This interdisciplinary field integrates engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to develop innovative healthcare solutions. It aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, accelerating the development and delivery of novel therapies, diagnostics, and medical devices to improve patient outcomes. An example includes engineering functional tissues and organs for transplantation.
The significance lies in its potential to revolutionize healthcare by addressing unmet clinical needs. It offers substantial benefits, including personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and advanced diagnostics. Its historical context is rooted in advancements in genetic engineering, biomaterials, and nanotechnology, converging to create a powerful approach to tackling complex medical challenges.