National critical technologies report.

  • Office of Science and Technology Policy
Date:
1995
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: National critical technologies report. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    105/226 (page 79)
    screening for bacterial or viral contamination. Chronic monitoring and functional electrical stimulation open the door to more effective low-dose therapies and functional restoration. Artificial blood and skin have great appeal by expanding a relatively limited resource and avoiding the problems of type matching, screening for bacterial or viral contamination and a very limited shelf life. Most approaches to artificial blood are based on hemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen. While hemoglobin can be pasteurized to minimize disease and given to anyone regardless of blood-type, breakdown in the circulatory system with resulting kidney damage remains as a problem. Several methods for using ultrasound to form an aqueous solution of hemoglobin microbubbles are now yielding excellent results, although they have yet to be tested in humans. Though widely pursued, particularly by the Japanese who have had substantial programs in this area, artificial blood remains an elusive objective. An entirely different approach to biocompatible materials is emerging from the ability to manipulate the body’s own immune system. Exemplified by projects to manipulate animal derived extra-cellular matrix to create biologically derived materials for reconstructive applications such as vascular grafts, ligaments or tendons, these are intended to stimulate the body’s own cells and induce them to rebuild the lost material. Other efforts are underway to develop implantable “microreactors” containing living cells isolated from the body’s immune system to treat diseases requiring replacement of hormones, enzymes, factors, and other cell-produced bioagents. Progress in this area is closely linked to research and development in protein engineering and subsequent tissue engineering. Biocompatible materials make a direct contribution to the improved health of the U.S. population by enabling a variety of biomedical applications. These materials and their adaptation are part of the growing biotechnology industry, contributing to job creation in that industry. Progress in these areas will be valuable for improved outcomes and reduced length of stay for trauma and surgical procedures. The importance of minimal anesthesia and proper tissue perfusion and oxygenation cannot be over emphasized, particularly in infants or geriatric patients. These materials are also important for the restorative care of battlefield casualties, and so contribute to reducing the damage from military operations. The U.S. has a substantial leadership position in this area across metallic, ceramic, and organic materials with the possible exception of artificial blood where the Japanese have had a significant concentration of effort. Functional diagnostic imaging High-resolution medical imaging techniques, including CAT scans, MRI and Ultrasound, are revolutionizing medical diagnosis and treatment. As a result, they have emerged as critical components of the nation's health system.