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Hotel Caesar Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
August 2-6, 2004

 

Wolé Soboyejo

Princeton Materials Institute and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, USA

New Frontier in Biomedical Systems: From Bioinspired Design to BioMEMS Structures and Nanotechnology

This paper presents an overview of recent approaches to the development of implantable biomedical systems. Following a brief review state-of-the-art concepts in the field, the paper present two examples of materials and mechanics – inspired approaches to the design of biomedical systems. First, at the macro-scale, the paper examines the bioinspired design of functionally graded dental multilayer that draws inspiration from the dento – enamel – junction in natural teeth. The design of such functionally graded systems is discussed within a mechanics framework. Secondly, at the micro-scale, the paper examines the design of biocompatible interfaces that are relevant to the development of implantable bio – micro – electro – mechanical systems (bioMEMS). In – situ fluorescence microscopy and shear assay techniques are used to study the adhesion of biological cells to bioMEMS surfaces with biocompatible, nano-scale coatings. The paper highlights the surface engineering that is needed for the successful integration of implantable bioMEMS structures (for drug delivery systems and blood flow monitoring systems) into biological systems. Finally, at the nano-scale, functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are presented for the specific early detection of breast and prostate cancer. The nanoparticles are shown to attach specifically to breast and prostate cancer. The challenges and opportunities for future research are also identified.