Emerging Trends in Biomedical Engineering: What’s Next for the Industry?

Biomedical engineers combine expertise in medicine and engineering to develop innovations that drive better patient outcomes and improve healthcare. New technologies have enabled advancements in the industry that help diagnose, treat and prevent diseases.

This article will explore emerging biomedical engineering trends, including artificial intelligence, advances in regenerative medicine, robotics and nanotechnology.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Diagnostics

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly improving the speed and accuracy of diagnostics. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that allows algorithms to learn based on training data. These algorithms can analyze large datasets and provide clinicians with insights that can help make early diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans.¹

In addressing many diseases, such as cancer, early diagnosis can lead to early treatment and better outcomes. AI increases accuracy in diagnostics by eliminating human error and quickly analyzing complex data sets. It can also speed up the early stages of diagnosis, so doctors can focus on more complicated tasks and direct patient care.¹

Because AI models can process so much data so quickly and efficiently, they can detect patterns and trends that would be practically impossible to recognize otherwise. These models can also use data analysis to make predictions about disease progression, which can facilitate preventative care and help healthcare organizations effectively allocate resources.¹

Some examples of AI and ML in diagnostics include using models to predict wound healing by analyzing factors such as comorbidities, wound characteristics and health history, and predicting the best debridement methods for diabetic foot ulcers. These insights can help healthcare providers develop tailored treatment plans and reduce the risk of infection, amputations and other negative outcomes.¹

Advances in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering is a subset of biomedical engineering that uses living cells, scaffolds and biomaterials to restore and heal damaged tissues. Scaffolds are materials, such as biodegradable polymers, that cells can grow on as they develop into tissues. Bioengineers have made significant progress in repairing damaged tissue with these methods, using stem cells or progenitor cells, which are cells that can differentiate into a specific cell type.²

Another method used in tissue engineering is 3D printing. Bioprinting uses a layered approach to precisely place cells and structured supports to generate tissues. It allows engineers to create elaborate tissue structures, such as vascular networks. In the future, this technology may be able to create artificial organs for transplantation.²

Tissue engineering technology can also be used to create effective drug delivery systems and organoids for testing medications. Organoids are also known as organs-on-chips (OoCs). These simplified models of organs can be used to mimic how an organ will react to a treatment or medication. Researchers use OoCs to identify candidates for drug trials quickly and effectively. They also integrate hydrogels and nanotechnology into these systems to develop targeted drug delivery modules.²

Robotics in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers are integrating robotic technology to develop more efficient surgical procedures and prosthetics that improve the quality of life for patients. Smart prosthetics integrate sensors and robotic technology to provide real-time sensory feedback for improved functionality and comfort. Robotics can also be combined with wearable sensors. Together, these devices are used to monitor neural activity, so doctors can deliver more targeted interventions for improved recovery.³

Robotic technology can be used in surgery to deliver extremely precise results to avoid mistakes that can lead to tissue damage or other adverse outcomes. Diagnostic robots are used in biopsy procedures to accurately guide the needle, which provides a better specimen for diagnosis.³

Bioengineering advances in robotics are also making healthcare more accessible to underserved populations. Portable robots, such as mobile diagnostics and telemedicine-enabled systems, can allow doctors to treat patients in remote areas virtually.³

Nanotechnology and Biosensors

Nanotechnology operates on a microscopic scale, giving it multiple applications in bioengineering. Bioengineers use nanotechnology to develop drug delivery systems that can target tumors. These nanosystems can deliver medicine precisely to kill cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. This allows doctors to reduce negative side effects associated with earlier methods of cancer treatment.⁴

Biosensors are sensors that use a biological agent to measure compounds. Bioengineers are using them to develop systems for continuous, noninvasive patient monitoring. They have designed wearable biosensors, for example, that can continuously monitor metabolites in sweat. As published in the journal Nature, these sensors have been used to monitor the intake and levels of amino acids during human exercise. The data they gathered allowed researchers to assess the risk of metabolic syndrome and identify early indicators of diseases that can be treated with precise nutrition therapy.⁵

The Future of Biomedical Engineering Careers

Bioengineering is an innovative field that relies on cutting-edge technology. The necessary expertise includes proficiency in AI, data analytics and biomechanics. Further, biomedical engineers must be creative and adept at analysis, communication, problem-solving and mathematics.

An advanced degree can help you gain the skills you need to be competitive in the field, and to land a job in fast-growing areas that are shaping biomedical engineering industry trends, such as medical devices, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. With a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, you’ll be qualified for employment as, for example, a clinical engineer, biostatistician or biomedical software engineer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in bioengineering is expected to grow at 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the national average.⁶

Use Your Expertise to Improve Patient Outcomes 

Biomedical engineers play an important role in advancing healthcare and improving outcomes for patients through innovative diagnostic and treatment options. You can obtain the knowledge and the skills you need to succeed in this rewarding field with an online Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

In this hands-on program, you’ll get the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and learn from industry experts. You build your network as you connect with your peers and other alumni, fostering relationships that will last throughout your career. In as few as 18 months, you’ll be ready for an advanced position with leading companies or rapidly growing startups. Financial aid is available to make the program even more affordable. Contact an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more.