(428e) Area 15D/E, Engineering Fundamentals in Life Science - Plenary: Cellular Bioengineering: Past, Present, and Future

Availability of cultured mammalian cells in the late 70â??s provided in vitro models that enabled pursuit of novel scientific directions, promoted new trends in biomedical research, and initiated the field of â??cellular bioengineeringâ?.

Recognition that the cellular/molecular events at the microenvironment of the tissue/biomaterial interface dictate the fate of implants in vivo resulted in use of cellular in vitro models in search of elucidating the underlying mechanisms associated with successful implant-related outcomes. Pertinent findings were subsequently incorporated in the design and formulation of the next generations of biomaterials. Moreover, cellular, in vitro models proved valuable alternatives to animal models in examining, for example, the cytocompatibility of biomaterials and in determining the conditions/stimuli (i. e., chemical, mechanical and electrical) needed to promote cell functions pertinent to new tissue formation and/or tissue regeneration.

Advances in the medical sciences as well as the need for new therapeutic methodologies in health-care practice expanded the scope of cellular bioengineering applications which now include (but are not limited to) the regenerative capabilities of functional tissues, use of pluripotent stem cells, and changing concepts of biocompatibility. Developments in biology, molecular biochemistry, genetics, and wound healing which are pertinent to new tissue formation/regeneration provide challenges and, at the same time, great opportunities for biomedical engineers. These areas are a substantive part of the present cutting-edge cellular bioengineering milieu and, undoubtedly, will be a major component of future endeavors in biomedical engineering. The scope and creativity of these endeavors are impressive. Researchers working at these frontiers are blazing new trails and are exploring approaches which were undreamed of in the past.

This presentation will briefly review past accomplishments and current advances as well as highlight trends in cellular bioengineering which had an impact but also have the potential for further contributions to the clinical milieu as well as to the biotechnology, tissue engineering, and tissue regeneration fields.