This book covers the most recent advances in using nanoparticles for biomedical imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic particle imaging (MPI), nuclear medicine, ultrasound (US) imaging, computed tomography (CT), and optical imaging. Topics include nanoparticles for MRI and MPI, siRNA delivery, theranostic nanoparticles for PET imaging of drug delivery, US nanoparticles for imaging drug delivery, inorganic nanoparticles for targeted CT imaging, and quantum dots for optical imaging. This book serves as a valuable resource for the fundamental science of diagnostic nanoparticles and their interactions with biological targets, providing a practical handbook for improved detection of disease and its clinical implementation.

This book brings together reviews from international experts who are exploring the biological activities of nanomaterials for medical applications or to better understand nanotoxicity. Topics include but are not limited to the following: 1) mechanistic understanding of nanostructure-bioactivity relationships; 2) the regulation of nanoparticles' bioactivity by means of chemical modification; 3) the new methodologies and standard methods used to assess nanoparticles' bioactivity; 4) the mechanisms involved in nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions and nanoparticle-cell interactions; and 5) biomedical applications of nanotechnology. The book will be a valuable resource for a broad readership in various subfields of chemical science, engineering, biology, environment, and medicine.

Synthetic Biology is already an object of intensive debate. However, to a great extent the discussion to date has been concerned with fundamental ethical, religious and philosophical questions. By contrast, based on an investigation of the field's scientific and technological character, this book focuses on new functionalities provided by synthetic biology and explores the associated opportunities and risks. Following an introduction to the subject and a discussion of the most central paradigms and methodologies, the book provides an overview of the structure of this field of science and technology. It informs the reader about the current stage of development, as well as topical problems and potential opportunities in important fields of application. But not only the science itself is in focus. In order to investigate its broader impact, ecological as well as ethical implications will be considered, paving the way for a discussion of responsibilities in the context of a field at a transitional crossroads between basic and applied science. In closing, the requirements for a suitable regulatory framework are discussed. The book is intended as a source of information and orientation for researchers, students and practitioners in the natural sciences and technology assessment; for members of scientific and technological, governmental and funding institutions; and for members of the general public interested in essential information on the current status, prospects and implications of synthetic biology.

One of the major challenges of modern biology and medicine consists in finding means to visualize biomolecules in their natural environment with the greatest level of accuracy, so as to gain insight into their properties and behaviour in a physiological and pathological setting. This has been achieved thanks to the design of novel imaging agents, in particular to fluorescent biosensors.

Fluorescence Biosensors comprise a large set of tools which are useful for fundamental purposes as well as for applications in biomedicine, drug discovery and biotechnology. These tools have been designed and engineered thanks to the combined efforts of chemists and biologists over the last decade, and developed hand in hand together with imaging technologies.

This volume will convey the many exciting developments the field of fluorescent biosensors and reporters has witnessed over the recent years, from concepts to applications, including chapters on the chemistry of fluorescent probes, on technologies for monitoring protein/protein interactions and technologies for imaging biosensors in cultured cells and in vivo. Other chapters are devoted to specific examples of genetically-encoded reporters, or to protein and peptide biosensors, together with examples illustrating their application to cellular and in vivo imaging, biomedical applications, drug discovery and high throughput screening.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This is the fourth updated and revised edition of a well-received book that emphasises on fungal diversity, plant productivity and sustainability. It contains new chapters written by leading experts in the field. This book is an up-to-date overview of current progress in mycorrhiza and association with plant productivity and environmental sustainability. The result is a must hands-on guide, ideally suited for agri-biotechnology, soil biology, fungal biology including mycorrrhiza and stress management, academia and researchers. The topic of this book is particularly relevant to researchers involved in mycorrhiza, especially to food security and environmental protection. Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. As more than 90% of all known species of plants have the potential to form mycorrhizal associations, the productivity and species composition and the diversity of natural ecosystems are frequently dependent upon the presence and activity of mycorrhizas. The biotechnological application of mycorrhizas is expected to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems.

During the last years computational methods lead to new approaches that can be applied within medical practice. Based on the tremendous advances in medical imaging and high-performance computing, virtual testing is able to help in medical decision processes or implant designs. Current challenges in medicine and engineering are related to the application of computational methods to clinical medicine and the study of biological systems at different scales. Additionally manufacturers will be able to use computational tools and methods to predict the performance of their medical devices in virtual patients. The physical and animal testing procedures could be reduced by virtual prototyping of medical devices. Here simulations can enhance the performance of alternate device designs for a range of virtual patients. This will lead to a refinement of designs and to safer products. This book summarizes different aspects of approaches to enhance function, production, initialization and complications of different types of implants and related topics.

This book covers the current research on the plant-based tropane alkaloids (TA) and TA-bearing plants. The first part includes an overview of "tropane alkaloids in context to diversity, biosynthesis and significance. The second part covers aspects of in-vitro and allied interventions in these alkaloids. TAs belong to one of the world's oldest phytomedicines with their valuable ethno-pharmacological applications. The book compiles scientific ideas, perspectives and challenges in this area. Further, the book attempts to investigate the loopholes in existing methodologies, challenges and possible solutions through well thought-out scientific discussions from various eminent research groups. This book is of high interest to students and researchers in biotechnology, plant biology and pharmacology. As the TAs are of high commercial medicinal value, this book is also a relevant collection of articles for industry experts.

This book provides the bridge between engineering design and medical device development. There is no single text that addresses the plethora of design issues a medical devices designer meets when developing new products or improving older ones. It addresses medical devices' regulatory (FDA and EU) requirements--some of the most stringent engineering requirements globally. Engineers failing to meet these requirements can cause serious harm to users as well as their products commercial prospects. This Handbook shows the essential methodologies medical designers must understand to ensure their products meet requirements. It brings together proven design protocols and puts them in an explicit medical context based on the author's years of academia (R&D phase) and industrial (commercialization phase) experience. This design methodology enables engineers and medical device manufacturers to bring new products to the marketplace rapidly.

The medical device market is a multi-billion dollar industry. Every engineered product for this sector, from scalpelsstents to complex medical equipment, must be designed and developed to approved procedures and standards. This book shows how.Covers US, and EU and ISO standards, enabling a truly international approach, providing a guide to the international standards that practicing engineers require to understand.Written by an experienced medical device engineers and entrepreneurs with products in the from the US and UK and with real world experience of developing and commercializing medical products.
"

New nanomaterials are leading to a range of emerging dental treatments that utilize more biomimetic materials that more closely duplicate natural tooth structure (or bone, in the case of implants).

This book brings together an international team of experts from the fields of materials science, nanotechnology and dentistry, to explain these new materials and their applications for the restoration, fixation, replacement, or regeneration of hard and soft tissues in and about the oral cavity and craniofacial region.

The main topics covered include applications in dental specialties (Orthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Implant dentistry), salivary diagnostics using bioMEMS/NEMS systems, nanochips for oral cancer diagnosis, biomimetic nanomaterials, and nanotechnology for tooth repair and regeneration.

The editors' previous book, "Emerging Nanotechnologies in Dentistry "focused on the fabrication/manufacturing processes of materials and dentistry applications. This second book complements the first covers with coverage of the range of nanomaterials available today in clinical dentistry, explaining the innovative techniques and applications in all of the main clinical dental specialties.

Nanobiomaterial engineers, biomedical researchers, biomedical engineers and dental/oral pre-clinical and clinical researchers will find the comprehensive coverage essential for working with nanotechnologies and materials in both clinical and research settings.

Book prepared by an interdisciplinary and international group of scientists and practitioners in the fields of

nanomaterials, dental implants, medical devices and clinical practice.

Comprehensive professional reference for the subject covering materials fabrication and use of materials for all major

diagnostic and therapeutic dental applications - repair, restoration, regeneration, implants and prevention.

Complements the editors' previous book on nanotechnology applications for dentistry."

Written by leading optical phase microscopy experts, this book is a comprehensive reference to phase microscopy and nanoscopy techniques for biomedical applications, including differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, digital holographic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, tomographic phase microscopy, spectral-domain phase detection, and nanoparticle usage for phase nanoscopy

The Editors show biomedical and optical engineers how to use phase microscopy for visualizing unstained specimens, and support the theoretical coverage with applied content and examples on designing systems and interpreting results in bio- and nanoscience applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and techniques of optical phase microscopy and nanoscopy with biomedical applications.

Tips/advice on building systems and working with advanced imaging biomedical techniques, including interpretation of phase images, and techniques for quantitative analysis based on phase microscopy.

Interdisciplinary approach that combines optical engineering, nanotechnology, biology and medical aspects of this topic. Each chapterincludes practical implementations and worked examples. "

Implant and device manufacturers are increasingly facing the challenge of proving that their products are safe and biocompatible, and that they will perform as expected. Biocompatibility and performance of medical devices provides an essential guide to the performance analysis of these vital devices.
Part one introduces the key concepts and challenges faced in relation to biocompatibility in medical devices, with consideration of biological safety evaluation planning and biomechanical and biochemical compatibility in innovative biomaterials. Part two goes on to discuss the evaluation and characterisation of biocompatibility in medical devices. Topics covered include material and chemical characterisation, allowable limits for toxic leachables, in vivo and in vitro testing and blood compatibility assessment. Testing and interpreting medical device performance is the focus of part three, with chapters describing preclinical performance studies for bone, dental and soft tissue implants, and mechanical testing of soft and hard tissue implants. Part four provides information on the regulation of medical devices in the European Union, Japan and China, and the book concludes with part five, a review of histopathology principles for biocompatibility and performance studies.
With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Biocompatibility and performance of medical devices is a vital tool for all those involved in the research, design, production and application of medical devices, including research directors, production companies and medical regulatory agencies, as well as industry professionals and academics.
Examines the key concepts and challenges faced in relation to biocompatibility in medical devicesDiscusses evaluation and characterisation issues, including material and chemical characterization, allowable limits for toxic leachables, in vivo and in vitro testing, and blood compatibility assessmentDelivers a comprehensive overview of testing and interpreting medical device performance

The last decades have seen remarkable advances in computer-aided design, engineering and manufacturing technologies, multi-variable simulation tools, medical imaging, biomimetic design, rapid prototyping, micro and nanomanufacturing methods and information management resources, all of which provide new horizons for the Biomedical Engineering fields and the Medical Device Industry. Advanced Design and Manufacturing Technologies for Biomedical Devices covers such topics in depth, with an applied perspective and providing several case studies that help to analyze and understand the key factors of the different stages linked to the development of a novel biomedical device, from the conceptual and design steps, to the prototyping and industrialization phases. Main research challenges and future potentials are also discussed, taking into account relevant social demands and a growing market already exceeding billions of dollars. In time, advanced biomedical devices will decisively change methods and results in the medical world, dramatically improving diagnoses and therapies for all kinds of pathologies. But if these biodevices are to fulfill present expectations, today's engineers need a thorough grounding in related simulation, design and manufacturing technologies, and collaboration between experts of different areas has to be promoted, as is also analyzed within this handbook.

This book gathers state-of-the-art research in computational engineering and bioengineering to facilitate knowledge exchange between various scientific communities. Computational engineering (CE) is a relatively new discipline that addresses the development and application of computational models and simulations often coupled with high-performance computing to solve complex physical problems arising in engineering analysis and design in the context of natural phenomena. Bioengineering (BE) is an important aspect of computational biology, which aims to develop and use efficient algorithms, data structures, and visualization and communication tools to model biological systems. Today, engineering approaches are essential for biologists, enabling them to analyse complex physiological processes, as well as for the pharmaceutical industry to support drug discovery and development programmes.

This book offers a comprehensive treatment of nonlocal elasticity theory as applied to the prediction of the mechanical characteristics of various types of biological and non-biological nanoscopic structures with different morphologies and functional behaviour. It combines fundamental notions and advanced concepts, covering both the theory of nonlocal elasticity and the mechanics of nanoscopic structures and systems. By reporting on recent findings and discussing future challenges, the book seeks to foster the application of nonlocal elasticity based approaches to the emerging fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. It is a self-contained guide, and covers all relevant background information, the requisite mathematical and computational techniques, theoretical assumptions, physical methods and possible limitations of the nonlocal approach, including some practical applications. Mainly written for researchers in the fields of physics, biophysics, mechanics, and nanoscience, as well as computational engineers, the book can also be used as a reference guide for senior undergraduate and graduate students, as well as practicing engineers working in a range of areas, such as computational condensed matter physics, computational materials science, computational nanoscience and nanotechnology, and nanomechanics.

Optimal management of device associated infections requires a collaborative approach among surgical and medical specialists-a need that is central to this issue of Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America.? In addition to the epidemiology, management, and prevention of commonly encountered device associated infections, each review offers technical background on specific devices and related operative procedures. Areas of ongoing investigation are highlighted including innovative concepts for the prevention of biofilm formation and biofilm directed therapeutics.? Emerging issues related to reuse of medical devices in resource limited settings are also considered.

The application of methodological approaches and mathematical formalisms proper to Physics and Engineering to investigate and describe biological processes and design biological structures has led to the development of many disciplines in the context of computational biology and biotechnology. The best known applicative domain is tissue engineering and its branches. Recent domains of interest are in the field of biophysics, e.g.: multiscale mechanics of biological membranes and films and filaments; multiscale mechanics of adhesion; biomolecular motors and force generation.

Modern hypotheses, models, and tools are currently emerging and resulting from the convergence of the methods and phylosophycal apporaches of the different research areas and disciplines. All these emerging approaches share the purpose of disentangling the complexity of organisms, tissues, and cells and mimiking the function of living systems.

The contributions presented in this book are current research highlights of six challenging and representative applicative domains of phyisical, engineering, and computational approaches in medicine and biology, i.e tissue engineering, modelling of molecular structures, cell mechanics and cell adhesion processes, cancer physics, and physico-chemical processes of metabolic interactions. Each chapter presents a compendium or a review of the original results achieved by authors in the last years. Furthermore, the book also wants to pinpoint the questions that are still open and that could propel the future research.

This book summarizes the latest advances in nanophotonics for biomedical applications, including biomolecular sensing and imaging, additive fabrications, and biophotonics. The engineering of nanophotonics will have significant impacts on the life sciences and medicine alike. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for researchers, scientists, engineers, and graduate students in the fields of biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, materials sciences, optics, biology, and medicine.

The book has focussed on the different aspects of sensing technology, i.e. high reliability, adaptability, recalibration, information processing, data fusion, validation and integration of novel and high performance sensors specifically aims to use to inspect mechanical health of structure and similar applications. This book is dedicated to Sensing systems for Structural Health Monitoring offers to variety of users, namely, Master and PhD degree students, researchers, practitioners, especially Civil and Construction engineers. The book will provide an opportunity of a dedicated and a deep approach in order to improve their knowledge in this specific field.

This book documents the state of the art in the field of ambient assisted living (AAL), highlighting the impressive potential of novel methodologies and technologies to enhance well-being and promote active ageing. The coverage is wide ranging, with sections on assistive devices, elderly people monitoring, home rehabilitation, ICT solutions for AAL, living with chronic conditions, robotic assistance for the elderly, sensing technologies for AAL, and smart housing. The book comprises a selection of the best papers presented at the Fifth Italian Forum on Ambient Assisted Living, which was held in Catania, Italy, in September 2014 and brought together end users, technology teams, and policy makers to develop a consensus on how to improve provision for elderly and impaired people. Readers will find that the expert contributions offer clear insights into the ways in which the most recent exciting advances may be expected to assist in addressing the needs of the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

This volume in the "Methods in Enzymology" series comprehensively covers Infectious Diseases, Immunotheraphy, Gene Medicine, Diagnostics and Toxicology of Nanomedicine.With an international board of authors, this volume is split into sections that cover subjects such as Nanomedicines in Immunotherapy, Nanomedicine toxicity, and Diagnostic Nanomedicine.
Comprehensively covers infectious diseases, immunotherapy, gene medicine, diagnostics, and toxicology of nanomedicineInternational board of authorsSplit into sections that cover subjects such as Nanomedicines in Immunotherapy, Nanomedicine Toxicity, and Diagnostic Nanomedicine"

The book provides an up-to-date overview of the diverse medical applications of advanced polymers. The book opens by presenting important background information on polymer chemistry and physicochemical characterization of polymers. This serves as essential scientific support for the subsequent chapters, each of which is devoted to the applications of polymers in a particular medical specialty. The coverage is broad, encompassing orthopedics, ophthalmology, tissue engineering, surgery, dentistry, oncology, drug delivery, nephrology, wound dressing and healing, and cardiology. The development of polymers that enhance the biocompatibility of blood-contacting medical devices and the incorporation of polymers within biosensors are also addressed. This book is an excellent guide to the recent advances in polymeric biomaterials and bridges the gap between the research literature and standard textbooks on the applications of polymers in medicine.

This book provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in the field of motor neuroprosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. Chapters in this book are provided by leading experts in the field and include topics such as the design and control of multidimensional prosthetics and exoskeletons, deep brain stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, deep learning for brain machine interfaces, biofeedback, and cognitive intent for adaptation of motor prostheses. This book is a great resource for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, engineers from related disciplines, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the latest progress in the field of motor neuroprostheses.

This book investigates the latest developments in supramolecular assembly systems for mimicking biological structures and functions. Consisting of 14 chapters, it covers various assembly systems, such as polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, biopolymers, natural materials and various hybrid systems. Further, it focuses on different types of supramolecular systems with particular functions or structures that are relevant to living systems. A number of modern techniques used to study the supramolecular systems, such as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) and two-photon confocal microscopy, are also introduced in detail. Unlike conventional books on supramolecular assemblies, this book highlights the functions of the assembly systems, particularly their biological applications. As such, it offers a valuable resource for experienced researchers, as well as graduate students working in the field of supramolecular chemistry and biomimetic systems.

This book provides an essential overview of existing state-of-the-art quantitative imaging methodologies and protocols (intensity-based ratiometric and FLIM/ PLIM). A variety of applications are covered, including multi-parametric quantitative imaging in intestinal organoid culture, autofluorescence imaging in cancer and stem cell biology, Ca2+ imaging in neural ex vivo tissue models, as well as multi-parametric imaging of pH and viscosity in cancer biology. The current state-of-the-art of 3D tissue models and their compatibility with live cell imaging is also covered. This is an ideal book for specialists working in tissue engineering and designing novel biomaterial.

This book describes for researchers in the fields of compiler technology, design and test, and electronic design automation the new area of digital microfluidic biochips (DMBs), and thus offers a new application area for their methods. The authors present a routing-based model of operation execution, along with several associated compilation approaches, which progressively relax the assumption that operations execute inside fixed rectangular modules. Since operations can experience transient faults during the execution of a bioassay, the authors show how to use both offline (design time) and online (runtime) recovery strategies. The book also presents methods for the synthesis of fault-tolerant application-specific DMB architectures. * Presents the current models used for the research on compilation and synthesis techniques of DMBs in a tutorial fashion; * Includes a set of "benchmarks", which are presented in great detail and includes the source code of most of the techniques presented, including solutions to the basic compilation and synthesis problems; * Discusses several new research problems in detail, using numerous examples.