oa Editorial [Hot topic: The Next Generation of Drug Delivery Systems and Diagnostics Based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) and Nanotechnology (Guest Editor: Noel M. Elman)]

It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I present this special edition dedicated to Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) and Nanotechnology for biomedical applications. We have received very unique articles from world class researchers that detail a great number of translational research innovations. Key aspects of the presented articles provide a solid general outlook for the next generation of biomedical devices in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The convergence of various engineering and scientific fields has resulted in great micro- and nano-technological innovations, which have already started to affect our way of life. Benefiting from a deeper understanding and improved engineering synergies among fields at the micrometer and nanometer scales, the next generation of biomedical tools will be more sensitive, more specific, faster, more portable, and telemetric. We start this special edition with an outstanding review presented by Dr. Alexander-Katz and co-workers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. His article is focused on multidimensional targeting (MDT), a new revolutionary field that aims to obtain a more thorough understanding of how physiochemical factors from the micrometer to the nanometer scales play a critical role in targeted drug delivery in addition to the use of traditional targeting strategies based on biochemical markers. Such a review provides an insightful perspective on advanced computational methods for complex bio-molecular designs for creation of the next generation of diagnostic and therapeutic nano-molecules. The next superb article provided by Dr. Alexis from Clemson University and Dr. Loo from Nanyang Technological University introduces a fascinating review of nanoparticle based delivery systems. This review focuses on novel bio-imaging and therapeutic applications that use nanoparticle platforms. A comprehensive review describing different routes of synthesis for calcium phosphate nanoparticles is presented, as well as other novel nano-systems and strategies to load pharmacological agents. Issues relating to biostability, cytotoxicity, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics are also reviewed. The article delineates technological applications at the nano-scale level with a salient translational research path to improve disease diagnosis and obtain more effective pharmacological therapies for systemic targeted delivery. The next outstanding review is provided by Dr. Ferrari, Dr. Grattoni, Dr. Fine and co-workers from the Department of Nanomedicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, NanoMedical Systems, Inc., the Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Department of Bioengineering at Rice University. They present an exceptionally comprehensive review of nanofluidic devices and systems for biomedical applications. In this remarkable article, a brief survey of delivery modalities and comparison to nanofluidic architectures is presented, followed by a description of nanofluidic transport phenomena. The authors then discuss state-of-the-art nanochannel devices for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications and the possibilities for active implant control. This insightful article also describes key issues related to biocompatibility of nanochannels, as well as the next generation of smart nano-delivery systems capable of biofeedback, representing outstanding innovations in the field of fluidics at the nanometer scale. In the next superb review article, Dr. Rosen from Superior Nanobiosystems, LLC., and Dr. Gurman from the Department of Micro and Nanotechnology from the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission provide an excellent review of several diagnostics systems based on MEMS and microfluidics, bridging the gap from the nanometer to the micrometer scales. As experienced clinicians, both authors bring a noteworthy perspective of current commercialized medical systems. In addition, various novel bioassays for state-of-the-art point-of-care devices and laboratory equipment using micro and nanotechnologies are presented. The next outstanding review is provided by Dr. Shacham-Diamand and co-workers from the Department of Physical Electronics at Tel-Aviv University, focused on lab-on-chip applications based on the integration of whole-cell sensors with semiconductor and MEMS platforms. This article provides another example of micrometer and nanometer scale level integration. Whole-cell sensors are based on genetically engineered cells designed to sense biochemical signals and express measurable signals in the form of photoluminescence, bioluminescence, or electrochemical response. This captivating work describes a new generation of micro-systems that integrate living cells with integrated circuit (IC) technologies. A review of basic modeling of whole-cell sensors, as well as highlights and challenges for integration are presented....