Bioengineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the application of principles from biology to solve problems in other fields. Bioengineers may work on anything from creating new medical treatments to making more environmentally friendly industrial processes. Bioengineering as an idea has been around for over 100 years, but it wasn’t until recently that it began to see widespread use.
The following are nine ways from experts like Curtis Cripe bioengineering is changing the face of healthcare.
New Medical Treatments
One of the most obvious ways bioengineering is changing healthcare is through the development of new medical treatments. Bioengineers can create treatments using living cells, which can be used to treat a variety of diseases. For example, scientists have been able to use stem cells to create treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes.
Improved Drug Delivery
Another way bioengineering is changing healthcare is through improved drug delivery. Bioengineers are able to create drugs that can penetrate deep into the body, meaning they can be more effective at treating diseases. In addition, bioengineers are also able to create drug delivery systems which are more targeted, meaning that they can avoid harmful side effects.
Gene Therapy
Bioengineering is also changing healthcare through the use of gene therapy. This is where genes are inserted into cells in order to correct a genetic defect. This can be used to treat conditions like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is another area where bioengineering is having an impact. Bioengineers are able to create treatments that target cancer cells specifically, meaning that they can avoid harming healthy cells. In addition, bioengineers are also working on developing new ways to detect cancer, such as using nanotechnology.
Artificial Organs
Bioengineering is also changing healthcare through the development of artificial organs. This is particularly important as the number of people waiting for transplants continues to grow. Bioengineers are able to create artificial organs which are able to function in the body, meaning that they can be used to replace damaged or diseased organs.
Cloning
Bioengineering is also changing healthcare through the use of cloning. This is where cells are taken from one individual and used to create an identical copy. This can be used to create organs for transplant, as well as to create treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is another area where bioengineering is having an impact. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a very small scale, and it has a variety of uses in healthcare. For example, nanotechnology can be used to create new types of drugs, diagnose diseases, and treat cancer.
Environmental Sustainability
Bioengineering is also changing healthcare through its focus on environmental sustainability. Bioengineers are able to create processes that are more environmentally friendly, meaning that they produce less pollution. This is important as it helps to protect the environment, and it also reduces the cost of healthcare.
Personalized Medicine
Bioengineering is also changing healthcare through the use of personalized medicine. This is where treatments are tailored specifically for an individual patient. This means that treatments can be more effective, and it can also help to reduce the side effects of treatment.
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