Biomedical Engineering and the Future of Human Quality of Life
Tauhid Nur Azhar
I am honored to be appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of the Biomedical Engineering program at Telkom University, along with Prof. Dr. Suprijanto, ST, MT from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Industrial Technology, ITB, and Mr. Ade Taryat Hidayat, President Director of Abadi Nusa Group, a leading manufacturer of medical and diagnostic equipment in Indonesia.
This appointment is a great responsibility and a valuable opportunity to contribute to the development of high-level technical education in the field of biomedical engineering. My experience as a team leader at BPPT/BRIN in the Bus Biosmart technology assessment program at Universitas Diponegoro Semarang, which included nano-coating and HEPA air filter technology with advanced HVAC system planning, has inspired me about the bright future of biomedical engineering development in Indonesia.
Prior to this, I was also appointed as a deputy chairman of the research and innovation task force to prevent the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic under the coordination of BPPT/BRIN. In this task force, I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge of biomedical engineering in real-world research and manufacturing activities.
These experiences have solidified my conviction that biomedical engineering is a crucial bridge in the pursuit of improving human quality of life in the future. The rapid development of healthcare technology, which is increasingly focused on preventive, promotive, and curative approaches, requires the availability of skilled human resources who are proficient in biomedical engineering.
Currently, various diagnostic methods and models have reached a level of advancement that was previously unimaginable 10 years ago. There are precise PET scans, IVUS for examining various intra-vascular conditions, optogenetics for assessing brain function, advanced CT scans, functional MRI for mapping neuronal function, USG and ERCP for diagnosing digestive tract and abdominal cavity conditions, and genomic screening using various methods such as RNA Microarray.
In the curative field, technologies such as tele and robotic surgery, regenerative methods using stem cells and secretome, PRP, and biological therapy, precise treatment with smart drugs that can directly bind to target cells, and bioprinting for organ replacement are already being developed.
Furthermore, the support of AI in biomedical research will continue to contribute significantly as new, more intelligent, and powerful versions emerge, such as OpenAI o1, which introduced GPT version 5 that can create video games independently with a specific prompt.
Biomedical research by prompting may become a reality in the near future. It is undeniable that biomedical technology plays a central role in driving the advancement of healthcare and medicine. Several innovative technologies have enabled new approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and disease management.
Technologies such as genome microarray, PET Scan, IVUS, optogenetics, robotic telesurgery, nano-bots, and regenerative therapy with stem cells and secretome, as discussed above, have become the starting point for the biomedical revolution.
Let’s discuss the development of various medical technologies, focusing on the methods used, underlying theories, and clinical applications:
- Genome/DNA Microarray (RNA-Seq)
Genome microarray is a technique used to measure the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. This helps identify relevant genes in specific diseases, such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders. Genome microarray is based on the principle of hybridization, where target RNA or DNA binds to complementary sequences already placed on the array.
The underlying theory is the genetic hybridization principle developed by Edward Southern (1975), which serves as the basis for microarray development. Using complementary DNA or RNA molecules, this technology can identify abnormal genetic expression.
Clinical applications include genetic diagnostics and genomic mapping in cancer cases, such as the use of Oncotype DX in breast cancer to predict response to chemotherapy.
Currently, genome microarray is widely used in genetic diagnosis of cancer, such as colorectal and breast cancer. This method is also important in personalized medicine, allowing doctors to prescribe targeted therapy based on patients’ genetic profiles.
2. PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
PET Scan is a medical imaging technique that allows visualization of metabolic function in the body through detection of radiation emitted by positrons from radioactive isotopes. PET scans are often used to detect cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
The underlying theory is the result of research by Gordon Brownell and William Sweet, who developed PET in the 1950s using radioactive isotopes that decay by emitting positrons.
The annihilation principle, which produces gamma photons detected to map metabolic activity, is the basis of PET. PET allows real-time visualization of biochemical processes.
Currently, PET is widely used for diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression. Other clinical applications include evaluation of metastasis spread and detection of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s patients. PET is also combined with CT (Computed Tomography) to integrate anatomical and functional imaging.
3. IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound)
IVUS is an imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels in real-time. This allows doctors to assess atherosclerotic plaque and improve interventions such as angioplasty.
The underlying theory is the principle of ultrasound or sonography, developed by Christian Doppler and later adapted for biomedical use by Karl Dussik in the 1940s.
High-frequency sound waves are emitted through a catheter inserted into the blood vessel, and the reflected waves are used to create images of the lumen and arterial wall.
Currently, IVUS is commonly used in cardiovascular interventions, such as coronary stenting, to ensure proper stent placement. IVUS also helps doctors assess cardiovascular risk and guide non-invasive interventions.
4. Optogenetics
Optogenetics combines genetic techniques and light to control neuronal activity. Photosensitive proteins, such as channelrhodopsins, are activated by light to modulate neuronal activity with high precision.
The underlying theory is the principle of photosensitive proteins discovered by Francis Crick in 1979. These proteins are inserted into neurons, allowing cells to be activated by blue or green light. Karl Deisseroth is a key figure in developing this technology for biomedical applications.
Currently, optogenetics is primarily used in basic research to understand brain function and neurological disorders. Early research on Parkinson’s disease suggests potential for therapeutic applications, although clinical applications are still in development.
5. Robotic Telesurgery
Robotic telesurgery uses robots to perform surgery remotely, allowing surgeons to operate with high precision. Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System are pioneers in this field.
The concept of telesurgery enables surgeons to control robotic surgical systems from a distance using high-resolution cameras and haptic sensors for tactile feedback. This allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with better control.
Currently, robotic telesurgery is used in minimally invasive procedures, such as prostate, heart, and kidney surgery. The da Vinci system is widely used in hospitals to improve surgical precision and reduce patient recovery time.
6. Nano Bots and Nano Drug Delivery
Nano bots are nanoscale machines used in medical procedures within the human body, such as clearing arterial blockages, destroying cancer cells, or repairing tissues. Nano drug delivery refers to systems that use nanoparticles to ensure precise delivery of medications to target locations.
The underlying principle of nanotechnology was discovered by Richard Feynman in 1959, and development in this field has enabled the creation of nanostructures that can interact with biological systems at the molecular level. Nano bots use self-assembly and targeted therapy concepts.
Currently, nanoparticles are used for cancer medication delivery, such as Doxil, which targets tumors while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues. Research on nano bots is ongoing for tissue repair and local infection treatment.
7. Regenerative Therapy with Stem Cells and Secretome
Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to replace or repair damaged tissues. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types needed for tissue repair. Secretome refers to a collection of molecules, such as growth factors and extracellular vesicles, secreted by stem cells and possessing regenerative potential.
Shinya Yamanaka discovered induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006, allowing these cells to differentiate into various cell types. Secretome is theoretically based on the principle of paracrine signaling, where cells can influence tissue regeneration through secreted signaling molecules.
Currently, stem cell therapy is used to treat various degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, diabetic wounds, and bone fractures. Secretome is also being explored as an alternative to stem cell therapy for regenerative treatment.
All the medical technologies and techniques discussed above are integral parts of the development of Biomedical Engineering, and we can all agree on the importance and criticality of biomedical engineering in healthcare and human quality of life improvement in the future.
Additional Reading Materials:
- Southern, E. M. (1975). Detection of specific sequences among DNA fragments separated by gel electrophoresis. Journal of Molecular Biology, 98(3), 503–517.
- Brownell, G. L., & Sweet, W. H. (1953). Localization of brain tumors with positron emitters. Nucleonics, 11(11), 40–45.
- Deisseroth, K. (2015). Optogenetics: 10 years of microbial opsins in neuroscience. Nature Neuroscience, 18(9), 1213–1225.
- Yamanaka, S. (2006). Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors. Cell, 126(4), 663–676.
