FRONTIERS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

Introduction: What is biomedical engineering?

Biomedical engineering can be described as the ways one can take

science and mathematics to improve health.

Examples of Biomedical Engineering:

 Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is a great example of biomedical
engineering. It uses physical principles – such as how X-rays interact
with the body’s tissues – to create an image of the inside of the
body. This allows us to see things we couldn’t without a device. Over
the years, physicians have become more sophisticated in using
these instruments, learning how to diagnose chest and heart issues
based on these X-rays.
Over the last two decades, our ability to take detailed images of the
inside of the body has become much more advanced. We can now
predict aspects of our internal physiology that were previously
impossible to predict.
 PET Scan: A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan uses
radionuclides injected into the body. These radioactive chemicals
interact with the body and allow us to examine not just anatomy but
also the biochemistry happening inside the body. This technique is
essential for understanding how molecules, such as
neurotransmitters, affect diseases and change in certain disease
states.
 Lung Machine in Surgery: A lung machine used during surgery is
an example of an instrument that helps surgeons and
anesthesiologists keep a patient alive. The machine can take over
the function of a person’s heart and lungs during procedures like a
heart transplant or coronary artery surgery.
 EKG/ECG: An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) does not form an
image but instead uses electrodes placed on the body’s surface to
measure electrical potential. The electricity measured on the body’s
surface reflects internal functions, such as the heartbeat. It’s
possible to record and display this data on a computer. This is
another example of biomedical engineering, where the heart’s
function is monitored through technology. An experienced physician
can diagnose heart conditions based on these readings.
 Cell Culture Technology: An example of biomedical engineering is
the ability to take cells from a person or animal and keep them alive
in culture for extended periods (cell culture technology). By taking
cells from sources like skin or blood, we can keep them alive and
study how human cells work, helping us understand the functioning
of the human organism. This technology allows us to replicate cells
outside the body for research purposes.
 Artificial Skin: Once cells are propagated in culture, they can be
encouraged to form new tissues. For example, scientists can place
 skin cells on a polymer scaffold to create artificial skin, which can be
used to treat people with severe burns.
 Artificial Heart: Another example is the fully implantable artificial
heart, which was successfully implanted in a patient in Kentucky,
who was able to stay alive for a period of time. This is something
researchers have been attempting to achieve for decades. The
science of building artificial organs using synthetic components to
replace the function of natural organs is a significant achievement in
biomedical engineering.
 Gene Chip Technology: Gene chip technology is another
remarkable innovation. Each spot on the chip corresponds to a
specific gene in the human genome. By incubating a small sample
of fluid on the chip, we can observe which genes are expressed and
which are not, based on the pattern of gene expression. This
technology allows scientists to profile genes and understand which
ones are used to make proteins. This can also be used to predict
genetic traits and identify which genes a person carries at specific
points in their life.
 Organ Transplantation and Transportation: Airplanes have
become an essential part of medicine, particularly in organ
transplantation. The only treatment for some diseases is an organ
transplant, but the donor and recipient are often in different
locations. Planes play a crucial role in transporting organs quickly to
prevent them from deteriorating. An important question in
biomedical engineering is whether we can extend the life of an
organ or find ways to avoid transplantation altogether by growing
new organs using cells from the donor.
 Contact Lenses Technology: The technology behind contact
lenses has evolved over the years. Engineers are developing new
materials, using safe, inert substances that can be placed in one of
the most sensitive areas of the body.
 Artificial Hip: Bioengineers have been working on designing
artificial hips for people suffering from hip pain or diseases. There
are many requirements for the design to be successful and to
ensure the artificial hip functions properly for the patient.
 Artificial Heart Valve: The artificial heart valve is another
example. The normal valve performs a complex function, operating
many times a day, and without it, we could not live. Diseases
affecting the valve are not uncommon, and scientists are designing
artificial replacements to restore proper heart function.

What makes engineering different from other disciplines? Scientists design

things by applying scientific knowledge, taking information, and creating
something new. Engineers also create new technologies, but their work
focuses on making these technologies useful and improving the quality of
life.

A short history of biomedical engineering

Engineering became a formal discipline in the mid-1800s, and many
universities began to teach it. Jay Willard Gibbs, in 1863, was awarded the
first Ph.D. in engineering at Yale for his work on how gears function. Gibbs
is considered the father of modern physical chemistry and was one of the
most famous scientists of the 19th century.
From these early beginnings, engineers transformed life in the 20th
century. Innovations like electricity in homes, methods to generate and
transmit it from one point to another, roads, bridges, automobiles, planes,
and computers were all products of engineering advancements.
Human life expectancy increased dramatically in the 20th century. In the
1700s, life expectancy was less than 40 years; today, it is around 80
years. The question is: what made this change possible? The answer lies
in understanding why people died in earlier times. In 1665, 93% of deaths
were caused by infectious diseases. By 1997, this figure had dropped
significantly, with only 4% of deaths attributed to infections.
Why has this shift occurred? Medicine, and specifically drugs, have played
a key role. Biomedical engineers are essential in producing these drugs in
large quantities and making them affordable. For example, penicillin was
made in abundance and made inexpensive enough for widespread use.
Biomedical engineers also contribute to vaccine development.
In 1665, common causes of death included diseases like spotted fever
(measles), the plague, childbirth complications, or old age (often in their
50s). Today, people live much longer lives and die from different causes,
primarily heart disease and cancer, which were not leading causes of
death in earlier centuries.
What accounts for this shift? The environment has changed, and society
has become industrialized, which may explain the rise of diseases like
cancer. In the 1600s, cancer wasn't diagnosed because there were no
advanced diagnostic methods. People live longer now, which increases the
likelihood of developing conditions like cancer. Similarly, heart disease has
become more prevalent due to lifestyle factors, such as obesity and diet,
which were not as significant back then due to different living conditions
and limited diagnostic methods.
In the U.S., the primary causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and
other chronic conditions. However, in other parts of the world, infectious
diseases still present a greater risk. For example, diseases like malaria
continue to be significant threats in some regions, demonstrating that the
problem of infectious disease is not entirely solved.