Module 3: Biotechnologies, Bionics and Cyborgs Flashcards
Biohackers
-focuses on the less technical aspect and often involves working outside of traditional medicine
Biopharma
-biotechnology-based development of drugs
Bioengineering
-refers to implanted technology and bionics
Motivations for biotechnology in the context of aging
-remain active
-moderate impacts of aging
Remain active
-older adults may use biotechnology to help them remain socially, intellectually, and physically active
Moderate impacts of aging
-older adults facing challenges in terms of mobility, vision, hearing, etc. may wish to moderate the impacts of these challenges using biotechnology
Bioengineering examples
-implants
-bionic prostheses
-3D printing and wearable robotics
Implants
-cochlear implants
-retinal implants
-pacemakers
-neurological implants
Bionic prostheses
-joint replacements
-bionics
-cyborgs
3D printing and wearable robotics
-3D printed organs
-3D printed limbs
-exosuits
What are different types of implants
-cochlear implants
-artificial vision
-pacemakers
-neurological implants
Cardiac implants
-pacemaker
-implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Pacemaker
-small device implanted in the chest to monitor an individuals heart rate
-when irregular heart rate is detected, electrical impulses will be sent from the device to the individuals heart in order to stimulate a normal rate of contraction
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators
-developed to prevent sudden cardiac death
-can respond to sudden life-threatening irregularities in cardiac rhythm by delivering a shock to reset the hearts rhythm back to a normal pace
Neurological implants
-brain computer interface (BCI)
BCIs for communication
-can read people with paralysis’s intentions directly from the brain and using that information to control external devices or move paralyzed limb s
BCIs for mobility
-have been utilized to control robotic arms by targeting brain signals from the cortex
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
-involves use of an electromagnetic coil that is placed on the scalp of an individual
-produces a magnetic field which can then stimulate specific areas of the brain
Neurohacking
-form of biohacking
-DIY neuroimplant
Potential issues with neural implants
-risk of seizure
-risk of vision distortion
-risk of infection
Risk of seizure
-due to relatively strong current required to activate target neurons, activating multiple electrodes at once risks triggering a seizure
Risk of vision distortion
-activating neighbouring electrodes can stimulate the tissue between them, fusing 2 discrete visual points and blurring vision
Risk of infection
-implanted biotechnology could result in scarring of the surrounding brain tissue, possibly leading to an infection
Joint replacements
-surgical procedure in which an arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with an orthopedic prosthesis
Bionics
-refer to the replacement of a limb or body part by an artificial limb or part that is electronically or mechanically powered
Cyborgs
-refer to a person whose physiological functioning is aided by or dependent upon a mechanical or electronic device
What are the 3 most common joint replacements performed
-knee
-hip
-shoulder
Material of joint replacements
-ceramic on ceramic is actually most popular because metal rubs together and releases ions into the bloodstream
What are the 3 most common types of bionic limbs
-bionic legs
-bionic arms
-bionic hands
Challenges associated with bionics
-attachment
-control
-sensation
Attachment of bionics
-can be challenging to design a bionic limb that is both secure when attached to the body but also comfortable
Control of bionics
-control can be challenging, especially if you are looking for neurological control which allows for seamless movement of the limb
Sensation of bionics
-most do not yet have a way to sense different stimuli in the environment
Examples of bionic limbs
-i-Limb quantum
-MIT biomechatronics group
-utah knee
Difficulties older adults have with traditional prostheses
-usage
-pain
Usage difficulties with prosthetics
-can be difficult to use, heavy, and frustrating, so much that many choose to use a wheelchair instead
Pain with prosthetics
-stump pain, pressure ulcers, and infections can lead older adults to discontinue use after initial interest
Limb transplants
-replaces missing body part with a real limb from donor
-transplantation requires immunosuppressants and carries risk of rejection
What is a cyborg
-complete integration of technology into a biological system so that the technology is a full part of the body with 2 way communication to the nervous system
3D printed organs
-biotechnology is almost at the point where actual human organs can be bioprinted, using a patients own cells rather than synthetic materials
Organizations providing 3D printed prosthetics around the world
-enabling the future
-exceed
-project daniel
Enabling the future
-volunteer organization that provides open-source plans for volunteers to print, assemble, and distribute free 3D printed upper limbs to those in need
Cyborg beast
-prosthetic arm designed to appeal to children by mimicking superhero
Exceed
-has addressed the shortage of trained people around the world to fit prosthetic devices and train other to use them
Project daniel
-provides 3D printed prosthetic limbs to amputees and also trains locals to use the 3D printers to continue printing limbs for their communities
3D printed skin
-university of toronto has developed a handheld 3D printer that can print synthetic skin directly onto wounds
What is biological microelectromechanical systems
-BioMEMS
-can be incorporated into artificial skin in order to help make prosthetics more realistic
Examples of wearable robotics
-soft robotic glove
-robotic shoulder support
-keeogo knee braces
Soft robotic glove
-was developed to assist in the rehabilitation after a stroke by using inflatable chambers to move the users fingers at low cost compared to in clinic tools
Robotic shoulder support
-uses inflation to lift the arm and strengthen the shoulder
Keeogo knee braces
-monitors lower body position, interprets your intended movement, and then the motors by your knee help you along the way
-does not initiate any movement, you are in control
Considerations for exosuits
-expensive
-decreased mobility
-long wait times
Expensive
-cost of exosuits can be tens of thousands of dollar
Decreased mobility
-can cause slow walking speeds, some individuals are unable to turn when wearing the suit
Long wait times
-slow transition from prototype to end users, which means there is a long wait time before they are made commercially available
What are cosmeceuticals
-cosmetic products with bioactive ingredients purported to have medical benefits
What are some of the newer forms of nanocosmeceuticals
-liposomes
-niosomes
-solid lipid nanoparticle
-nanostructured lipid carriers
-nanoemulsions
-gold nanoparticles
Liposomes
-for the delivery of fragrances, vitamins and for anti-aging creams
Niosomes
-for anti wrinkle and whitening creams, hair repairing shampoos
Solid lipid nanoparticle
-composed of biodegradeable and physiological lipids that exhibit low toxicity and are used in sunscreens and day creams
Nanostructured lipid carriers
-high drug loading capacity for entrapped bioactive compound and also have fewer side effects than SLN
Nanoemulsions
-used in deodorants, shampoos, and hair conditioners
Gold nanoparticles
-help with blood circulation, has anti-inflamatory and antiseptic properties, improving firmness and elasticity of skin, delaying aging process, and vitalizing skin metabolism
Potential issues with nanoparticles
-long and short term side effects are unclear
-some with poor solubility have been shown to cause cancer and can exhibit more pronounced toxicity
-inhalation can occur from application to the lips
-since they are generally categorized as aesthetic products they often avoid the testing required for over the counter drugs
