Micro- and Nanoengineering of the Cell Microenvironment: Technologies and Applications

This groundbreaking work puts you at the cutting edge of diagnostic and therapeutic bioengineering, and brings you up to speed with the extraordinary range of cell-based biomedical applications now in development. Written by pioneers in the field, it explores the top-down and bottom-up technologies that can be used to control various aspects of the stem cell microenvironment. The book shows how these microfabrication and material synthesis techniques are paving the way to dramatic clinical breakthroughs in areas ranging from in vitro fertilization to artificial skin and organ tissue generation. Supported with 140 illustrations, the volume exhaustively covers the micro- and nano-system technologies involved in developing cell-based bioengineering applications. You get full details on efforts to engineer the soluble and insoluble cell microenvironments, including the latest advances in microfluidic devices, surface patterning, 3D scaffolds, and techniques for engineering cellular mechanical properties and topography. The book systematically reviews emerging biomedical applications, including the latest in embryonic cell development, microfabrication of artificial neural tissue, and microvascular and cardiac tissue engineering. What's more, this comprehensive resource covers hydrogels for cartilage tissue, bone tissue engineering, kidney replacement therapies, and pulmonary applications. Moreover, the book presents the latest advances in hepatic tissue engineering, immune cell analysis, and the development of engineered skin substitutes.