Human Artificial Body Parts By: Daren Oakeson

What Do We Know So Far?  Body processes are at the molecular level.  Surface area to volume ratio makes nanoparticles biologically active or able to interact with the body.  Nanotechnology gives us tools to create tissues and artificial organs that interface with the body.  It is hard to build 3-D structures with specialized features and blood vessels. We can create thin sections of tissues with stem cells. (heart tissue that contracts, liver tissue)

Solving Problems With Nanotech  Network with Nanomaterials Build scaffolds with electrospinning (electric field to build a matrix of polymer fibers) Molecular Self-assembly (form ordered structures with fibers or peptide based, 3-D gels with nanosize pores from 5 to 200 nanometers, embed cells in assembly)  Carbon Nanotubes Reinforce synthetic tissue Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) provide a mechanical connection from artificial devices to neural tissue because it is a great conductor.  Better Biocompatible Materials Films such as nanocrystalline diamond (stronger, biocompatible) Created by chemically etching out the material or chemical vapor deposition.

Nanomaterials

What Is Coming In The Future  Imperfectly grown organs and tissues Organs and tissues will improve over time. Test medicines on imperfectly grown organs.  Prosthetics that interface with our bodies (SWNT) will allow us to bridge the gap between mechanical units and human flesh.  Nanoskin NASA, with carbon nanotubes, will build a skin covering that can sense heat, and pressure to cover prosthetics.

Bibliography  Prosthetic arm Graphic. n.p. Web. 29 Apr precious-metals-implants.  Microengineered Material. N.d. Graphic. Wyss InstituteWeb. 29 Apr  KARNIK, ROHIT, and ROBERT S. LANGER. "REBUILDING OURSELVES USHERING IN AN AGE OF SYNTHETIC ORGANS AND TARGETED MEDICINE. (Cover Story)." Mechanical Engineering (2013): Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Apr  Laura Ballerini, et al. "Interfacing Neurons With Carbon Nanotubes: Electrical Signal Transfer And Synaptic Stimulation In Cultured Brain Circuits." Journal Of Neuroscience (2007): Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Apr  W. Ahmed, et al. "Surface Engineering Of Artificial Heart Valve Disks Using Nanostructured Thin Films Deposited By Chemical Vapour Deposition And Sol- Gel Methods." Journal Of Medical Engineering & Technology 30.5 (2006): Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Apr  Loizidou, M., and A. M. Seifalian. "Nanotechnology And Its Applications In Surgery." British Journal Of Surgery 97.4 (2010): Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Apr  "Nanotech Skin For Prosthetic Hands." American Ceramic Society Bulletin87.2 (2008): 17. Academic Search Premier. Web. 30 Apr

Project Artificial Organs How will it be When we will see Organs grown synthetically Will we ever have to die When it finally comes our time Or will we live far past our prime Pushing limits as we climb I can not say it won’t do good But I do not know how much we should Unless we’re saving someone’s life Whose organ wait is full of strife I don’t think we should use the knife Our time here should be set in stone E’en if nano helps us clone The very breath which gives us life By growing organs and a knife There are some good things sure to be We must think now of fears we’ll free -Daren Oakeson