Prospects and Trends in Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Devices: A Review
Lowell Welburn, Amir Pasha Javadi, Luong T. H. Nguyen, Salil Desai
Abstract
Designing and manufacturing devices at the micro- and nanoscales offers significant advantages, including high precision, quick response times, high energy density ratios, and low production costs. These benefits have driven extensive research in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS), resulting in various classifications of materials and manufacturing techniques, which are ultimately used to produce different classifications of MEMS devices. The current work aims to systematically organize the literature on MEMS in biomedical devices, encompassing past achievements, present developments, and future prospects. This paper reviews the current research trends, highlighting significant material advancements and emerging technologies in biomedical MEMS in order to meet the current challenges facing the field, such as ensuring biocompatibility, achieving miniaturization, and maintaining precise control in biological environments. It also explores projected applications, including use in advanced diagnostic tools, targeted drug delivery systems, and innovative therapeutic devices. By mapping out these trends and prospects, this review will help identify current research gaps in the biomedical MEMS field. By pinpointing these gaps, researchers can focus on addressing unmet needs and advancing state-of-the-art biomedical MEMS technology. Ultimately, this can lead to the development of more effective and innovative biomedical devices, improving patient care and outcomes.