Examine the changes in chemical components within a biological system
Develop methods for modifying these chemical or their interactions
- Purified chemicals relieve pain (e.g. acetaminophen)
- Gene therapy introduce new DNA sequence (will not alter own genes)
Subdivisions
- Bioprocess
- Metabolic
- Biomaterials
- Pharmaceutical
- Tissue
- Cellular
- Nanobiotechnology
Human Body
As a Bag of Chemical
- Our bodies can be supplemented, mended and improved by chemicals
- Keep track of materials coming in and out
As a Reactor
- Supplement missing tissue functions
- Optimize treatment outcome
Mass Balance
Keep track of reactions (substances produced/consumed)
Pharmacokinetics
Changing the clearance curve of drug molecule
Medical Devices
- Hemodialysis
- Filtration
- Reabsorption
- Secretion
Medicine Transport
- Diffusion (concentration gradient)
- Convection (pressure gradient)
- Carrier-mediated transport
Artificial Organs
Controlling transport of stimuli/nutrients/wastes. (e.g. different types of encapsulation devices)
Biomaterials
- Mode of degradation
- Interaction with cells
Barriers
- Absorbed by some other systems
- Absorbed by all systems
- Blocked by something
- Rejection from bad cells
- Internalization
- Drug resistance
From initial use to medical use, the material should not produce abnormal immune response.