Overview of Biotechnology Research and Capabilities at UIC  Biotechnology may be associated with images of gene sequencing, drug development, and food modification  Much more “biotechnology” research currently ongoing at UIC  In addition to diverse research activities in the BioEngineering Department, other COE departments and Colleges are now involved in multiple projects

Biotechnology at BioEngineering Department Active biotechnology research are reflected by 3 focused concentration areas and 3 additional areas 1) Bioinformatics (genomics and proteomics; existing collaboration with ANL) 2) Cell and Tissue Engineering (stem cell-based tissue constructs) 3) Neural Engineering (implants to restore brain functions) 4) Bioimaging (MRI and optical imaging) 5) Biomechanics (macroscale and microscale mechanics) 6) Biomolecular Engineering (new addition to BioE; drug delivery and nanoparticle design)

Biotechnology at College of Engineering In addition to BioEngineering Department, other COE departments are also involved in biotechnology research. 1) Chemical Engineering (brain fluid transport) 2) Computer Science (bioinformatics) 3) Electrical and Computer Engineering (nanobiotech) 4) Mechanical Engineering (biomimetic fabrication) Please see for more detailed description of biotechnology research at UIC COE (

Biotechnology at other UIC Colleges Biotechnology research should include the UIC West Campus, which houses Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and others. The close synergistic relationship between the medical community and engineering is demonstrated by the fact that the BioE Department appointed over 60 Adjunct faculty from the West Campus. This is in tune with the NIH roadmap that strongly emphasizes the need and value of translational research The unique capabilities and features of the UIC medical community include 1) one of the largest magnets for MRI 2) Transplantation Center (e.g., pancreatic islet transplant) 3) cardiac imaging for heart diagnostic 4) neural implants for brain function (e.g., strokes) 5) retinal implants and ophthalmology treatment (e.g., glaucoma)  One key feature of these biotechnology research projects at UIC West Campus is that BioEngineering Department is involved in and perhaps drives such research activities.

Summary In view of the new initiatives by both the federal and some private funding agencies, the collaborative efforts between UIC and ANL are timely and would be mutually beneficial The UIC COE and BioEngineering Department are currently engaged in serious research efforts related to biotechnology Research capabilities unique to UIC should be more clearly stated and emphasized No doubt that potential collaborative research projects will be forthcoming as result of this UIC-ANL research retreat