Bioengineering and biotechnology systems on a chip/integrated design

Medical technology on a chip encompasses some of the most challenging and technically demanding designs of implantable devices for therapeutic or long term monitoring functions, or implantable drug delivery systems; spinal cord bridges for stimulation, or simulation of muscular or sensory functions; multifunction catheters; systems for medical telemetry, and other integrated medical devices such as special purpose sensors. A cardiac pacemaker is a classic example of a medical device that evolved from a discrete components-based design to its present form of an integrated system. At this time, implantable pacemakers are used by more than half a million people worldwide. The engineering design of these devices, and manufacturing challenges, involve components, embedded system approach, reliability and long term stability, materials, and other factors. The need of sterilization, biocompatibility of materials, and cost factors in the light of relatively low production volumes, and FDA regulatory requirements render other distinct engineering demands. The evolution of molecular devices, and for example practical utilization of DNA structure for computer memories, will have a profound effect on the integrated electronic design in general.