## [Bioengineering at LLNL ](/research/bioengineering) # Bioengineering at LLNL ## Analyzing Complex Biological Systems Bioengineering at LLNL involves analysis of and intervention in complex biological systems with the aim of supporting the Lab’s missions. Bioengineering enables transformational solutions to counter biological threats and increase national resilience. Bioengineering is highly multidisciplinary, with a long history of delivering solutions, from the 1980s’ High-speed Cell Sorter to the rapid antibody design in the face of COVID-19. As recent events have shown, biosecurity threats are evolving in new and unpredictable ways. Our current bioengineering research and development is focused around four thematic areas: - Sensors and devices - Human organ models - Artificial Intelligence and machine learning for precision medicine - Biomaterials and biomanufacturing ``` Please do not alter or edit this area. This generates the skewed image boxes. ``` ## Project Highlights Our bioengineering work focuses on understanding how the human body reacts in a range of conditions. We use predictive modeling, implantable devices, and printed biological systems as tools for unlocking insights into health, injury, and disease. ![Artistic rendering of fast ion permeation inside single-walled carbon nanotubes. ](https://engineering.llnl.gov/sites/engineering/files/2022-09/research-bioeng-01_486x285.jpg "research-bioeng-01_486x285.jpg") ### Countering Biothreats with Nanoscale Solutions Micro- and nanotechnologies enable exceptional new materials, devices and systems by exploiting performance characteristics only possible when engineering in the millimeter to nanometer length scale. [Read Full Article](#modal_1) × ![Artistic rendering of fast ion permeation inside single-walled carbon nanotubes. ](https://engineering.llnl.gov/sites/engineering/files/2022-09/research-bioeng-01_486x285.jpg "research-bioeng-01_486x285.jpg") ## Countering Biothreats with Nanoscale Solutions Micro- and nanotechnologies enable exceptional new materials, devices and systems by exploiting performance characteristics only possible when engineering in the millimeter to nanometer length scale. Our expertise spans micro- and nanofabrication processes, microelectromechanical systems, electronics, photonics, micro- and nanostructures, nanosynthesis, implantable devices, and micro- and nanoactuators. Recently, these nanoscale technologies played a key role in efforts to develop next-generation material to protect warfighters and first responders from biological and chemical warfare agents. LLNL researchers and engineers Francesco Fornasiero, Ngoc Bui, Eric Meshot, Chiatai Chen, José Peña, and Kuang Jen Wu are pioneering the use of carbon nanotubes—with pores just a few nanometers wide—to create a base layer material that simultaneously provides biological threat protection and permeability to water vapor and which can be paired with a “smart” surface layer that guards against chemical agents. The team, with support from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program, has already attained a [crucial milestone](https://str.llnl.gov/december-2016/fornasiero "S&TR article") in developing this next-generation protective garment by demonstrating that the proposed base layer is highly protective yet remarkably breathable. Other carbon nanotube applications under study include biomimetic membranes with high throughput and high selectivity that can enable ultra-fast dialysis for patients. ### Other Project Highlights - [Tiny Building Blocks Offer Outsized Protection and Breathability ](https://str.llnl.gov/december-2016/fornasiero) - [Fast Transport in Carbon Nanotube Membranes Could Advance Human Health ](https://www.llnl.gov/news/fast-transport-carbon-nanotube-membranes-could-advance-human-health) ![A graphic showing a brain hovering above a microchip.](https://engineering.llnl.gov/sites/engineering/files/2022-09/research-bioeng-02_486x285.jpg "research-bioeng-02_486x285.jpg") ### Brain on a Chip Some of our most significant advances are very tiny, such as a brain-on-a-chip device that records the neural activity of living brain cell cultures, enabling researchers to study the function of the human brain—outside of the body. [Read Full Article](#modal_2) × ![A graphic showing a brain hovering above a microchip.](https://engineering.llnl.gov/sites/engineering/files/2022-09/research-bioeng-02_486x285.jpg "research-bioeng-02_486x285.jpg") ## Brain on a Chip Some of our most significant advances are very tiny, such as a brain-on-a-chip device that records the neural activity of living brain cell cultures, enabling researchers to study the function of the human brain—outside of the body. In one of its first usages, [LLNL scientists compared drug responses in the brains of rodents to drug responses of brain cells cultured in Lab-developed "brain-on-a-chip" devices](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?type=printable&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0188146) — providing a critical first step to validating chip-based brain platforms. Next, [scientists expanded their efforts to modeling the temporal dynamics of neuronal cultures](https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007834), paving the way to use the 3D brain-on-a-chip to screen therapeutic compounds and to develop human-relevant models of neuronal cultures for diseases and disorders such as traumatic brain injury — and perhaps find ways of re-establishing normal brain function in TBI patients. Using a 3D microelectrode array platform, researchers keep thousands of human-derived neurons alive, networked, and communicating, while non-invasively recording their electrical activity. The device will advance research aimed at modeling disease or infections, drug discovery, and developing countermeasures for chemical or biological agent exposure. ### Other Project Highlights - [‘Brain-on-a-Chip' Tests Effects of Biological and Chemical Agents, Develop Countermeasures](https://www.llnl.gov/news/brain-chip-tests-effects-biological-and-chemical-agents-develop-countermeasures) - [Lab Researchers Develop 3D ‘Brain-on-a-Chip' Device Capable of Long-term Recording of Neural Activity](https://www.llnl.gov/news/lab-researchers-develop-3d-brain-chip-device-capable-long-term-recording-neural-activity) - [Modeling Neuronal Cultures on ‘Brain-on-a-Chip' Devices](https://www.llnl.gov/news/modeling-neuronal-cultures-brain-chip-devices) - [LLNL Develops 3D ‘Brain-on-a-Chip'](https://www.afcea.org/content/llnl-develops-3d-brain-chip) - [Small Brain-on-a-Chip Promises Big Payoffs](https://str.llnl.gov/2019-05/fischer) - [Controlled Placement of Multiple CNS Cell Populations to Create Complex Neuronal Cultures (in PLoS ONE)](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?type=printable&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0188146) - [Modeling the Temporal Network Dynamics of Neuronal Cultures (in PLoS Computational Biology)](https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007834) ## Related Facilities and Centers 1. 2. 3. ![](/sites/engineering/files/styles/orig/public/2022-09/collab-bioeng-01_900x600.jpg?itok=mCFgWbFk) Center for Bioengineering The Center for Bioengineering applies its tools and principles to complex, biological systems. Our mission challenge is to enable transformational solutions to counter biological threats and increase national resilience. [Learn More](https://engineering.llnl.gov/centers/bioeng) ![](/sites/engineering/files/styles/orig/public/2022-09/collab-cemm-02_600x600.jpg?itok=YAZggTLR) CEMM #### Center for Engineered Materials and Manufacturing The Center for Engineered Materials and Manufacturing (CEMM) spans multiple laboratories, innovating additive manufacturing techniques to create structural and functional materials with novel capabilities. The center also serves as an incubator, training future additive manufacturing talents. [Learn More](https://engineering.llnl.gov/collaboration/cemm) ![](/sites/engineering/files/styles/orig/public/2022-08/collab-07-cmnt_NEED%20HIGHER%20RES.png?itok=rK6laVBi) CMNT #### Center for Micro Nano Technology The Center for Micro Nano Technology (CMNT) works with materials, devices, instruments, and systems that require microfabricated components, including microelectromechanical systems, electronics, photonics, micro- and nanostructures, bioimplantable devices, and micro- and nanoactuators. [Learn More](https://engineering.llnl.gov/collaboration/cmnt) Previous Next ![Fitting together two pieces at a table in HEAF](/sites/engineering/files/styles/orig/public/2022-10/64104_ISG%20Team%20HEAF_1302A%20Table_0369.jpg?itok=Yg9Vkz_M) ## Take Your Place on the Leading Edge Our work is fundamentally transforming the field of advanced manufacturing and materials engineering. Learn more about what a career with LLNL Engineering might have in store for you. 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