Molecular Bioengineering

Abstract

Molecular bioengineering is an emerging discipline that draws from advances in science and engineering to seek molecular-level solutions to complex problems in medicine and biotechnology. Based on tremendous advances in our understanding of biology and physiology, a number of promising molecular diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnological solutions are under development, but the properties of the molecules used in such techniques often require some modifications to satisfy the constraints of a particular application. In this review, we present an integrative view of how one might address problems in molecular bioengineering. We present the relevant properties of base constituent molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, small organics), describe some of the design principles that are determinants of effectiveness for various applications, review some of the tools of modern molecular biology that are being used to address these problems, and discuss some of the means being used to assess potential solutions accurately and rapidly. Taken together, these tools and approaches are likely to play a significant role in improving the development of biological molecules for applications in biotechnology and medicine.