Micro-systems in biomedical applications

In this paper we analyse the main characteristics of some micro-devices whi ch have been developed recently for biomedical applications. Among the many biomedical micro-systems proposed in the literature or already on the mark et, we have selected a few which, in our opinion, represent particularly we ll the technical problems to be solved, the research topics to be addressed and the opportunities offend by micro-system technology (MST) in the biome dical field. For this review we have identified four important areas of app lication of micro-systems in medicine and biology: (1) diagnostics; (2) dru g delivery; (3) neural prosthetics and tissue engineering; and (4) minimall y invasive surgery. We conclude that MST has the potential to play a major role in the development of new medical instrumentation and to have a consid erable industrial impact in this field.