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The rapid design and assembly of synthetic DNA constructs have become a crucial component of biological engineering projects via iterative design–build–test–learn cycles. In this perspective, we provide an overview of the workflows used to generate the thousands of constructs and libraries produced each year at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute. Particular attention is paid to describing pipelines, tools used, types of scientific projects enabled by the platform and challenges faced in further scaling output.

In this chapter, authors provide a description of boundary element method (BEM) applications in biomechanics, with a focus on advantages and limitations of BEM versus other numerical methods such as finite element method, finite difference method, and meshless methods. In addition to a general overview, the chapter focus on how the BEM approach can be advantageous in those biomechanical problems involving fracture mechanics and contact modeling. To this aim, its preprocessing flexibility to tackle sharp geometric changes and complex remeshing is highlighted. The comparison among BEM and other numerical approaches proceeds through the evaluation of inherent accuracy, preprocessing and postprocessing efforts, and run times. Bio-CAD models with complex shapes are usually created from medical images acquisition, computer tomography or magnetic resonance scan, with different modeling techniques, which result in different accuracy and usability of the generated tessellated or surface computer-aided design (CAD) geometry. Special attention must be drawn to the mathematical reconstruction of bio-CAD model to facilitate the meshing process in the BEM environment and reduce the geometrical imperfections generated during the CAD to computer-aided engineering translation phase. BEM is best suited to reproduce accurately high surface stress gradients that are generally a modeling issue (e.g., in bone–implant contact simulations). Working with 3D models, the mesh refinement in the neighboring areas where high stress gradients are expected is much facilitated when using BEM, also because it is possible to use discontinuous elements and circumvent the constraint of a continuous mesh. BEM approach is certainly more accurate for linear analysis but, on the other hand, less versatile in some areas like those of highly nonlinear material behavior. A short description of some case studies showing the described advantages of BEM approach is reported.

Modelling of anatomical parts is usually tackled through triangulated models with specialised Bio-CAD applications. If features beyond anatomy are required, geometry is usually translated into NURBS geometry for further modification in parametric feature based design CAD systems. But, they remain quite unmanageable yet. The authors present, validate and implement into a knowledge feature a methodology that generates an anatomically personalised trachea stent based a point cloud data extracted from a Computerised Axial Tomography with an open-source medical data visualisation application.

Modelling of anatomical parts is usually tackled through triangulated models with specialised Bio-CAD applications. If features beyond anatomy are required, geometry is usually translated into NURBS geometry for further modification in parametric feature based design CAD systems. But, they remain quite unmanageable yet. The authors present, validate and implement into a knowledge feature a methodology that generates an anatomically personalised trachea stent based a point cloud data extracted from a Computerised Axial Tomography with an open-source medical data visualisation application.

The development of the bioengineering field has yield to the apparition of a new application of the Computer-Aided-Design, Bio-CAD, aiming to the use of computer models to represent biological samples and methods to simulate biological processes. Structural parameters allow to measure sample properties as osteoporosis degree of bones, suitability of biomaterials to be used as implants and transport and distribution of fluids into rocks for petrographic purposes among others. In this work a bibliographuc study is performed of structutal parameters mainly focussing on those related to the porosity and connectivity.

Resumen El principal propósito del presente artículo de investigación, fue comparar dos métodos usados para el diseño y evaluación biomecánica de implantes dentales. El primer método se desarrolló basado en la integración de una técnica imagenológica usada en diagnóstico de imágenes tomográficas, para la reconstrucción de modelos 3D virtuales óseos con herramientas software de ingeniería inversa, articulada al diseño aplicado en ingeniería e ingeniería mecánica aplicada. En el segundo método, la probeta de mandíbula fue modelada en un software CAD (Computer Aided Design) que fue utilizado para el diseño del implante; posteriormente fue realizado la simulación biomecánica estática en un entorno CAE (Computer Aided Engineering), aplicando cargas incrementales de torque de inserción en la interfase hueso implante. Los análisis por simulación en ambos métodos fueron realizados basados en los mismos criterios de evaluación. Se corroboró por simulación los valores de torque de inserción apropiados para mantener una adecuada relación en la interfase hueso implante. Por otra parte los resultados obtenidos por la aplicación de cada método de diseño fueron analizados y comparados para conocer el efecto de la integración de las técnicas imagenológicas apropiadas desde el software Bio CAD y articulado con las tecnologías software CAD CAE. Abstract The main objective of this research work was to make a comparison between two methods used for design and biomechanical assessment of dental implants.. The first method is based on integration of an imaging technique used in diagnosis of tomographic images applied to 3D bone model reconstruction with reverse engineering software tools implemented on engineering applications. In the second method a specimen of jaw modeled in CAD (Computer Aided Design) software used to implant design was implemented, then a static simulation biomechanics was performed in a CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) environment, applying elementary insertion torque loads at the bone-implant interface. Simulations Analysis were performed for both methods, using the same evaluation criteria. Appropriate insertion torque values were confirmed with simulations as appropriate to maintain a proper relationship at the bone-implant interface. The results obtained using each method were analyzed and compared to determine the effect on appropriate integration of BioCAD imaging techniques and articulation with Technologies CAD and CAE.