Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

07:26
BioMEMS: Forging New Collaborations Between Biologists and Engineers
Published on: November 1, 2007
Micro and nanotechnology for biological and biomedical applications
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
|September 17, 2010
Summary
Micro and nanotechnology offer advanced tools for biological and biomedical research, including nanoparticles for bioimaging and biosensing, and microdevices for cell separation. These innovations promise significant future biomedical applications in disease detection and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- This special issue highlights cutting-edge micro and nanotechnological tools, devices, and techniques.
- Applications span biological and biomedical research, including bioimaging, biosensing, and disease probing at the nanoscale.
Discussion:
- Nanoparticles are utilized for advanced bioimaging and biosensing capabilities.
- Optical and biophotonic techniques enable nanoscale disease investigation.
- Micro and nano-fabricated tools are crucial for understanding mechanotransduction in cell biology.
Key Insights:
- Microdevices facilitate cell separation for isolating and enriching target cells.
- These technologies are vital for disease detection and diagnosis.
- Current research is paving the way for future clinical applications.
Outlook:
- While many applications are in the research phase, significant biomedical breakthroughs are anticipated.
- The integration of micro/nanotechnology is set to revolutionize diagnostics and therapeutics.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Biosensors
Microbial biosensors are analytical devices that utilize living microbes to detect specific substances through measurable signals. These devices consist of two main components: biosensing organisms and signal-transducing elements. Biosensing organisms, such as Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are typically housed in multiwell plates connected to transducers, enabling rapid, real-time detection of target analytes.Signal Generation MechanismWhen a target analyte—such as...
Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Two-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology
Two-dimensional (2D) microscopy encompasses a range of optical techniques that capture images within a single focal plane, offering detailed representations of microscopic structures. These techniques are essential in biological and medical research, enabling the visualization of cellular and subcellular structures with different levels of contrast and specificity.There are several major types of 2D microscopy, each with strengths and applications.Bright-Field MicroscopyBright-field microscopy...
Overview of Microscopy Techniques
The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...

