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1. Devices to Aid Mobility: Biomedical Engineering-Focused Undergraduate Senior Capstone Design Projects

   https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2018-86826  

   Thompson, Lara A.; Xu, Jiajun; Shetty, Devdas (November 2018, Proceedings of the ASME 2018 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition)

   In order to meet the increasing societal and market demand for a diverse and well-trained Biomedical Engineering (BME) workforce, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), the nation’s only urban land-grant institution, the District of Columbia’s only public institution of higher education, and a historically black college and university (HBCU), nurtures BME activities focused on exposure, training and cultivation through research and experiential learning. Undergraduate design projects and research-based learning opportunities in BME are key program ingredients. This paper presents the former (i.e., three, BME-related undergraduate senior Capstone Design projects that target devices to aid patient immobility) namely, the design of: 1) an ankle foot orthosis, 2) an upperlimb robotic hand prosthetic, and 3) a chairless chair lower limb exoskeleton. A current focus of the UDC BME program is Rehabilitation Engineering (i.e., interventions and devices aimed at aiding those with mobility impairments). We briefly discuss the necessity for rehabilitation-focused, biomedical-related undergraduate experiences and training for underrepresented minority students at UDC, in particular, undergraduate engineering education through multidisciplinary BME projects that foster hands-on creativity towards innovative designs. In addition to critical design experiences and undergraduate training in BME, devices may have the potential to develop into new commercial technologies and/or research projects that will aid and enhance the quality life of individuals suffering from a wide-range of mobility-related issues. 

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2. On the design of manifolds for parallel channel systems

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euromechflu.2024.07.004  

   Hadad, Yaser; Mohsenian, Ghazal; Chiarot, Paul; Sammakia, Bahgat (November 2024, European Journal of Mechanics - B/Fluids)

   In the design of high-performance heat and mass transfer devices such as liquid-cooled heat sinks, catalytic reactors, and catalytic convertors, parallel mini/microchannels are favored owing to their special potentials. Offering low pressure drop, providing high transfer surface area to volume ratio, and being easy to manufacture and optimize have been drawing thermal and chemical engineers attention to parallel channels for past decades. When working with parallel channels, the challenge of flow maldistribution is commonly faced which decreases their efficiency significantly. System total pressure drop and flow uniformity are two parameters that determine the system performance. In the present study, a variety of practical ideas, aiming to enhance parallel channels performance, are studied numerically. Inventive manifold designs with high hydraulic performance are created through the course of this study. The results of these designs are compared with basic conventional designs which show substantial enhancement. Analyzing less successful designs lead us to deep understanding of fluid dynamics in parallel channel heat and mass transfer devices. 

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3. Thinking Beyond the Device: An Overview of Human- and Equity-Centered Approaches for Health Technology Design

   https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-bioeng-081922-024834  

   Rodriguez, Natalia M.; Burleson, Grace; Linnes, Jacqueline C.; Sienko, Kathleen H. (June 2023, Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering)

   A shift in the traditional technocentric view of medical device design to a human-centered one is needed to bridge existing translational gaps and improve health equity. To ensure the successful and equitable adoption of health technology innovations, engineers must think beyond the device and the direct end user and must seek a more holistic understanding of broader stakeholder needs and the intended context of use early in a design process. The objectives of this review article are ( a) to provide rationale for the need to incorporate meaningful stakeholder analysis and contextual investigation in health technology development and biomedical engineering pedagogy, ( b) to review existing frameworks and human- and equity-centered approaches to stakeholder engagement and contextual investigation for improved adoption of innovative technologies, and ( c) to present case studyexamples of medical device design that apply these approaches to bridge the gaps between biomedical engineers and the contexts for which they are designing. 

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4. Progress in Bioinspired Dry and Wet Gradient Materials from Design Principles to Engineering Applications

   https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2020.101749  

   Dong, X.; Zhao, H.; Li, J.; Tian, Y.; Zeng, H.; Ramos, M.A.; Hu, T.S.; Xu, Q. (November 2020, iScience)

   null (Ed.)

   Nature does nothing in vain. Through millions of years of revolution, living organisms have evolved hierarchical and anisotropic structures to maximize their survival in complex and dynamic environments. Many of these structures are intrinsically heterogeneous and often with functional gradient distributions. Understanding the convergent and divergent gradient designs in the natural material systems may lead to a new paradigm shift in the development of next-generation high-performance bio-/nano-materials and devices that are critically needed in energy, environmental remediation, and biomedical fields. Herein, we review the basic design principles and highlight some of the prominent examples of gradient biological materials/structures discovered over the past few decades. Interestingly, despite the anisotropic features in one direction (i.e., in terms of gradient compositions and properties), these natural structures retain certain levels of symmetry, including point symmetry, axial symmetry, mirror symmetry, and 3D symmetry. We further demonstrate the state-of-the-art fabrication techniques and procedures in making the biomimetic counterparts. Some prototypes showcase optimized properties surpassing those seen in the biological model systems. Finally, we summarize the latest applications of these synthetic functional gradient materials and structures in robotics, biomedical, energy, and environmental fields, along with their future perspectives. This review may stimulate scientists, engineers, and inventors to explore this emerging and disruptive research methodology and endeavors. 

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5. Prospects and Trends in Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Devices: A Review

   https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15060898  

   Welburn, Lowell; Javadi, Amir_Milad Moshref; Nguyen, Luong; Desai, Salil (June 2025, Biomolecules)

   Designing and manufacturing devices at the micro- and nanoscales offers significant advantages, including high precision, quick response times, high energy density ratios, and low production costs. These benefits have driven extensive research in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS), resulting in various classifications of materials and manufacturing techniques, which are ultimately used to produce different classifications of MEMS devices. The current work aims to systematically organize the literature on MEMS in biomedical devices, encompassing past achievements, present developments, and future prospects. This paper reviews the current research trends, highlighting significant material advancements and emerging technologies in biomedical MEMS in order to meet the current challenges facing the field, such as ensuring biocompatibility, achieving miniaturization, and maintaining precise control in biological environments. It also explores projected applications, including use in advanced diagnostic tools, targeted drug delivery systems, and innovative therapeutic devices. By mapping out these trends and prospects, this review will help identify current research gaps in the biomedical MEMS field. By pinpointing these gaps, researchers can focus on addressing unmet needs and advancing state-of-the-art biomedical MEMS technology. Ultimately, this can lead to the development of more effective and innovative biomedical devices, improving patient care and outcomes. 

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