Bioengineering: Making a New You
What is bioengineering?
The science of bioengineering combines engineering with biology. Essentially, engineering theory, design and technology are applied to living systems.
Biomaterials, which are any substance other than foods or drugs used for patient treatment, play a critical role in bioengineering. Historically metallic biomaterials (gold) have been used in dentistry for a couple of thousand years. Those uses have evolved from holding teeth in place (gold wires and bands); to filling holes in teeth (gold, platinum, tin and silver amalgam); to serving as replacement artificial roots for lost teeth (metallic implants). Researchers are now working on creating living biomaterials (teeth grown in a laboratory) to replace lost teeth. Researchers have recently had success with growing the crown and roots of teeth from stem cells on an experimental level.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are cells that have no final function, yet. They have two key features: they can keep dividing for long periods (self-renewal) and, after receiving the appropriate signals, they can transform into specialized (mature) cells.
Dental stem cells–found on the dentin wall of baby teeth that have fallen out and in the tissues from unextracted wisdom teeth that have yet to surface–will form a structure of dentin and enamel. Dental stem cells found at the root tip of adult teeth have also been used to form root structures on a "scaffolding " made of biodegradable polymers. Further research and development of this process could lead to re-growing human teeth replacements.
Finding a cure - Are genes the key?
The completion of the Human Genome Project has profoundly advanced our understanding of human genes and their function. Today, research is exploring ways to use genes as diagnostic tools and for treatments and cures for systemic disorders such as diabetes.
What is a gene?
- A gene is a defined sequence or segment of DNA that tells your body how to build a specific protein. Certain diseases, like diabetes, can be caused by the body not making a specific protein (insulin).
- Genes determine traits such as your eye color, gender, and even ethnicity.
- There are 21,009 human genes, but not all of them are active in every cell.
- The combination of all genes makes up the blueprint, instructions, or plan for the human body and its functions.
Gene therapeutics is the use of a gene as a drug. It is a promising approach for the treatment of systemic disorders like diabetes.
How do they do that?
The process involves placing the gene that causes cells to produce the missing protein into cells of an organ that normally does not make that protein.
Salivary glands - protein factories
Salivary glands can be used as the target organ to receive the gene responsible for production of the desired protein. Salivary glands possess the following advantages:
- Salivary glands are well encapsulated; therefore, the spread of the fluid containing the gene is limited.
- Accessing salivary glands is relatively non-invasive.
- Salivary glands make large amounts of protein that is secreted into the blood stream.
- A single salivary gland is not critical for life and can be removed if there is a problem.
Did you know?
Researchers are currently working on perfecting the production of growth hormone and insulin from salivary glands.
