This book covers biodevices, mainly implantable or quirurgical, for the diagnosis or treatment of different pathologies, which benefit from the use of active materials as sensors or actuators. Such active or "intelligent" materials are capable of responding in a controlled way to different external physical or chemical stimuli by changing some of their properties. These materials can be used to design and develop sensors, actuators, and multifunctional systems with a large number of applications for developing biodevices and medical appliances. Current work on these fields entails problems related to synthesis, characterization, modeling, simulation, processing, and prototyping technologies, as well as device testing and validation, all of which are treated in depth in this book, for the several types of active or intelligent materials covered. The research presented in this book helps further development of medical devices, based on the additional functionalities that the use of active or "intelligent" materials, both as sensors and actuators, supplies. The main results exposed may help with the industrial expansion of this kind of materials as part of more complex systems.

This handbook focuses on the entire development process of biomedical microsystems that promote special interactions with cells. Fundamentals of cell biology and mechanobiology are described as necessary preparatory input for design tasks. Advanced design, simulation, and micro/nanomanufacturing resources, whose combined use enables the development of biomedical microsystems capable of interacting at a cellular level, are covered in depth. A detailed series of chapters is then devoted to applications based on microsystems that offer enhanced cellular control, including microfluidic devices for diagnosis and therapy, cell-based sensors and actuators (smart biodevices), microstructured prostheses for improvement of biocompatibility, microstructured and microtextured cell culture matrices for promotion of cell growth and differentiation, electrophoretic microsystems for study of cell mechanics, microstructured and microtextured biodevices for study of cell adhesion and dynamics, and biomimetic microsystems (including organs-on-chips), among others. Challenges relating to the development of reliable in vitro biomimetic microsystems, the design and manufacture of complex geometries, and biofabrication are also discussed.

This handbook focuses on the entire development process of biomedical microsystems that promote special interactions with cells. Fundamentals of cell biology and mechanobiology are described as necessary preparatory input for design tasks. Advanced design, simulation, and micro/nanomanufacturing resources, whose combined use enables the development of biomedical microsystems capable of interacting at a cellular level, are covered in depth. A detailed series of chapters is then devoted to applications based on microsystems that offer enhanced cellular control, including microfluidic devices for diagnosis and therapy, cell-based sensors and actuators (smart biodevices), microstructured prostheses for improvement of biocompatibility, microstructured and microtextured cell culture matrices for promotion of cell growth and differentiation, electrophoretic microsystems for study of cell mechanics, microstructured and microtextured biodevices for study of cell adhesion and dynamics, and biomimetic microsystems (including organs-on-chips), among others. Challenges relating to the development of reliable in vitro biomimetic microsystems, the design and manufacture of complex geometries, and biofabrication are also discussed.

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 focuses on the challenges and potentials of open source and collaborative design approaches and strategies in the biomedical field. It provides a comprehensive set of good practices and methods for making these safe, innovative and certifiable biomedical devices reach patients and provide successful solutions to healthcare issues. The chapters are sequenced to follow the complete lifecycle of open source medical technologies. The information provided is eminently practical, as it is supported by real cases of study, in which collaboration among medical professionals, engineers and technicians, patients and patient associations, policy makers, regulatory bodies, and citizens has proven beneficial. The book is also supported by an online infrastructure, UBORA, through which open-source medical devices can be collaboratively developed and shared for the democratization of medical technology and for promoting accessible biomedical engineering education.