Soft Matter for Biomedical Applications


Book Description

Dynamic soft materials that have the ability to expand and contract, change stiffness, self-heal or dissolve in response to environmental changes, are of great interest in applications ranging from biosensing and drug delivery to soft robotics and tissue engineering. This book covers the state-of-the-art and current trends in the very active and exciting field of bioinspired soft matter, its fundamentals and comprehension from the structural-property point of view, as well as materials and cutting-edge technologies that enable their design, fabrication, advanced characterization and underpin their biomedical applications. The book contents are supported by illustrated examples, schemes, and figures, offering a comprehensive and thorough overview of key aspects of soft matter. The book will provide a trusted resource for undergraduate and graduate students and will extensively benefit researchers and professionals working across the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science and engineering, nanosciences, nanotechnologies, nanomedicine, biomedical engineering and medical sciences.




Tumor Organoids


Book Description

Cancer cell biology research in general, and anti-cancer drug development specifically, still relies on standard cell culture techniques that place the cells in an unnatural environment. As a consequence, growing tumor cells in plastic dishes places a selective pressure that substantially alters their original molecular and phenotypic properties.The emerging field of regenerative medicine has developed bioengineered tissue platforms that can better mimic the structure and cellular heterogeneity of in vivo tissue, and are suitable for tumor bioengineering research. Microengineering technologies have resulted in advanced methods for creating and culturing 3-D human tissue. By encapsulating the respective cell type or combining several cell types to form tissues, these model organs can be viable for longer periods of time and are cultured to develop functional properties similar to native tissues. This approach recapitulates the dynamic role of cell–cell, cell–ECM, and mechanical interactions inside the tumor. Further incorporation of cells representative of the tumor stroma, such as endothelial cells (EC) and tumor fibroblasts, can mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment. Collectively, bioengineered tumors create an important resource for the in vitro study of tumor growth in 3D including tumor biomechanics and the effects of anti-cancer drugs on 3D tumor tissue. These technologies have the potential to overcome current limitations to genetic and histological tumor classification and development of personalized therapies.




Organ Manufacturing


Book Description

This is the first time that human organs, such as the heart, liver, kidney, stomach, uterus, skin, lung, pancreas and breast can be manufactured automatically and precisely for clinical transplantation, drug screening and metabolism model establishment. Headed by Professor Xiaohong Wang (also the founder and director) in the Center of Organ Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, this group has focused on organ manufacturing for over ten years. A series of technical bottleneck problems, such as vascular and nerve system establishment in a construct, multiple cell types and material system incorporation, and stem cell sequential engagement, have been overcome one by one. Two technical approaches have been exploited extensively. One is multiple nozzle rapid prototyping (RP), additive manufacturing (AM), or three-dimension (3D) printing. The other is combined mold systems. More than 110 articles and 40 patents with a series of theories and practices have been published consequently. In the future, all the failed organs (including the brain) in the human body can be substituted easily like a small accessory part in a car. Everyone can get benefit from these techniques, which ultimately means that the lifespan of humans, therefore, can be greatly prolonged from this time point. This book examines the progress made in the field and the developments made by these researchers (and authors) in the field.




3D Bioprinting in Medicine


Book Description

This book provides current and emerging developments in bioprinting with respect to bioprinting technologies, bioinks, applications, and regulatory pathways. Topics covered include 3D bioprinting technologies, materials such as bioinks and bioink design, applications of bioprinting complex tissues, tissue and disease models, vasculature, and musculoskeletal tissue. The final chapter is devoted to clinical applications of bioprinting, including the safety, ethical, and regulatory aspects. This book serves as a go-to reference on bioprinting and is ideal for students, researchers and professionals, including those in academia, government, the medical industry, and healthcare.




Advances in Regenerative Medicine: Role of Nanotechnology, and Engineering Principles


Book Description

This book summarizes the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) on “Nanoengineered Systems for Regenerative Medicine” that was organized under the auspices of the NATO Security through Science Program. I would like to thank NATO for supporting this workshop via a grant to the co-directors. The objective of ARW was to explore the various facets of regenerative me- cine and to highlight role of the “the nano-length scale” and “nano-scale systems” in defining and controlling cell and tissue environments. The development of novel tissue regenerative strategies require the integration of new insights emerging from studies of cell-matrix interactions, cellular signalling processes, developmental and systems biology, into biomaterials design, via a systems approach. The chapters in the book, written by the leading experts in their respective disciplines, cover a wide spectrum of topics ranging from stem cell biology, developmental biology, ce- matrix interactions, and matrix biology to surface science, materials processing and drug delivery. We hope the contents of the book will provoke the readership into developing regenerative medicine paradigms that combine these facets into cli- cally translatable solutions. This NATO meeting would not have been successful without the timely help of Dr. Ulrike Shastri, Sanjeet Rangarajan and Ms. Sabine Benner, who assisted in the organization and implementation of various elements of this meeting. Thanks are also due Dr. Fausto Pedrazzini and Ms. Alison Trapp at NATO HQ (Brussels, Belgium). The commitment and persistence of Ms.




Biomimetic Medical Materials


Book Description

This volume outlines the current status in the field of biomimetic medical materials and illustrates research into their applications in tissue engineering. The book is divided into six parts, focusing on nano biomaterials, stem cells, tissue engineering, 3D printing, immune responses and intellectual property. Each chapter has its own introduction and outlines current research trends in a variety of applications of biomimetic medical materials. The biomimetic medical materials that are covered include functional hydrogels, nanoparticles for drug delivery and medicine, the 3D bioprinting of biomaterials, sensor materials, stem cell interactions with biomaterials, immune responses to biomaterials, biodegradable hard scaffolds for tissue engineering, as well as other important topics, like intellectual property. Each chapter is written by a team of experts. This volume attempts to introduce the biomimetic properties of biomedical materials within the context of our current understanding of the nanotechnology of nanoparticles and fibres and the macroscopic aspects of 3D bioprinting.




Engineered Bone


Book Description

This book addresses relevant issues that tissue-engineering researchers must consider when planning new strategies, especially in the bone and cartilage field. It describes transcription factors that are essential in bone development, and deals with bone healing.




3D Printing and Biofabrication


Book Description

This volume provides an in-depth introduction to 3D printing and biofabrication and covers the recent advances in additive manufacturing for tissue engineering. The book is divided into two parts, the first part on 3D printing discusses conventional approaches in additive manufacturing aimed at fabrication of structures, which are seeded with cells in a subsequent step. The second part on biofabrication presents processes which integrate living cells into the fabrication process.




Essentials of 3D Biofabrication and Translation


Book Description

Essentials of 3D Biofabrication and Translation discusses the techniques that are making bioprinting a viable alternative in regenerative medicine. The book runs the gamut of topics related to the subject, including hydrogels and polymers, nanotechnology, toxicity testing, and drug screening platforms, also introducing current applications in the cardiac, skeletal, and nervous systems, and organ construction. Leaders in clinical medicine and translational science provide a global perspective of the transformative nature of this field, including the use of cells, biomaterials, and macromolecules to create basic building blocks of tissues and organs, all of which are driving the field of biofabrication to transform regenerative medicine. - Provides a new and versatile method to fabricating living tissue - Discusses future applications for 3D bioprinting technologies, including use in the cardiac, skeletal, and nervous systems, and organ construction - Describes current approaches and future challenges for translational science - Runs the gamut of topics related to the subject, from hydrogels and polymers to nanotechnology, toxicity testing, and drug screening platforms




3D Printing for the Radiologist, E-Book


Book Description

Comprehensive, yet concise, 3D Printing for the Radiologist presents an overview of three-dimensional printing at the point of care. Focusing on opportunities and challenges in radiology practice, this up-to-date reference covers computer-aided design principles, quality assurance, training, and guidance for integrating 3D printing across radiology subspecialties. Practicing and trainee radiologists, surgeons, researchers, and imaging specialists will find this an indispensable resource for furthering their understanding of the current state and future outlooks for 3D printing in clinical medicine. - Covers a wide range of topics, including basic principles of 3D printing, quality assurance, regulatory perspectives, and practical implementation in medical training and practice. - Addresses the challenges associated with 3D printing integration in clinical settings, such as reimbursement, regulatory issues, and training. - Features concise chapters from a team of multidisciplinary chapter authors, including practicing radiologists, researchers, and engineers. - Consolidates today's available information on this timely topic into a single, convenient, resource.