Bioengineering Consortium (BEC)
Honed by billions of years of evolution, the molecular mechanisms driving the processes of life are highly complex yet resistant to perturbations. Studying these mechanisms with engineering principles in mind, scientists can learn from the intricate mechanisms nature has evolved to perform the most complicated and challenging tasks involved in "running an organism." This research generates fundamentally new concepts and understanding, from the molecular and cellular level up to tissues and organ systems. Another important task for bioengineers is to find out how biomolecules and biological materials can be used to fabricate microsystems for biological, technical and medical applications.
The insights gained from biology teaming up with engineering help develop innovative materials and devices such as implants and tissue substitutes, as well as new processes and informatics approaches. Promising applications lie in medicine, engineering, agriculture and the environmental sciences.
BEC Subareas:
- Bio-Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (BioMEMS) Initiative
- Medical Device Design and Engineering Laboratory
- Medical Imaging Consortium
- nanoBiomolecular Engineering, Sciences and Technology (nBEST) Program
- Regenerative Medicine Program
Faculty participating in the Bioengineering Consortium
Bio-Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (BioMEMS) Initiative
Combining biotechnology and nanotechnology, BioMEMS fabricates microsystems for biological applications, involving molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins), cells and more complex systems such as the human body and even the environment. These technologies are more efficient than existing methods because they enhance performance at a lower cost and introduce new capabilities. BioMEMS devices are designed for research purposes and clinical applications, e.g. monitoring, diagnostics, therapeutics and drug discovery.
Back to topMedical Device Design and Engineering Laboratory
Clinicians, industrial designers and scientists are working together to develop and make prototype medical device technologies. Using specialized testing models, devices and biomaterials are evaluated in pilot projects and preclinical studies.
Back to topMedical Imaging Consortium
Engineers, optical scientists, biologists and clinicians collaborate to develop novel imaging techniques to improve healthcare. They use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based and light-based technologies to improve clinical imaging in non-invasive diagnosis. With these techniques, they can visualize tissues in terms of structure and functional state. Together with new optical contrast agents being developed, the improved imaging techniques give more sensitive results, thus allowing the detection of diseases earlier, more precisely and non-invasively.
Back to topnanoBiomolecular Engineering, Sciences and Technology (nBEST) Program
This program seeks ways to use biomolecules to design and manufacture technical applications. Interdisciplinary nanotechnology scientists are being trained to develop nanoscale technology platforms for future applications in information technology and biotech.
Back to topRegenerative Medicine Program
In orthopedic and reconstructive medicine, there is a strong demand for innovative therapeutic strategies to replace damaged tissues, including diseased organs. The Regenerative Medicine Program explores new ways to stimulate tissue regeneration and to design and fabricate tissue and blood vessel substitutes. Studies focus on natural and artificial materials, mechanisms of vessel formation and the behavior of adult stem cells in tissue constructs.
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