5. Trends In Bioengineering Muscular & skeletal systems as scaffolds Scaffolds & tissue engineering Bio printing techniques & materials Electrical tongue & electrical nose in food science DNA origami & Biocomputing Bio imaging & AI for disease diagnosis Bio concrete Bioremediation Bio mining
Muscular and skeletal system as scaffolds In biology, a scaffold refers to a supporting structure that provides a framework for cells or tissues to grow & develop . The term “scaffold” is often used in tissue engineering & regenerative medicine , where scientists use various materials to create structures that mimic the extracellular matrix of tissues & organs. In tissue engineering, a scaffold can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic polymers, natural polymers, & biocompatible metals. The scaffold serves as a template for cells to grow & differentiate into functional tissues. For example, in bone tissue engineering, a scaffold made from biocompatible materials can be seeded with bone cells & implanted into a patient’s body, where the cells will grow & differentiate to form new bone tissue. Scaffolds are also important in developmental biology, where they provide a framework for cells to differentiate and form complex tissues & organs during embryonic development. During embryonic development, cells migrate & differentiate into different cell types, guided by signals from the surrounding tissues and the extracellular matrix.
Normal structure of Skeletal & Muscle system
The muscular & skeletal systems work together to form the framework of the body, providing support, movement, & protection for the body’s organs & tissues. The skeletal system is composed of bones, cartilage, & ligaments. The bones provide a rigid framework for the body, protecting the organs & supporting the body’s weight. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, reducing friction & absorbing shock during movement. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, providing stability & preventing excessive movement.
Ligaments and Tendons
The muscular system is composed of muscles and tendons. Muscles are responsible for movement by contracting and relaxing, & they work in pairs to produce opposing movements. For ex, the biceps & triceps in the arm work together to produce flexion & extension of the elbow joint. Tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing the muscles to pull on the bones & produce movement. The skeletal system provides a strong & stable foundation The Muscular system provides balance, stability, & mobility for the body.
Muscular System
Architecture of muscular & skeletal system The muscular & skeletal systems are separate but interconnected systems that work together to provide support, stability, & movement for the body. The skeletal system is composed of bones, cartilage, & ligaments. Bones provide a rigid framework for the body, protecting the organs & supporting the body’s weight. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, reducing friction & absorbing shock during movement. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, providing stability & preventing excessive movement. The Muscular system is composed of muscles & tendons . Muscles are responsible for movement by contracting & relaxing, & they work in pairs to produce opposing movements.
The muscles in the body are organized into 3 types: skeletal, smooth, & cardiac . Skeletal muscles are attached to bones & are responsible for voluntary movements such as walking, running & lifting weights . Smooth muscles are found in the walls of internal organs & blood vessels, & are responsible for involuntary movements such as digestion and blood flow. Cardiac muscles are found in the heart & are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The architecture of the muscular & skeletal systems is complex, with muscles & bones working together to produce movement & maintain stability. The muscles are attached to the bones via tendons, which transmit the force produced by the muscle to the bone. The bones, in turn, provide a stable framework for the muscles to work against, & also protect the body’s organs & tissues.
Mechanism of working of muscular & skeletal system The mechanism of how these system work together involves several key steps: Contraction of muscles: Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary movements such as walking, running& weight lifting. When the brain sends a signal to a muscle to contract, the muscle fibers shorten & pull on the tendons, which in turn pull on the bones. This produces movement at the joint. Transmission of force: Tendons are tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts, the force is transmitted through the tendons to the bone, causing it to move. The tendons also help to stabilize the joint & prevent excessive movement.
Lever system: The bones in the body act as levers ( a rigid structure (bone) a force acting upon it (muscle) to produce a turning movement (angular motion) ), with joints acting as fulcrums ( a thing that plays a essential role in an activity ). The arrangement of bones & joints in the body creates a system of levers that allows for efficient movement with minimal energy expenditure. For ex, the arrangement of bones & joints in the leg allows for efficient walking & running. Feedback Mechanism: The nervous system provides feedback to the brain about the position & movement of the body. This allows for fine-tuning of movements & helps to maintain stability & balance. For ex, when walking on uneven surface, the nervous system provides feedback to the brain about the position of the feet & legs, allowing for adjustments in movement to maintain balance.
Bioprinting of Organs:
Bio printing technique: Bio printing is a technique used in bioengineering to create complex 3D structures by layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterials using specialized printers. The ultimate goal of bio printing is to create functional & viable tissues or organs that can be transplanted into patients. There are several bioprinting techniques available today, including: Inkjet bioprinting : This technique uses inkjet technology to deposit small droplets of bioink onto a substrate. The bioink is composed of living cells & a supporting biomaterial, such as hydrogels. Extrusion bioprinting : this technique involves the use of a syringe or a similar device to extrude the bioink material in a controlled manner. The bioink can be deposited layer by layer to create the desired structure. Laser-assisted bioprinting : this technique uses a laser beam to deposit the bioink onto a substrate. The laser is focused on the bioink material, causing it to solidify & attach to the substrate.
Sterolithography bioprinting : this technique uses a UV laser to selectively solidify a photosensitive bioink material layer by layer, creating a 3D structure. Microfluidics bioprinting : this technique uses microfluidic channels to deposit the bioink material in a controlled manner, creating complex structures with high resolution. BIOPRINTING MATERIAL These are the materials that are used to print 3D biological structures such as tissues & organs. These materials should have the ability to mimic the properties of the native tissue or organ, such as its mechanical strength, biodegradability & cell-adhesion ( the ability of a single cell to stick to another cell or extracellular matrix (ECM )).
There are several types of bioprinting materials (or ink) that are commonly used, including: Hydrogels: These are water-based materials that have high water content & are used to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues. It can be made from natural materials, such as collagen, fibrin, & hyaluronic acid, or synthetic materials, such as polyethylene glycol(PEG) & polyvinyl alcohol(PVA). Extracellular matrix(ECM) bioinks : These are materials that are made from decellularized tissues ( the careful removal of cellular components from a tissue )or organs. ECM bioinks can be used to create scaffolds that closely mimic the native tissue, providing a suitable environment for cells to grow & differentiate. Cell-laden bioinks : These are hydrogels or other materials that contain living cells. These bioinks can be used to print tissues that are populated with cells, such as skin, cartilage, & bone.
Ceramic-based materials: These materials are used to print bone-like structures. These materials can be made from natural materials, such as calcium phosphate, or synthetic material. 3D Bioprinting materials
3D Bioprinting of Ear 3D bioprinting of ears is a cutting-edge technology that has the potential to revolutionize the field of tissue engineering & regenerative medicine. The process involves creating a 3D model of an ear using specialized software & then using a bioprinter to deposit cells layer by layer until a functional ear is created. The bioprinter uses a variety of materials, including a biocompatible hydrogel, to create a scaffold for the cells. The cells are then deposited onto the scaffold using a process called extrusion-based printing or inkjet-based printing. These cells can be derived from a patient’s own tissues, which reduce the risk of rejection. Once the cells are deposited onto the scaffold, they are cultured in a bioreactor to allow them to grow & mature. This process can take several weeks, during which time the cells develop into a functional ear with blood vessels, nerves, & cartilage.
3 D Bioprinting of ear procedure: Steps involves: Imaging & Modeling : The first step is to create a digital model of the ear using specialized software. This is done by taking images of the ear & converting them into a 3D digital model. Scaffold Creation : Once the digital model is creates, a scaffold is 3D printed using a biocompatible hydrogel material. This scaffold will provide a structure for the cells to grow on. Cell Preparation : Cells are extracted from the patient’s own tissues, such as cartilage cells, & then expanded in the laboratory. The cells are then seeded onto the scaffold. Bioprinting : The bioprinter is then used to deposit the cells onto the scaffold in a layer-by-layer manner. The printer uses a process called extrusion-based printing or inkjet-based printing to place the cells onto the scaffold. Maturation : Once the cells have been deposited onto the scaffold, it is placed in a bioreactor that mimics the conditions of the human body. This allows the cells to mature & develop into a functional ear over the course of several weeks.
Transplantation: Once the ear has matured, it can be transplanted into the patient. Because the ear is made from the patient’s own cells, there is a reduced risk of rejection. Its important to note that 3D bioprinting of an ear is still in the early stages of development & is not yet widely available.
A flowchart for representing the auricular reconstruction based on invitro tissue engineer human ear shaped cartilage
Electrical Tongue It is also known as e-tongue, is an analytical instrument that mimics the human tongue’s sense of taste & is used in food science to analyze the taste & flavor of different food products. The e-tongue consists of a sensor array that is capable of detecting different tastes & flavors based on the chemical composition of the sample. The e-tongue works by measuring the electrical properties of the sensor array when exposed to a food sample. Each sensor in the array is sensitive to specific taste-related chemicals such as salt, sourness, sweetness, bitterness, & umami( delicious savory taste ). By measuring the electrical response of each sensor, the e-tongue can create a profile of the taste & flavor of the food sample. The e-tongue has several applications in food science. For ex, it can be used to analyze the quality of food products, detect adulteration or contamination, & Monitor the consistency of food products.
It is also be used to identify the specific taste & flavor characteristics of different food products, allowing for more precise & consistent product development & formulation. One of the advantages of the e-tongue is that it can provide objective & reproducible data on taste & flavor characteristics, which can be difficult to achieve through subjective sensory evaluations. It is also a non-destructive and fast method, which can save time & resources in food quality control & product development. E-tongue & Human tongue
Working components of electronic tongue: An e-tongue consists of several key components that work together to create a profile of the taste & flavor of a food sample: Sensory Array: The e-tongue’s sensor array is the heart of the instrument, consisting of several sensors that are sensitive to specific taste-related chemicals such as salt, sourness, sweetness, bitterness, & umami. Each sensor is designed to respond to a particular chemical or group of chemicals, & together they can provide a comprehensive profile of the taste & flavor of a food sample. Sample Holder: The sample holder is the part of the e-tongue that holds the food sample during testing. It is typically made of a material that is inert & does not interact with the food sample, such as glass or plastic. Signal Processor: The e-tongue’s signal processor is responsible for analyzing the electrical signals generated by the sensor array in responsible to the food sample. It converts these signals into a profile of the taste & flavor of the sample, which can be displayed on a compiler screen or other output device.
Data analysis software : The e-tongue’s data analysis software is used to interpret the data generated by the signal processor & create a profile of the taste & flavor of the food sample. This software can be customized to suit the specific needs of a particular application or industry. Calibration solutions: To ensure accurate & reliable results, e-tongues require regular calibration using standardized solutions with known taste & flavor characteristics. It can be used to verify the performance of the instrument & ensure that it is operating within the desired range of accuracy & precision. Instrumentation of e-tongue: The e-tongue is a complex instrument that requires careful calibration & precise data analysis to generate accurate & reliable results. However, it has the potential to enhance the quality & consistency of food products & improve the efficiency of food quality control & product development.
Instrumentation of e-tongue:
Electronic Nose An electronic nose, is also known as e-nose, is an analytical instrument that mimics the human sense of smell & is used to identify & analyze the aroma or odor of different substances. The e-nose consists of a sensor array that is capable of detecting & quantifying different volatile organic compounds (VOCs)( gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes ) based on their chemical composition. The e-nose works by measuring the electrical properties of the sensor array when exposed to a sample. Each sensor in the array is sensitive to specific VOCs & together can provide a comprehensive profile of the aroma or odor of the sample. The e-nose can analyze a wide range of samples, including food, beverages, cosmetics, & environmental pollutants.
Applications of E-nose It has several applications in various fields, including food science, environmental monitoring, & medical diagnosis . Food science : e-noses can be used to analyze the aroma & flavor of food products, detect food spoilage or contamination, & monitor the quality of raw materials & finished products. Environmental monitoring : e-noses can be used to detect pollutants & monitor air quality. medical diagnosis : e-noses can be used to detect disease-specific VOCs in breath samples, potentially allowing for early detection & diagnosis of diseases such as lung cancer.
Advantages of e-nose: It can provide objective & reproducible data on aroma or odor characteristics, which can be difficult to achieve through subjective sensory evaluations. It is also a non-destructive & fast method, which can save time & resources in quality control & product development. The e-nose is a valuable tool in many fields & has the potential to enhance the quality & safety of products & improve the efficiency of quality control & diagnosis.
Biological Nose and Electronic Nose
Electronic nose working & instrumentation: The e-nose consists of several key components that work together to provide a comprehensive profile of the aroma or odor of a sample. Sensory array: The e-nose’s sensor array is composed of several sensors that are sensitive to specific VOCs. Each sensor is designed to respond to a particular chemical or group of chemicals, & together they can provide a comprehensive profile of the aroma or odor of a sample. Sample Delivery System: The sample delivery system is used to introduce the sample into the e-nose. Depending on the type of sample, the delivery system can vary, but it typically involves exposing the sample to the sensor array through an inlet port. Signal Processing System: The e-nose’s signal processing system is responsible for analyzing the electrical signals generated by the sensor array in response to the sample. The system converts these signals into a profile of the aroma or odor of the sample, which can be displayed on a computer screen or other output device.
Data Analysis software: The e-nose’s data analysis software is used to interpret the data generated by the signal processing system & create a profile of the aroma or odor of the sample. This software can be customized to suit the specific needs of a particular application or industry. Calibration solutions: To ensure accurate & reliable results, e-noses require calibration using standardized solutions with known aroma or odor characteristics. Calibration solutions can be used to verify the performance of the instrument & ensure that it is operating within the desired range of accuracy & precision. Instrumentation of e-nose: The e-nose is a complex instrument that requires careful calibration & precise data analysis to generate accurate & reliable results. However, it has the potential to enhance the quality & consistency of products & improve the efficiency of quality control & product development in various fields such as food science, environmental monitoring, & medical diagnosis.
Instrumentation of e-nose
DNA ORIGAMI DNA Origami is a technique used to create 2 & 3D structures by folding a long, single-stranded DNA molecule into a desired shape using short, complementary strands of DNA as “ staples ”. This technique was first introduced in 2006 by Paul W. K. Rothermund, and it has since revolutionized the field of nanotechnology by providing a powerful method for creating nanoscale structures with high precision & complexity. The basic principle behind DNA origami is to use the natural base pairing properties of DNA to fold a long, single-stranded DNA molecule into a desired shape. This is accomplished by designing a DNA sequence that is complementary to the target shape, which serves as a template for folding the single-stranded DNA molecule into the desired structure. Short, synthetic DNA strands called “staples” are then added to the template DNA to hold the structure in place.
It has a wide range of applications in nanotechnology, including drug delivery, biosensing , & molecular computing. The technique has been used to create complex nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanorobots , & nanocages , which have potential applications in medicine, materials science, & electronics. Advantage: its high degree of precision & control over the resulting structure. The technique allows for the creation of complex, multi-component structures with high accuracy & reproducibility.
DNA Origami Structures
DNA Origami & Biocomputing It is a powerful tool for creating precise & complex structures with potential applications in bio computing. Biocomputing is a field that focuses on using biological molecules such as DNA & proteins as computational elements to perform complex computations. DNA origami structures can be designed to serve as templates for organizing & positioning other biological molecules such as enzymes, antibodies, & nanoparticles in specific patterns & orientations. This allows for the creation of “DNA nanobots ” that can perform various functions, such as sensing & responding to specific environmental cues, delivering drugs or other molecules to specific locations in the body, & performing computations. Advantage: It has the ability to program the interactions between different biological molecules in a precise & predictable manner. It has also been used to create molecular logic gates, which are the basic building blocks of digital computing. These logic gates can be used to perform complex computations using DNA molecules as the computational elements.
Logic gates with DNA circuits
Example for DNA origami & Biocomputing: One example of using DNA origami in Biocomputing is the development of molecular logic gates. In 2013, a team of researchers from Harvard University & the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering demonstrated the creation of a DNA origami-based gate. The gate was composed of 2 input strands. Each of which bound to a specific region of the DNA origami structure. When both input strands were present, they cooperatively stabilized the DNA origami structure in a specific conformation that could be detected using fluorescent labeling. This signal was then used to output a signal indicating that both input strands were present. This DNA origami-based & gate represents a proof-of-concept for using DNA molecules as computational elements in Biocomputing. By linking together multiple logic gates, it may be possible to perform more complex computations using DNA-based systems. Example 1
Another example of using DNA origami in Biocomputing is the Development of a DNA nanorobot that can detect & destroy cancer cells. In 2018, a team of researchers from Arizona state university & the National center for Nanoscience & Technology in China developed a DNA origami-based nanorobot that was capable of detecting & killing cancer cells in vitro ( outside the living body and in an artificial environment ). The nanorobot was composed of a DNA origami structure that was programmed to bind to specific cancer cell surface makers. When the nanorobot encountered a cancer cell, it opened up to release a specific drug that was designed to kill the cancer cell. This approach has the potential to be a highly targeted & effective way to treat cancer, while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Example 2
Bioimaging Techniques: Some of the most commonly used bioimaging include: Optical microscopy: this includes techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, & super-resolution microscopy, which use light to visualize biological samples. These techniques can be used to observe cells, tissues, & even whole organisms. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI): MRI uses strong magnetic fields & radio waves to create detailed images of internal body structures. It is often used to diagnose & monitor diseases such as cancer, as well as to study the structure & function of the brain. X-ray imaging: it is used to visualize dense structures such as bones, teeth, & tumors. It is commonly used in medical diagnosis & in study of skeletal structures. Computed tomography(CT): CT imaging uses X-rays to create detailed 3D images of internal body structures. It is commonly used in medical diagnosis, especially for identifying tumors & other abnormalities . Electron microscopy(EM): EM uses beams of electrons to create high-resolution images of biological samples, allowing researchers to observe individual cells, organelles, & even individual molecules.
Bioimaging & Artificial Intelligence for disease diagnosis: BI & AI are being used together in disease diagnosis to improve accuracy, speed, & efficiency. AI algorithms are trained on large datasets of medical images & use ML to identify patterns & make predictions. This approach can help doctors to diagnose diseases earlier & with greater accuracy, leading to better patient outcomes. AI algorithms can quickly analyze large volumes of medicals images, flagging areas of concern & highlighting potential abnormalities. In addition, AI can also be used to assist in the interpretation of medical images. For ex, a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system may be used to help radiologists analyze medical images more quickly & accurately.
Application : BI & AI is in the analysis of genetic data, By combining genetic data with medical images, researchers can identify patterns & correlations that may help to predict disease risk or improve diagnosis. The combination of BI & AI has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis, allowing doctors to identify diseases earlier & with greater accuracy. Example1: One Example of BI & AI being used for disease diagnosis is in the detection of breast cancer using mammography. Mammography is a common screening tool for breast cancer, but it can be difficult to accurately interpret the images, leading to both false positives and false negatives. To address this issue, researchers have developed AI algorithms that can analyze mammography images & accurately detect potential signs of breast cancer. These algorithms are trained on large datasets of mammography images, learning to identify patterns & abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer.
Example2: Another example is in the field of ophthalmology , where AI is being used to diagnose diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness is left untreated. By analyzing images of the retina, AI algorithms can identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy, allowing doctor to intervene before the disease progresses.
BIOCONCRETE It is a type of concrete that incorporates microorganisms to improve its performance & sustainability. The microorganisms are typically added to the concrete mixture in the form of bacteria, which can help to increase its strength, durability, & resistance to cracking. One common type of bacteria used in bioconcrete is called sporosarcina pasteurii , which produces calcite crystals when exposed to calcium ions. These crystals can help to fill in any cracks that form in the concrete, reducing the need for costly repair & maintainance . Bioconcrete is also more environmentally friendly than traditional concrete. By using bacteria to produces calcite crystals, bioconcrete can reduce the amount of cement needed in the concrete mixture. Cement production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing its use can help to mitigate the environmental impact of construction . It also has a wide range of potential applications, including in the construction of buildings, bridges, & other infrastructure projects.
BIOCONCRETE
Bacillus spores & calcium lactate in development of bioconcrete BS & CL are often used in bioconcrete as a way to enhance its self-healing properties. BS are added to the concrete mixture, & when the concrete cracks & comes into the contact with moisture. The spores then germinate & produce calcium carbonate, which can fill in the cracks & improve the durability of the concrete. Calcium lactate is typically added to the concrete mixture along with the spores. The calcium ions in the calcium lactate trigger the germination of the spores, allowing them to produce calcium carbonate. In laboratory tests, bioconcrete containing these additives was able to heal cracks of up to 0.5mm in width, while traditional concrete was unable to heal at all. In addition to its self-healing properties, bioconcrete containing BS & CL also has the potential to reduce the need for costly repairs & maintenance, as it can self-repair small cracks before they become larger & more costly to fix.
Biomininig Biomining is the process of using microorganisms to extract minerals from ores & mine tailings. Microorganisms such as bacteria & fungi are able to catalyze the dissolution & mobilization of metals from ores & waste materials, making them more accessible for recovery. Biomining can be used to extract a variety of metals, including copper, gold, silver, & uranium. Biomining can be done in 2 ways – bioleaching & bio-oxidation.
Bioleaching Microorganisms are used to extract metals from sulfide ores by converting the metals sulfides into metal sulfates . The metal sulfates can then be recovered through conventional mineral processing methods. Bio-oxidation In bio-oxidation, microorganisms are used to oxidize the metal sulfides, releasing the metals as soluble ions that can be recovered by solvent extraction or ion exchange.
Advantages It is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods. It can reduce the use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide & mercury, which are often used in conventional mining methods. It can reduce the amount of waste generated during the mining process, as the microorganisms can extract metals from low-grade ores & mine tailings that are not economically viable using traditional mining methods.
Biomining by microbial surface adsorption Microbial surface adsorption is a type of biomining that involves using microorganisms to selectively adsorb target metals onto their cell surfaces. In this process, metal-containing solutions are passed through a bioreactor containing the microorganisms, which adsorb the metals onto their cell surfaces. The metal-laden microorganisms are then harvested & the metals are recovered using conventional mineral processing techniques. Advantage : it can selectively adsorb specific metals, which can reduce the need for complex & expensive separation processes. It can also used to recover metals from low-grade ores or waste streams that would not be economically viable using conventional mining methods. Several microorganisms have been identified as potential candidates for microbial surface adsorption. The microbial surface adsorption is a promising approach to biomining that has the potential to improve the efficiency & sustainability of metal recovery from ores & waste materials.
Bioremediation It is the process by which microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi & algae, are used to degrade, transform, or remove contaminants from the environment. It is a natural & sustainable way of cleaning up polluted areas without causing additional harm to the environment. During bioremediation, microorganisms break down harmful substances into less toxic or harmless compounds through a series of metabolic processes. These processes include oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, & other biochemical reactions . It can be used to clean up a wide range of environmental contaminants, including oil spills, chemical spills, pesticides, heavy metals, & organic pollutants. It is commonly used in agricultural, industrial, & urban settings to restore contaminated soils, groundwater, & surface water.
Advantage : It can be less expensive & less disruptive than other cleanup methods, such as excavation or chemical treatment . It can also be more effective In some situations, as microorganisms are able to access & break down contaminants that may be difficult to remove using other methods. Limitation: Including the need for optimal environmental conditions, the potential for unintended consequences such as the release of harmful byproducts, & the potential for the process to take longer than other cleanup methods.
There are several examples of bioremediation, including: Bioremediation of petroleum products Phytoremediation Bioremediation of metals Bioremediation of industrial chemicals Bioremediation of pharmaceuticals