Fundamental Bioengineering

1Introduction and Overview

John Villadsen

Bioengineering is a relatively new addition to a long list of terms starting with “bio.” It is broadly defined as “the application of engineering principles to biological systems.” Bioengineering can include elements of chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, materials, chemistry and biology. The systems that are analyzed range from cell cultures and enzymes applied in the bio-industry and in bioremediation to prosthetics, construction of models for organs such as liver, drug-delivery systems and numerous other subjects in biomedical engineering, all requiring an understanding of transport phenomena (mass, heat, and momentum transfer) and kinetics, combined in often large mathematical models. Besides a working knowledge of these core chemical engineering disciplines, a successful study of a problem in bioengineering requires an insight into the core disciplines of biology and biochemistry, specifically in human physiology when the goal is, for example, to construct a new cancer drug delivery system.

In this volume, coauthored by nine scientists, mostly working in academic institutions or in the bio-industry, the focus is on application of bioengineering in the emerging “white biotechnology” industry. The design of bioremediation systems closely follows the principles of analysis and design of industrial bioprocesses. This text will also prove valuable for environmental engineers. The biomedical applications ...