Knowledge of anatomy, biochemistry and the mechanics of cellular and sub-cellular structures is needed to understand disease processes and to target interventions. Armed with such knowledge, new technologies have been, or are being, developed. Examples include: (1) Miniature devices for delivering compounds that stimulate or inhibit cellular processes in precise locations to promote healing or inhibit disease formation and progression; (2) New techniques that have produced replacement skin and may one day produce heart valves, coronary vessels, and even entire hearts; (3) Development of artificial materials used for implantation as well as new biomaterials that incorporate proteins or living cells, thereby providing a truer biological and mechanical match for the living tissue.

The Biomedical Engineering (Cell and Tissue Engineering) programme is offered at Illinois Institute of Technology.