ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on introducing state-of-the-art and cutting-edge research in integrative biology, which utilizes nano/microtechnology. Many scientists with multidisciplinary background have worked together to explore micro/nanotechnologies for biological-related studies. The development of nanotechnology has promoted the optimization investigation for the existing platform. Aided by novel nanotechnology, biomolecule manipulation and function development are highly desired. The choice of nanotechnology methods matches the properties of the component materials including charge, molecular weight, hydrophobicity, architecture, functional domain, and toxicity. The long-term goal of tissue engineering is to achieve a specific function, assisted by nano/microtechnologies. Micro/nanotechnology facilitates the exploration of cell biophysical processes and mechanisms. In order to challenge quantitative or individual analysis with multicellular organisms, micro/nanotechnologies such as microfluidics with valve integration have been applied to control and manipulate worms effectively. Integrative biology is a novel concept for the consideration of biological and biophysical processes and mechanisms with engineering, chemical, material, and even computer science approaches.