Topic summary

Biological engineering

Biological engineering or bioengineering is the application of principles of biology and the tools of engineering to create usable, tangible, economically viable products that support health care. Biological engineering applies knowledge and expertise from various basic and applied sciences, including biomechanics, bioinformatics, thermodynamics, polymer science, medical imaging, and tissue engineering, among others. One source defined bioengineering as advancing the "fundamental understanding of how biological systems operate and to develop effective biology-based technologies for applications across a wide spectrum of societal needs including breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease."

Generally, biological engineers attempt to mimic biological systems to create products or modify and control biological systems. Bioengineers use traditional engineering principles and techniques to address biological processes, including ways to replace, augment, sustain, or predict chemical and mechanical processes.