Biomaterials and biomedical engineering

The current status and future prospects of biomaterials, in the context of chemical engineering science and biomedical engineering, is examined. Research on artificial organs, controlled drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, materials for minimally invasive surgery, medical contrast imaging agents, gene therapy, immobilized enzyme bioreactors, and biosensors is evaluated. Techniques for assessing the performance of biomaterials are considered. The role of new types of materials, not yet used in medicine, such as electrically conducting polymers, is discussed. Finally, an analysis of future educational and training issues in biomaterials in the context of chemical engineering is provided.