Heterogeneous Nanostructures for Biomedical Diagnostics: Bio-Inspired Multiscale Structures with NEMS and MEMS Components

NEMS (nanoelectromechanical systems) and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) have enthused both biological and physical scientists as well as engineers and physicians to engage in cross-disciplinary research. Interfacing nano-and microscale entities has ushered in a paradigm shift for life science applications. This chapter introduces several heterogeneous NEMS and MEMS devices dovetailed for biomedical diagnostics. The chapter will start with the biologically inspired nano-and microfluidic components that have impacted the design and invention of micro total analysis systems (m-TAS) applications. Next, nano-and microbiosensors will be introduced to demonstrate the feasibility of translating bench lab research to in vivo testing with a potential to close the lab-to-patient gap. The chapter will conclude with the emerging bio fuel cells that have unfolded the integration of energy source and functional components for the fully implantable nano-, micro-biosystems. The authors hope that this chapter will take readers through a bioinspired journey in the micro-and nanodomain.