regeneration of damaged cartilage.

Though research on biomaterials and stem cells has been progressing well, in order to find a permanent solution, there are many concerns that remain elusive. These challenges include the inconsistency in therapy outcomes due to dedifferentiation of stem cells, immunological-related concerns, lack of biomechanical properties, etc. As such, the development of suitable combination regenerative therapies using stem cells and biomaterials is still being actively researched. Exploring the challenges and advancements in the development of superior stem cell extracellular biomimetic cues for musculoskeletal disorders would certainly clarify where we stand in the journey from bench to bedside.

The main goal of the Special Issue to explore the current approaches of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary teams which include systems for the localized delivery of new therapies to joints and new scaffolds to support the growth and differentiation of stem cells into tissues such as bone, cartilage, and tendon. This Special Issue aims to promote ongoing research in the specific field connecting stem cells and materials, which is promising for next-generation treatment. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Advanced materials for MSK therapy (in vitro, in vivo)
• Stem cells and biomaterials for MSK therapy (in vitro, in vivo)
• Exosome/stem cells and biomaterials for MSK therapy (in vitro, in vivo)
• Cellular physiology of stem cells and biomaterials in MSK therapy (in vitro, in vivo)
• Cell-laden hydrogels for tissue engineering
• 3D bio-printing of biomaterials combined with stem cells, and their importance in MSK therapy
• Clinical studies related to MSK therapy with reference to materials and stem cells