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High-throughput microfluidic 3D cell culture systems can be designed with different biological complexity, cell sources and cell configurations to model aspects of human tissues and organs. Such microfluidic systems can thereby serve as non-clinical testing tools for drug development. See Jihoon Ko et al.
Global health-related research and development continues to uphold colonialist structures, concentrating knowledge generation and innovation to high-income countries, thereby hindering global health equity. Therefore, in addition to engineering new technologies, bioengineers will need to try to engineer equitable relationships.
What does global health equity mean? In bioengineering, ‘equity’ is often interpreted as global ‘access’ to technologies, thereby neglecting wider structural inequalities. Here we suggest that concepts of equity need to be expanded to incorporate principles of equitable representation and recognition within the innovation ecosystem.
Wound healing mechanisms differ depending on the sex, particularly in chronic wounds. Therefore, sex should be considered in the design of nanomedicine- and biomaterials-based wound healing therapies, both in preclinical and clinical testing.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is finding its way into healthcare. Therefore, medical students need to be trained to be ‘bilingual’ in both medical and computational terminology and concepts to allow them to understand, implement and evaluate AI-related research.
Microfluidic 3D cell culture platforms may serve as tools for the modelling of human tissues. This Review discusses the design, standardization and automation of such systems for non-clinical drug evaluation and investigation of disease.
Small-scale wireless soft robotic devices are promising tools for various medical applications. This Review outlines safety, navigation and functionality challenges, as well as the ethical and regulatory considerations that remain to be addressed for their clinical translation.
Ultrasound is an emerging tool for tissue engineering with the distinct advantages of cytocompatibility and deep tissue penetration. This Review discusses the integration of ultrasound for cellular assembly and tissue maturation with tissue-engineering techniques to advance regenerative medicine.
The application of nanoscale drug delivery systems by subcutaneous (SC) administration may circumvent disadvantages of other injections routes, such as intramuscular and intravenous administration. This Review discusses the design and clinical translation of nanoscale drug delivery systems for SC administration for the treatment of various conditions.
University departments may benefit from guidelines not only to craft effective diversity, equity and inclusion plans, but also to measure progress towards achieving specific goals. This Perspective presents a framework for building, assessing and continuously improving strategic plans to improve recruitment and retention and make departments more inclusive.