Progress in Biomedical Engineering - IOPscience

Progress in Biomedical Engineering - IOPscience
Progress in Biomedical Engineering
Purpose-led Publishing
is a coalition of three not-for-profit publishers in the field of physical sciences: AIP Publishing, the American Physical Society and IOP Publishing.
Together, as publishers that will always put purpose above profit, we have defined a set of industry standards that underpin high-quality, ethical scholarly communications.
We are proudly declaring that science is our only shareholder.
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Progress in Biomedical Engineering
is a new interdisciplinary journal publishing high quality authoritative reviews and opinion pieces in the most significant and exciting areas of biomedical engineering research.
Published content by leading experts on the current state of the science and emerging trends aims to fuel discussion on the future direction of research.
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Median submission to first decision before peer review
6 days
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84 days
Impact factor
7.7
Citescore
11.1
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The following article is
Open access
Deep multimodal fusion of image and non-image data in disease diagnosis and prognosis: a review
Can Cui
et al
2023
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022001
View article
, Deep multimodal fusion of image and non-image data in disease diagnosis and prognosis: a review
PDF
, Deep multimodal fusion of image and non-image data in disease diagnosis and prognosis: a review
The rapid development of diagnostic technologies in healthcare is leading to higher requirements for physicians to handle and integrate the heterogeneous, yet complementary data that are produced during routine practice. For instance, the personalized diagnosis and treatment planning for a single cancer patient relies on various images (e.g. radiology, pathology and camera images) and non-image data (e.g. clinical data and genomic data). However, such decision-making procedures can be subjective, qualitative, and have large inter-subject variabilities. With the recent advances in multimodal deep learning technologies, an increasingly large number of efforts have been devoted to a key question: how do we extract and aggregate multimodal information to ultimately provide more objective, quantitative computer-aided clinical decision making? This paper reviews the recent studies on dealing with such a question. Briefly, this review will include the (a) overview of current multimodal learning workflows, (b) summarization of multimodal fusion methods, (c) discussion of the performance, (d) applications in disease diagnosis and prognosis, and (e) challenges and future directions.
The following article is
Open access
Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
Muhammad Usama Zaheer
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022006
View article
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
PDF
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
The longevity and performance of biomedical implants depend strongly on surface properties, motivating coatings that enhance biocompatibility, mechanical resilience, and resistance to wear and infection. This review analyzes state-of-the-art coatings for orthopedic and dental implants, linking material choice, deposition method, and demonstrated
in vitro
performance. Bioinert systems (e.g. TiN, diamond-like carbon), bioactive coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass, and antibacterial approaches using silver-, zinc-oxide-, and graphene-based layers are compared for their effects on osseointegration, bacterial control, and durability. Deposition routes from plasma spraying to advanced methods including pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are evaluated for adhesion, microstructure control, and clinical practicality. Across recent studies, nanostructured and multifunctional coatings consistently accelerate early osteogenic responses, ion- or carbon-modified hydroxyapatite improves interfacial bonding while adding antibacterial activity, conformal ultrathin films from ALD enhance corrosion resistance on complex geometries without impairing cell viability, and multilayer or hybrid architectures reduce tribocorrosion under cyclic loading. Remaining challenges include maintaining long-term stability and uniform coverage on intricate implant designs and scaling fabrication economically. Emerging directions focus on stimuli-responsive surfaces and biodegradable, drug-eluting coatings aimed at reducing infection risk and speeding integration, with the overall trajectory pointing toward coatings that couple mechanical reliability with targeted biological function.
The following article is
Open access
Post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation: clinical practices, compensatory movements, assessment, and trends
Cláudia D Rocha
et al
2025
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
042001
View article
, Post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation: clinical practices, compensatory movements, assessment, and trends
PDF
, Post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation: clinical practices, compensatory movements, assessment, and trends
Stroke, a vascular disorder affecting the nervous system, is the third-leading cause of death and disability combined worldwide. One in every four people aged 25 and older will face the consequences of this condition, which typically causes loss of limb function, among other disabilities. The proposed review analyzes the mechanisms of stroke and their influence on the disease outcome, highlighting the critical role of rehabilitation in promoting recovery of the upper limb (UL) and enhancing the quality of life of stroke survivors. Common outcome measures and the specific targeted UL features are described, along with emerging supplementary therapies found in the literature. Stroke survivors often develop compensatory strategies to cope with limitations in UL function, which must be detected and corrected during rehabilitation to facilitate long-term recovery. Recent research on the automated detection of compensatory movements has explored pressure, wearable, marker-based motion capture systems, and vision sensors. Although current approaches have certain limitations, they establish a strong foundation for future innovations in post-stroke UL rehabilitation, promoting a more effective recovery.
The following article is
Open access
Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
Alistair Bacchetti
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022005
View article
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
PDF
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
The introduction and development of soft continuum robots (SCRs) for minimally invasive surgery and endoluminal intervention offers a promising option for navigating delicate, convoluted human anatomy across various procedures. However, successful translation of SCRs from research prototypes through to clinically viable tools relies on overcoming the challenge of functionalization for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Functionalization demands specialized design and fabrication strategies to ensure practical integration of operational components, such as stimuli-responsive materials and tip-mounted transducers, with soft bioinspired geometry and actuation mechanisms. This review aims to highlight the state of the art in the development of functionalized SCRs for minimally invasive and endoluminal applications. Drawing on advances over the past twenty-five years, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the innovations to date and of the pivotal clinical and developmental challenges to be overcome for the functionalization, therapeutic benefit and therefore, clinical translation of SCRs. Through developing coherence between the fields of bio-inspired soft robotic design, digitally driven fabrication, materials engineering and intra-operative control, further clinically significant advances may be realized in the domain of functionalized SCRs.
The following article is
Open access
Advancing physical activity monitoring through bioimpedance measurement: a review
Ifeanyi Jacobs
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022002
View article
, Advancing physical activity monitoring through bioimpedance measurement: a review
PDF
, Advancing physical activity monitoring through bioimpedance measurement: a review
Bioimpedance measurements have gained significant attention due to their ability to assess body composition, muscle health, and internal physiological states without the need for intrusive procedures. This review paper explores the advancements and applications of bioimpedance technology, a non-invasive and cost-effective method for real-time monitoring of physiological parameters and physical activities. It discusses key measurement modalities such as bioelectrical impedance analysis, electrical impedance myography, and electrical impedance tomography, highlighting their unique advantages and applications. It also examines the role of biopotential electrodes, both polarizable and non-polarizable, in ensuring accurate physiological measurements. Despite challenges such as low spatial resolution, motion artifacts and sensitivity to electrode placement, the review highlights promising solutions. These include the integration of hybrid sensor systems, machine learning algorithms for signal interpretation, and the development of wearable and flexible electronics. The paper concludes by emphasizing the growing potential of bioimpedance technology in fields such as sports science, rehabilitation, personalised healthcare, fitness monitoring, and human-machine interaction, suggesting a future where continuous physiological monitoring becomes seamlessly embedded in daily life.
The following article is
Open access
Motion perception with visual prostheses
Kai T Renshaw and John S Pezaris 2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022004
View article
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
PDF
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
Visual prostheses represent a groundbreaking avenue for restoring vision in individuals with visual impairments. These devices utilize electrode arrays positioned in early visual processing areas, like the retina, thalamus, or primary visual cortex. Connected to a camera, they transform a stream of video to electrical stimulation to present the visual environment through patterned activation of phosphenes. Visual prostheses offer the potential to enhance visual function and thereby quality of life for users, however, understanding and replicating motion perception in a manner akin to natural vision remains a critical challenge for device designers. This review presents studies of motion perception in different visual prosthesis modalities and discusses their advantages and limitations. Retinal and cortical visual prostheses show significant potential in enhancing motion perception, but many implementations have shortcomings. Some challenges which remain for better motion perception in visual prosthesis are gaze contingency, the effective integration of machine vision, and understanding the involvement of higher-order visual areas. Despite these challenges, the current research should be viewed with substantial optimism for the future of restoring functional vision to visually impaired individuals.
The following article is
Open access
Updates on polyurethane and its multifunctional applications in biomedical engineering
Zahra Miri
et al
2023
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
042001
View article
, Updates on polyurethane and its multifunctional applications in biomedical engineering
PDF
, Updates on polyurethane and its multifunctional applications in biomedical engineering
Polyurethanes (PUs) have properties that make them promising in biomedical applications. PU is recognized as one of the main families of blood and biocompatible materials. PU plays a vital role in the design of medical devices in various medical fields. The structure of PU contains two segments: soft and hard. Its elastomeric feature is due to its soft segment, and its excellent and high mechanical property is because of its hard segment. It is possible to achieve specific desirable and targeted properties by changing the soft and hard chemical structures and the ratio between them. The many properties of PU each draw the attention of different medical fields. This work reviews PU highlighted properties, such as biodegradability, biostability, shape memory, and improved antibacterial activity. Also, because PU has a variety of applications, this review restricts its focus to PU’s prominent applications in tissue engineering, cardiovascular medicine, drug delivery, and wound healing. In addition, it contains a brief review of PU’s applications in biosensors and oral administration.
The following article is
Open access
Computational modeling and simulation for medical devices: a summary of the 2024 FDA/MDIC Symposium
Brent A Craven
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
013001
View article
, Computational modeling and simulation for medical devices: a summary of the 2024 FDA/MDIC Symposium
PDF
, Computational modeling and simulation for medical devices: a summary of the 2024 FDA/MDIC Symposium
Computational modeling and simulation (CM&S) is a powerful tool that can be used to support the development, evaluation, and regulatory authorization of medical devices. CM&S can provide valuable insights into device performance, safety, and effectiveness, as well as reduce the need for animal or human testing. Computational models are, however, idealized digital representations that often have many assumptions and need to be credible before they are used in decision making that could incur patient harm. While the medical device community has made great strides to advance the use of CM&S, a number of challenges remain. To begin addressing these challenges, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) co-sponsored the
FDA/MDIC Symposium on Computational Modeling and Simulation
on April 16–17, 2024 in College Park, Maryland, USA, where attendees from around the world convened to hear from leaders in the field through a unique blend of invited presentations and interactive panel discussions. The symposium agenda covered several major themes, including credibility considerations for CM&S used across the medical device total product life cycle, practical examples of performing model credibility assessment, and the use of CM&S for clinical decision making and the emerging areas of
in silico
clinical trials and digital twins. The objective of this article is to summarize the major takeaways of the symposium. We first provide an overview of the invited presentations followed by summaries of the topics covered during the interactive panel discussions. In doing so, we highlight the main takeaways and identify areas in which panelists had shared perspectives or differences of opinion. Next, we present the results of a survey conducted at the symposium that sought attendees’ perspectives on different aspects of medical device CM&S. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the major outcomes of the symposium, including areas where more work and investment are needed to advance the field.
The following article is
Open access
Challenges of continuum robots in clinical context: a review
Tomas da Veiga
et al
2020
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
032003
View article
, Challenges of continuum robots in clinical context: a review
PDF
, Challenges of continuum robots in clinical context: a review
With the maturity of surgical robotic systems based on traditional rigid-link principles, the rate of progress slowed as limits of size and controllable degrees of freedom were reached. Continuum robots came with the potential to deliver a step change in the next generation of medical devices, by providing better access, safer interactions and making new procedures possible. Over the last few years, several continuum robotic systems have been launched commercially and have been increasingly adopted in hospitals. Despite the clear progress achieved, continuum robots still suffer from design complexity hindering their dexterity and scalability. Recent advances in actuation methods have looked to address this issue, offering alternatives to commonly employed approaches. Additionally, continuum structures introduce significant complexity in modelling, sensing, control and fabrication; topics which are of particular focus in the robotics community. It is, therefore, the aim of the presented work to highlight the pertinent areas of active research and to discuss the challenges to be addressed before the potential of continuum robots as medical devices may be fully realised.
The following article is
Open access
State of the art in soft eversion robots for colonoscopy: a review
Cem Suulker
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
012012
View article
, State of the art in soft eversion robots for colonoscopy: a review
PDF
, State of the art in soft eversion robots for colonoscopy: a review
This review explores the current state of eversion robotics in the context of colonoscopy, given the need for less invasive, more patient-friendly screening technologies. Conventional colonoscopy often leads to discomfort and patient reluctance, contributing to delayed diagnoses and high colorectal cancer mortality rates. Eversion robots, also known as vine robots or soft growing robots are soft, pressure-driven devices that extend by everting from the tip whilst offering a promising option by enabling frictionless advancement and potentially pain-free procedures. We examine the key challenges and opportunities in adapting eversion robots for clinical endoscopic use, focusing on material selection, actuation, steering, and payload delivery. From the literature, thermoplastic polyurethane emerges as the most viable material for the robot’s sleeve due to its airtightness, biocompatibility, suitability for heat or ultrasonic welding, and availability in highly flexible thin layers. Tip-steering mechanisms are identified as the most effective strategies for navigation, allowing high flexibility without increasing the wall thickness of the robot, as required in alternative approaches using distributed actuation mechanisms. The review also evaluates strategies for integrating functional tools at the tip of the robot, concluding that cap-free designs provide superior adaptability to the varying colon diameter, preserve compressibility, and keep tip friction to a minimum, unlike cap-based payload delivery methods. By consolidating current research and identifying pathways for innovation, this review supports the development of eversion soft robots as a next-generation solution for minimally invasive colorectal diagnostics and therapy.
The following article is
Open access
Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
Uchechi F Ukaegbu
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022008
View article
, Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
PDF
, Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
Brain-controlled powered wheelchairs represent a promising advancement for individuals with neurological conditions that significantly impair motor function. Despite substantial progress, brain-controlled wheelchairs have not been adapted for real-world settings. This article systematically reviews recent trends in brain–computer interface (BCI) technology for wheelchair navigation and control, highlighting the contributions and limitations of various navigation paradigms. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, sourcing studies from four databases (PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar) published between 2000 and April 2025. It focused on non-invasive BCI paradigms and real-world navigation experiments. The results were narratively synthesized and classified into two primary categories: BCI-based navigation paradigms and wheelchair-based navigation paradigms, along with intersecting concepts such as single-variant BCI, hybrid BCI, control switches, and proportional control. Of the 149 full-text articles reviewed, 47 were included and categorized by navigation paradigm, comprising 20 BCI-based and 27 wheelchair-based studies, with 6 involving participants with motor disabilities. Quality assessment scores ranged from 40% to 95%, with approximately 40% of the studies demonstrating a low risk of bias. The findings indicate that low-level navigation control was predominant in BCI wheelchair studies, with 31 studies employing minimal or no obstacle avoidance. Most studies (57%) integrated sensors for obstacle avoidance, localization, mapping, and autonomous navigation. Twenty-two studies utilized control switches, and five incorporated proportional control for wheelchair navigation. Additionally, motor imagery and steady-state visually evoked potential paradigms have emerged as the most common approaches for generating control commands, highlighting their potential for effective navigation. Given the potential societal impact on a large number of individuals, future research should prioritize enhancing the reliability and adaptability of BCI wheelchair systems in real-world environments.
The following article is
Open access
Motion perception with visual prostheses
Kai T Renshaw and John S Pezaris 2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022004
View article
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
PDF
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
Visual prostheses represent a groundbreaking avenue for restoring vision in individuals with visual impairments. These devices utilize electrode arrays positioned in early visual processing areas, like the retina, thalamus, or primary visual cortex. Connected to a camera, they transform a stream of video to electrical stimulation to present the visual environment through patterned activation of phosphenes. Visual prostheses offer the potential to enhance visual function and thereby quality of life for users, however, understanding and replicating motion perception in a manner akin to natural vision remains a critical challenge for device designers. This review presents studies of motion perception in different visual prosthesis modalities and discusses their advantages and limitations. Retinal and cortical visual prostheses show significant potential in enhancing motion perception, but many implementations have shortcomings. Some challenges which remain for better motion perception in visual prosthesis are gaze contingency, the effective integration of machine vision, and understanding the involvement of higher-order visual areas. Despite these challenges, the current research should be viewed with substantial optimism for the future of restoring functional vision to visually impaired individuals.
Trustworthy AI in digital health: a comprehensive review of robustness and explainability
Abdullah Mamun
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022007
View article
, Trustworthy AI in digital health: a comprehensive review of robustness and explainability
PDF
, Trustworthy AI in digital health: a comprehensive review of robustness and explainability
Ensuring trust in artificial intelligence (AI) systems is essential for the safe and ethical integration of machine learning systems into high-stakes domains such as digital health. Key dimensions, including robustness, explainability, fairness, accountability, and privacy, need to be addressed throughout the AI lifecycle, from problem formulation and data collection to model deployment and human interaction. While various contributions address different aspects of trustworthy AI, a focused synthesis on robustness and explainability, especially tailored to the healthcare context, remains limited. This review addresses that need by organizing recent advancements into an accessible framework, highlighting both technical and practical considerations. We present a structured overview of methods, challenges, and solutions, aiming to support researchers and practitioners in developing reliable and explainable AI (XAI) solutions for digital health. This review article is organized into three main parts. First, we introduce core pillars of trustworthy AI and discuss the technical and ethical challenges they pose, particularly in the context of digital health. Second, we explore application-specific trust considerations across domains such as intensive care, mental health, metabolic disease, and public health surveillance, highlighting how explainability, clinical validation, and human oversight support trust. Lastly, we present recent advancements in techniques aimed at improving robustness under data scarcity and distributional shifts, as well as XAI methods ranging from feature attribution to gradient-based interpretations and counterfactual explanations. This paper is further enriched with detailed discussions of the contributions toward robustness and explainability in digital health, the development of trustworthy AI systems in the era of large language models, and various evaluation metrics for measuring trust and related parameters such as validity, fidelity, and diversity, offering a roadmap for building safer and more reliable AI systems.
The following article is
Open access
Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
Muhammad Usama Zaheer
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022006
View article
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
PDF
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
The longevity and performance of biomedical implants depend strongly on surface properties, motivating coatings that enhance biocompatibility, mechanical resilience, and resistance to wear and infection. This review analyzes state-of-the-art coatings for orthopedic and dental implants, linking material choice, deposition method, and demonstrated
in vitro
performance. Bioinert systems (e.g. TiN, diamond-like carbon), bioactive coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass, and antibacterial approaches using silver-, zinc-oxide-, and graphene-based layers are compared for their effects on osseointegration, bacterial control, and durability. Deposition routes from plasma spraying to advanced methods including pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are evaluated for adhesion, microstructure control, and clinical practicality. Across recent studies, nanostructured and multifunctional coatings consistently accelerate early osteogenic responses, ion- or carbon-modified hydroxyapatite improves interfacial bonding while adding antibacterial activity, conformal ultrathin films from ALD enhance corrosion resistance on complex geometries without impairing cell viability, and multilayer or hybrid architectures reduce tribocorrosion under cyclic loading. Remaining challenges include maintaining long-term stability and uniform coverage on intricate implant designs and scaling fabrication economically. Emerging directions focus on stimuli-responsive surfaces and biodegradable, drug-eluting coatings aimed at reducing infection risk and speeding integration, with the overall trajectory pointing toward coatings that couple mechanical reliability with targeted biological function.
The following article is
Open access
Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
Alistair Bacchetti
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022005
View article
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
PDF
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
The introduction and development of soft continuum robots (SCRs) for minimally invasive surgery and endoluminal intervention offers a promising option for navigating delicate, convoluted human anatomy across various procedures. However, successful translation of SCRs from research prototypes through to clinically viable tools relies on overcoming the challenge of functionalization for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Functionalization demands specialized design and fabrication strategies to ensure practical integration of operational components, such as stimuli-responsive materials and tip-mounted transducers, with soft bioinspired geometry and actuation mechanisms. This review aims to highlight the state of the art in the development of functionalized SCRs for minimally invasive and endoluminal applications. Drawing on advances over the past twenty-five years, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the innovations to date and of the pivotal clinical and developmental challenges to be overcome for the functionalization, therapeutic benefit and therefore, clinical translation of SCRs. Through developing coherence between the fields of bio-inspired soft robotic design, digitally driven fabrication, materials engineering and intra-operative control, further clinically significant advances may be realized in the domain of functionalized SCRs.
The following article is
Open access
Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
Uchechi F Ukaegbu
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022008
View article
, Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
PDF
, Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
Brain-controlled powered wheelchairs represent a promising advancement for individuals with neurological conditions that significantly impair motor function. Despite substantial progress, brain-controlled wheelchairs have not been adapted for real-world settings. This article systematically reviews recent trends in brain–computer interface (BCI) technology for wheelchair navigation and control, highlighting the contributions and limitations of various navigation paradigms. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, sourcing studies from four databases (PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar) published between 2000 and April 2025. It focused on non-invasive BCI paradigms and real-world navigation experiments. The results were narratively synthesized and classified into two primary categories: BCI-based navigation paradigms and wheelchair-based navigation paradigms, along with intersecting concepts such as single-variant BCI, hybrid BCI, control switches, and proportional control. Of the 149 full-text articles reviewed, 47 were included and categorized by navigation paradigm, comprising 20 BCI-based and 27 wheelchair-based studies, with 6 involving participants with motor disabilities. Quality assessment scores ranged from 40% to 95%, with approximately 40% of the studies demonstrating a low risk of bias. The findings indicate that low-level navigation control was predominant in BCI wheelchair studies, with 31 studies employing minimal or no obstacle avoidance. Most studies (57%) integrated sensors for obstacle avoidance, localization, mapping, and autonomous navigation. Twenty-two studies utilized control switches, and five incorporated proportional control for wheelchair navigation. Additionally, motor imagery and steady-state visually evoked potential paradigms have emerged as the most common approaches for generating control commands, highlighting their potential for effective navigation. Given the potential societal impact on a large number of individuals, future research should prioritize enhancing the reliability and adaptability of BCI wheelchair systems in real-world environments.
The following article is
Open access
Motion perception with visual prostheses
Kai T Renshaw and John S Pezaris 2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022004
View article
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
PDF
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
Visual prostheses represent a groundbreaking avenue for restoring vision in individuals with visual impairments. These devices utilize electrode arrays positioned in early visual processing areas, like the retina, thalamus, or primary visual cortex. Connected to a camera, they transform a stream of video to electrical stimulation to present the visual environment through patterned activation of phosphenes. Visual prostheses offer the potential to enhance visual function and thereby quality of life for users, however, understanding and replicating motion perception in a manner akin to natural vision remains a critical challenge for device designers. This review presents studies of motion perception in different visual prosthesis modalities and discusses their advantages and limitations. Retinal and cortical visual prostheses show significant potential in enhancing motion perception, but many implementations have shortcomings. Some challenges which remain for better motion perception in visual prosthesis are gaze contingency, the effective integration of machine vision, and understanding the involvement of higher-order visual areas. Despite these challenges, the current research should be viewed with substantial optimism for the future of restoring functional vision to visually impaired individuals.
Trustworthy AI in digital health: a comprehensive review of robustness and explainability
Abdullah Mamun
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022007
View article
, Trustworthy AI in digital health: a comprehensive review of robustness and explainability
PDF
, Trustworthy AI in digital health: a comprehensive review of robustness and explainability
Ensuring trust in artificial intelligence (AI) systems is essential for the safe and ethical integration of machine learning systems into high-stakes domains such as digital health. Key dimensions, including robustness, explainability, fairness, accountability, and privacy, need to be addressed throughout the AI lifecycle, from problem formulation and data collection to model deployment and human interaction. While various contributions address different aspects of trustworthy AI, a focused synthesis on robustness and explainability, especially tailored to the healthcare context, remains limited. This review addresses that need by organizing recent advancements into an accessible framework, highlighting both technical and practical considerations. We present a structured overview of methods, challenges, and solutions, aiming to support researchers and practitioners in developing reliable and explainable AI (XAI) solutions for digital health. This review article is organized into three main parts. First, we introduce core pillars of trustworthy AI and discuss the technical and ethical challenges they pose, particularly in the context of digital health. Second, we explore application-specific trust considerations across domains such as intensive care, mental health, metabolic disease, and public health surveillance, highlighting how explainability, clinical validation, and human oversight support trust. Lastly, we present recent advancements in techniques aimed at improving robustness under data scarcity and distributional shifts, as well as XAI methods ranging from feature attribution to gradient-based interpretations and counterfactual explanations. This paper is further enriched with detailed discussions of the contributions toward robustness and explainability in digital health, the development of trustworthy AI systems in the era of large language models, and various evaluation metrics for measuring trust and related parameters such as validity, fidelity, and diversity, offering a roadmap for building safer and more reliable AI systems.
The following article is
Open access
Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
Muhammad Usama Zaheer
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022006
View article
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
PDF
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
The longevity and performance of biomedical implants depend strongly on surface properties, motivating coatings that enhance biocompatibility, mechanical resilience, and resistance to wear and infection. This review analyzes state-of-the-art coatings for orthopedic and dental implants, linking material choice, deposition method, and demonstrated
in vitro
performance. Bioinert systems (e.g. TiN, diamond-like carbon), bioactive coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass, and antibacterial approaches using silver-, zinc-oxide-, and graphene-based layers are compared for their effects on osseointegration, bacterial control, and durability. Deposition routes from plasma spraying to advanced methods including pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are evaluated for adhesion, microstructure control, and clinical practicality. Across recent studies, nanostructured and multifunctional coatings consistently accelerate early osteogenic responses, ion- or carbon-modified hydroxyapatite improves interfacial bonding while adding antibacterial activity, conformal ultrathin films from ALD enhance corrosion resistance on complex geometries without impairing cell viability, and multilayer or hybrid architectures reduce tribocorrosion under cyclic loading. Remaining challenges include maintaining long-term stability and uniform coverage on intricate implant designs and scaling fabrication economically. Emerging directions focus on stimuli-responsive surfaces and biodegradable, drug-eluting coatings aimed at reducing infection risk and speeding integration, with the overall trajectory pointing toward coatings that couple mechanical reliability with targeted biological function.
The following article is
Open access
Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
Alistair Bacchetti
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022005
View article
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
PDF
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
The introduction and development of soft continuum robots (SCRs) for minimally invasive surgery and endoluminal intervention offers a promising option for navigating delicate, convoluted human anatomy across various procedures. However, successful translation of SCRs from research prototypes through to clinically viable tools relies on overcoming the challenge of functionalization for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Functionalization demands specialized design and fabrication strategies to ensure practical integration of operational components, such as stimuli-responsive materials and tip-mounted transducers, with soft bioinspired geometry and actuation mechanisms. This review aims to highlight the state of the art in the development of functionalized SCRs for minimally invasive and endoluminal applications. Drawing on advances over the past twenty-five years, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the innovations to date and of the pivotal clinical and developmental challenges to be overcome for the functionalization, therapeutic benefit and therefore, clinical translation of SCRs. Through developing coherence between the fields of bio-inspired soft robotic design, digitally driven fabrication, materials engineering and intra-operative control, further clinically significant advances may be realized in the domain of functionalized SCRs.
The following article is
Open access
Clinical readiness of microwave imaging for breast cancer: a state-of-the-art review of current evidence and challenges
Álvarez Sánchez-Bayuela et al
View accepted manuscript
, Clinical readiness of microwave imaging for breast cancer: a state-of-the-art review of current evidence and challenges
PDF
, Clinical readiness of microwave imaging for breast cancer: a state-of-the-art review of current evidence and challenges
Microwave breast imaging (MBI) is gaining attention as a promising, non-invasive modality for breast imaging, leveraging safe, low-power radiofrequency signals to eliminate ionizing radiation and compression related discomfort associated with mammography. Recent advancements in prototype systems have demonstrated potential in imaging breast tissues and detecting lesions, including cancer. Despite these encouraging results, clinical adoption of MBI faces significant challenges. This review examines recent advancements in MBI prototype developments, analyzes the current evidence regarding its efficacy and diagnostic accuracy, and discusses challenges that impede its clinical adoption, including technological, regulatory, and economic barriers. Our synthesis aims to provide insights into the potential of MBI in transforming breast imaging practices and to outline pathways for further research and development toward clinical integration.
The following article is
Open access
A review of magnesium-based stents: Manufacturing strategies and future trends
Motaharinia et al
View accepted manuscript
, A review of magnesium-based stents: Manufacturing strategies and future trends
PDF
, A review of magnesium-based stents: Manufacturing strategies and future trends
Coronary artery disease is often treated with vascular stents to restore the blood flow. Recently, there has been growing interest in biodegradable metal stents, especially those made from magnesium (Mg). This review starts by explaining the complex pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the current treatment options. It then discusses stents, including their potential benefits, capabilities, and limitations, as they represent the gold standard for percutaneous coronary intervention in treating atherosclerosis. Given the vital role of stents, we provide a thorough review of the manufacturing techniques involved, such as wire forming, subtractive manufacturing, and additive manufacturing, with a specific focus on stents made from Mg alloys. Mg-based stents are considered highly promising biodegradable options because their natural absorption helps alleviate long-term complications after surgery, such as chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions, which can result from the persistent presence of foreign materials in the artery. Additionally, the long-term presence of traditional stents increases the risk of late stent thrombosis and can impair vascular healing and vasodilatory function. Furthermore, this review offers an overview of various innovative stent systems designed for different clinical applications that are currently undergoing research and clinical trials. The past reviews offer perspectives on alloy design, fabrication, or surface modification in isolation. Here, in this comprehensive framework we connect material composition, structural design, and surface engineering with biological outcomes and in vivo performance. This work concludes with suggestions for future research directions, including investigations into optimizing manufacturing procedures and processing parameters to produce Mg-based stents with improved quality.
The following article is
Open access
Recent Advances in Transducers for Through-Tissue Ultrasonic Power Transfer
Chu et al
View accepted manuscript
, Recent Advances in Transducers for Through-Tissue Ultrasonic Power Transfer
PDF
, Recent Advances in Transducers for Through-Tissue Ultrasonic Power Transfer
Ultrasonic power transfer (UPT) is gaining traction for wireless energy delivery to implants and wearables because it combines centimeter-scale penetration with compact receivers. This review takes a transducer-centric view of UPT and organizes the field across bulk piezoelectrics (including lead-free options), piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs), capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), flexible polymer platforms and magnetostrictive transducers. We connect working mechanisms and structural configurations to practical performance—operating frequency ranges, bandwidth, link efficiency and output power, and miniaturization trade-offs—and summarize representative demonstrations in biomedical systems. System-level considerations for integration (acoustic/electrical matching and rectification) and bidirectional links (including backscatter and active telemetry) are highlighted to show how a single acoustic carrier can deliver power and data through tissue. We conclude with challenges (attenuation and misalignment, materials reliability and packaging, and scaling to millimeter/sub-millimeter form factors) and opportunities that draw on materials innovations (metamaterials, lead-free ceramics, flexible polymers) and machine-learning-assisted co-design for robust, efficient through-tissue operation. Together, this transducer-focused synthesis provides a practical map from device physics and fabrication choices to system performance and emerging applications.
The following article is
Open access
Quantifying Fractal and Oscillatory Components in Neural Signals for Biomarker Development
Porcaro et al
View accepted manuscript
, Quantifying Fractal and Oscillatory Components in Neural Signals for Biomarker Development
PDF
, Quantifying Fractal and Oscillatory Components in Neural Signals for Biomarker Development
Neural activity encompasses both rhythmic oscillations and aperiodic background dynamics, reflecting complex brain function beyond traditional rhythm-centric views. The aperiodic component, once considered noise, is now recognised as a meaningful signal indicative of excitation-inhibition balance and intrinsic neural timescales. Here, we review advanced signal processing frameworks, including spectral parameterisation and burst detection algorithms, that disentangle these periodic and aperiodic components. We critically evaluate evidence suggesting that aperiodic parameters track neurodevelopment and serve as candidate biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinsonism. Furthermore, we highlight how neuroengineering interventions, such as Deep Brain Stimulation and acupuncture, actively modulate these features. Crucially, we address the current methodological heterogeneity in the field, proposing a standardized roadmap for estimation to resolve conflicting interpretations. These findings underscore the complementary roles of oscillatory and aperiodic dynamics, offering novel avenues for closed-loop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and personalized neurotherapeutics.
The following article is
Open access
Resonant frequencies of human organs, tissues, and body parts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Civera et al
View accepted manuscript
, Resonant frequencies of human organs, tissues, and body parts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
PDF
, Resonant frequencies of human organs, tissues, and body parts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Exposure to mechanical vibrations transmitted to the whole body, known as Whole Body Vibration (WBV), poses significant risks to health and safety, particularly contributing to spinal disorders and lower back pain among workers. To mitigate these risks, estimating the resonant frequencies of human body parts and organs is essential, as vibrations near these frequencies can amplify WBVs’ harmful effects. However, despite the topic's importance, a comprehensive review of natural frequencies for several body parts remains, quite surprisingly, lacking. The widely cited work by Rasmussen 1983[1], which underpins current national and international norms, has not been updated in four decades. To bridge this gap, this study systematically reviewed experimentally determined resonant frequencies for various organs, soft and hard tissues, and body parts, as reported in the current scientific literature. Searches were conducted across PubMed, Nature, ScienceDirect, Scopus and ResearchGate, yielding over 2000 peer-reviewed articles, of which 388 were examined in detail, and 96 were included in this paper for the meta-analysis. In particular, the critical review was based on selecting only studies deemed relevant by the Authors, preferring experimental tests (wherever available) over numerical or analytical investigations and discarding results from sources that did not detail enough their study methodologies. Key findings, summarised in tables and commented on throughout this article’s main text, are presented alongside a detailed and extended Appendix that describes each study. The new findings indicate that modern studies, which utilise advanced experimental and numerical methods, reveal lower resonant frequencies in several body parts and organs compared to Rasmussen’s estimates from 1983. These differences highlight advancements in measurement techniques and provide a refined understanding of human biomechanics under WBV, informing future safety guidelines and research.
The following article is
Open access
Clinical readiness of microwave imaging for breast cancer: a state-of-the-art review of current evidence and challenges
Daniel Álvarez Sánchez-Bayuela
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
View article
, Clinical readiness of microwave imaging for breast cancer: a state-of-the-art review of current evidence and challenges
PDF
, Clinical readiness of microwave imaging for breast cancer: a state-of-the-art review of current evidence and challenges
Microwave breast imaging (MBI) is gaining attention as a promising, non-invasive modality for breast imaging, leveraging safe, low-power radiofrequency signals to eliminate ionizing radiation and compression related discomfort associated with mammography. Recent advancements in prototype systems have demonstrated potential in imaging breast tissues and detecting lesions, including cancer. Despite these encouraging results, clinical adoption of MBI faces significant challenges. This review examines recent advancements in MBI prototype developments, analyzes the current evidence regarding its efficacy and diagnostic accuracy, and discusses challenges that impede its clinical adoption, including technological, regulatory, and economic barriers. Our synthesis aims to provide insights into the potential of MBI in transforming breast imaging practices and to outline pathways for further research and development toward clinical integration.
The following article is
Open access
A review of magnesium-based stents: Manufacturing strategies and future trends
Amir Motaharinia
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
View article
, A review of magnesium-based stents: Manufacturing strategies and future trends
PDF
, A review of magnesium-based stents: Manufacturing strategies and future trends
Coronary artery disease is often treated with vascular stents to restore the blood flow. Recently, there has been growing interest in biodegradable metal stents, especially those made from magnesium (Mg). This review starts by explaining the complex pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the current treatment options. It then discusses stents, including their potential benefits, capabilities, and limitations, as they represent the gold standard for percutaneous coronary intervention in treating atherosclerosis. Given the vital role of stents, we provide a thorough review of the manufacturing techniques involved, such as wire forming, subtractive manufacturing, and additive manufacturing, with a specific focus on stents made from Mg alloys. Mg-based stents are considered highly promising biodegradable options because their natural absorption helps alleviate long-term complications after surgery, such as chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions, which can result from the persistent presence of foreign materials in the artery. Additionally, the long-term presence of traditional stents increases the risk of late stent thrombosis and can impair vascular healing and vasodilatory function. Furthermore, this review offers an overview of various innovative stent systems designed for different clinical applications that are currently undergoing research and clinical trials. The past reviews offer perspectives on alloy design, fabrication, or surface modification in isolation. Here, in this comprehensive framework we connect material composition, structural design, and surface engineering with biological outcomes and in vivo performance. This work concludes with suggestions for future research directions, including investigations into optimizing manufacturing procedures and processing parameters to produce Mg-based stents with improved quality.
The following article is
Open access
Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
Uchechi F Ukaegbu
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022008
View article
, Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
PDF
, Navigation paradigms for non-invasive BCI-controlled wheelchairs: a systematic review
Brain-controlled powered wheelchairs represent a promising advancement for individuals with neurological conditions that significantly impair motor function. Despite substantial progress, brain-controlled wheelchairs have not been adapted for real-world settings. This article systematically reviews recent trends in brain–computer interface (BCI) technology for wheelchair navigation and control, highlighting the contributions and limitations of various navigation paradigms. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, sourcing studies from four databases (PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar) published between 2000 and April 2025. It focused on non-invasive BCI paradigms and real-world navigation experiments. The results were narratively synthesized and classified into two primary categories: BCI-based navigation paradigms and wheelchair-based navigation paradigms, along with intersecting concepts such as single-variant BCI, hybrid BCI, control switches, and proportional control. Of the 149 full-text articles reviewed, 47 were included and categorized by navigation paradigm, comprising 20 BCI-based and 27 wheelchair-based studies, with 6 involving participants with motor disabilities. Quality assessment scores ranged from 40% to 95%, with approximately 40% of the studies demonstrating a low risk of bias. The findings indicate that low-level navigation control was predominant in BCI wheelchair studies, with 31 studies employing minimal or no obstacle avoidance. Most studies (57%) integrated sensors for obstacle avoidance, localization, mapping, and autonomous navigation. Twenty-two studies utilized control switches, and five incorporated proportional control for wheelchair navigation. Additionally, motor imagery and steady-state visually evoked potential paradigms have emerged as the most common approaches for generating control commands, highlighting their potential for effective navigation. Given the potential societal impact on a large number of individuals, future research should prioritize enhancing the reliability and adaptability of BCI wheelchair systems in real-world environments.
The following article is
Open access
Recent Advances in Transducers for Through-Tissue Ultrasonic Power Transfer
Yu Chu
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
View article
, Recent Advances in Transducers for Through-Tissue Ultrasonic Power Transfer
PDF
, Recent Advances in Transducers for Through-Tissue Ultrasonic Power Transfer
Ultrasonic power transfer (UPT) is gaining traction for wireless energy delivery to implants and wearables because it combines centimeter-scale penetration with compact receivers. This review takes a transducer-centric view of UPT and organizes the field across bulk piezoelectrics (including lead-free options), piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs), capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), flexible polymer platforms and magnetostrictive transducers. We connect working mechanisms and structural configurations to practical performance—operating frequency ranges, bandwidth, link efficiency and output power, and miniaturization trade-offs—and summarize representative demonstrations in biomedical systems. System-level considerations for integration (acoustic/electrical matching and rectification) and bidirectional links (including backscatter and active telemetry) are highlighted to show how a single acoustic carrier can deliver power and data through tissue. We conclude with challenges (attenuation and misalignment, materials reliability and packaging, and scaling to millimeter/sub-millimeter form factors) and opportunities that draw on materials innovations (metamaterials, lead-free ceramics, flexible polymers) and machine-learning-assisted co-design for robust, efficient through-tissue operation. Together, this transducer-focused synthesis provides a practical map from device physics and fabrication choices to system performance and emerging applications.
The following article is
Open access
Quantifying Fractal and Oscillatory Components in Neural Signals for Biomarker Development
Camillo Porcaro and Alessandra Bertoldo 2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
View article
, Quantifying Fractal and Oscillatory Components in Neural Signals for Biomarker Development
PDF
, Quantifying Fractal and Oscillatory Components in Neural Signals for Biomarker Development
Neural activity encompasses both rhythmic oscillations and aperiodic background dynamics, reflecting complex brain function beyond traditional rhythm-centric views. The aperiodic component, once considered noise, is now recognised as a meaningful signal indicative of excitation-inhibition balance and intrinsic neural timescales. Here, we review advanced signal processing frameworks, including spectral parameterisation and burst detection algorithms, that disentangle these periodic and aperiodic components. We critically evaluate evidence suggesting that aperiodic parameters track neurodevelopment and serve as candidate biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinsonism. Furthermore, we highlight how neuroengineering interventions, such as Deep Brain Stimulation and acupuncture, actively modulate these features. Crucially, we address the current methodological heterogeneity in the field, proposing a standardized roadmap for estimation to resolve conflicting interpretations. These findings underscore the complementary roles of oscillatory and aperiodic dynamics, offering novel avenues for closed-loop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and personalized neurotherapeutics.
The following article is
Open access
Motion perception with visual prostheses
Kai T Renshaw and John S Pezaris 2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022004
View article
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
PDF
, Motion perception with visual prostheses
Visual prostheses represent a groundbreaking avenue for restoring vision in individuals with visual impairments. These devices utilize electrode arrays positioned in early visual processing areas, like the retina, thalamus, or primary visual cortex. Connected to a camera, they transform a stream of video to electrical stimulation to present the visual environment through patterned activation of phosphenes. Visual prostheses offer the potential to enhance visual function and thereby quality of life for users, however, understanding and replicating motion perception in a manner akin to natural vision remains a critical challenge for device designers. This review presents studies of motion perception in different visual prosthesis modalities and discusses their advantages and limitations. Retinal and cortical visual prostheses show significant potential in enhancing motion perception, but many implementations have shortcomings. Some challenges which remain for better motion perception in visual prosthesis are gaze contingency, the effective integration of machine vision, and understanding the involvement of higher-order visual areas. Despite these challenges, the current research should be viewed with substantial optimism for the future of restoring functional vision to visually impaired individuals.
The following article is
Open access
Resonant frequencies of human organs, tissues, and body parts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Marco Civera
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
View article
, Resonant frequencies of human organs, tissues, and body parts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
PDF
, Resonant frequencies of human organs, tissues, and body parts: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Exposure to mechanical vibrations transmitted to the whole body, known as Whole Body Vibration (WBV), poses significant risks to health and safety, particularly contributing to spinal disorders and lower back pain among workers. To mitigate these risks, estimating the resonant frequencies of human body parts and organs is essential, as vibrations near these frequencies can amplify WBVs’ harmful effects. However, despite the topic's importance, a comprehensive review of natural frequencies for several body parts remains, quite surprisingly, lacking. The widely cited work by Rasmussen 1983[1], which underpins current national and international norms, has not been updated in four decades. To bridge this gap, this study systematically reviewed experimentally determined resonant frequencies for various organs, soft and hard tissues, and body parts, as reported in the current scientific literature. Searches were conducted across PubMed, Nature, ScienceDirect, Scopus and ResearchGate, yielding over 2000 peer-reviewed articles, of which 388 were examined in detail, and 96 were included in this paper for the meta-analysis. In particular, the critical review was based on selecting only studies deemed relevant by the Authors, preferring experimental tests (wherever available) over numerical or analytical investigations and discarding results from sources that did not detail enough their study methodologies. Key findings, summarised in tables and commented on throughout this article’s main text, are presented alongside a detailed and extended Appendix that describes each study. The new findings indicate that modern studies, which utilise advanced experimental and numerical methods, reveal lower resonant frequencies in several body parts and organs compared to Rasmussen’s estimates from 1983. These differences highlight advancements in measurement techniques and provide a refined understanding of human biomechanics under WBV, informing future safety guidelines and research.
The following article is
Open access
Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
Muhammad Usama Zaheer
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022006
View article
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
PDF
, Engineered surfaces for biomedical implants: advances in coatings, materials, and techniques
The longevity and performance of biomedical implants depend strongly on surface properties, motivating coatings that enhance biocompatibility, mechanical resilience, and resistance to wear and infection. This review analyzes state-of-the-art coatings for orthopedic and dental implants, linking material choice, deposition method, and demonstrated
in vitro
performance. Bioinert systems (e.g. TiN, diamond-like carbon), bioactive coatings such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass, and antibacterial approaches using silver-, zinc-oxide-, and graphene-based layers are compared for their effects on osseointegration, bacterial control, and durability. Deposition routes from plasma spraying to advanced methods including pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are evaluated for adhesion, microstructure control, and clinical practicality. Across recent studies, nanostructured and multifunctional coatings consistently accelerate early osteogenic responses, ion- or carbon-modified hydroxyapatite improves interfacial bonding while adding antibacterial activity, conformal ultrathin films from ALD enhance corrosion resistance on complex geometries without impairing cell viability, and multilayer or hybrid architectures reduce tribocorrosion under cyclic loading. Remaining challenges include maintaining long-term stability and uniform coverage on intricate implant designs and scaling fabrication economically. Emerging directions focus on stimuli-responsive surfaces and biodegradable, drug-eluting coatings aimed at reducing infection risk and speeding integration, with the overall trajectory pointing toward coatings that couple mechanical reliability with targeted biological function.
The following article is
Open access
Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
Alistair Bacchetti
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022005
View article
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
PDF
, Enhancing the functionality of soft continuum robots for minimally invasive and endoluminal interventions: a review
The introduction and development of soft continuum robots (SCRs) for minimally invasive surgery and endoluminal intervention offers a promising option for navigating delicate, convoluted human anatomy across various procedures. However, successful translation of SCRs from research prototypes through to clinically viable tools relies on overcoming the challenge of functionalization for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Functionalization demands specialized design and fabrication strategies to ensure practical integration of operational components, such as stimuli-responsive materials and tip-mounted transducers, with soft bioinspired geometry and actuation mechanisms. This review aims to highlight the state of the art in the development of functionalized SCRs for minimally invasive and endoluminal applications. Drawing on advances over the past twenty-five years, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the innovations to date and of the pivotal clinical and developmental challenges to be overcome for the functionalization, therapeutic benefit and therefore, clinical translation of SCRs. Through developing coherence between the fields of bio-inspired soft robotic design, digitally driven fabrication, materials engineering and intra-operative control, further clinically significant advances may be realized in the domain of functionalized SCRs.
The following article is
Open access
Bioengineered
in vitro
bone scaffolds to investigate bone metastases: a systematic review of mechanical and biological model validation
Alissa Reinke
et al
2026
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022003
View article
, Bioengineered in vitro bone scaffolds to investigate bone metastases: a systematic review of mechanical and biological model validation
PDF
, Bioengineered in vitro bone scaffolds to investigate bone metastases: a systematic review of mechanical and biological model validation
One of the most common sites of cancer metastasis is the bone, with a large proportion of both breast cancer and prostate cancer patients who develop metastases having involvement of the skeleton. The prognosis for patients with bone metastases is poor as there are limited effective treatment options. The lack of reliable models to recapitulate the native bone micro-environment during the drug discovery process, has resulted in a poor understanding of the biological processes that enable and drive metastases, and difficulty evaluating potential treatments. Animal models that have been successful in the genesis of cutting-edge treatments for primary cancer have not been able to be used for treatments for metastases, in part due to their inability to accurately recapitulate the native human microenvironment. Consequently, the development and availability of drugs to treat and/or prevent bone metastases are lacking. The last decade has seen an increase in the development and use of three dimensional (3D) scaffolds in cell culture to investigate cancer, as these models have demonstrated similar cancer cellular growth and gene/protein expression to the native human microenvironment. The majority of 3D cell culture systems for studying cancer processes comprise a soft matrix, which fails to accurately replicate the rigidity and structural complexity of bone tissue, which further alters the behaviour of cells. This systematic literature review focuses on the research to date on the development and characterisation of solid scaffolds that have been used for the purpose of
in vitro
investigation of bone metastases. It highlights the importance of materials testing to characterise the models, ensuring they have a composition, structure and strength similar to bone, to give appropriate mechanical cues to cells, while also highlighting the biological validation completed to ensure the models are an accurate representation of the metastatic niche.
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Deep multimodal fusion of image and non-image data in disease diagnosis and prognosis: a review
Can Cui
et al
2023
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022001
View article
, Deep multimodal fusion of image and non-image data in disease diagnosis and prognosis: a review
PDF
, Deep multimodal fusion of image and non-image data in disease diagnosis and prognosis: a review
The rapid development of diagnostic technologies in healthcare is leading to higher requirements for physicians to handle and integrate the heterogeneous, yet complementary data that are produced during routine practice. For instance, the personalized diagnosis and treatment planning for a single cancer patient relies on various images (e.g. radiology, pathology and camera images) and non-image data (e.g. clinical data and genomic data). However, such decision-making procedures can be subjective, qualitative, and have large inter-subject variabilities. With the recent advances in multimodal deep learning technologies, an increasingly large number of efforts have been devoted to a key question: how do we extract and aggregate multimodal information to ultimately provide more objective, quantitative computer-aided clinical decision making? This paper reviews the recent studies on dealing with such a question. Briefly, this review will include the (a) overview of current multimodal learning workflows, (b) summarization of multimodal fusion methods, (c) discussion of the performance, (d) applications in disease diagnosis and prognosis, and (e) challenges and future directions.
The following article is
Open access
Challenges of continuum robots in clinical context: a review
Tomas da Veiga
et al
2020
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
032003
View article
, Challenges of continuum robots in clinical context: a review
PDF
, Challenges of continuum robots in clinical context: a review
With the maturity of surgical robotic systems based on traditional rigid-link principles, the rate of progress slowed as limits of size and controllable degrees of freedom were reached. Continuum robots came with the potential to deliver a step change in the next generation of medical devices, by providing better access, safer interactions and making new procedures possible. Over the last few years, several continuum robotic systems have been launched commercially and have been increasingly adopted in hospitals. Despite the clear progress achieved, continuum robots still suffer from design complexity hindering their dexterity and scalability. Recent advances in actuation methods have looked to address this issue, offering alternatives to commonly employed approaches. Additionally, continuum structures introduce significant complexity in modelling, sensing, control and fabrication; topics which are of particular focus in the robotics community. It is, therefore, the aim of the presented work to highlight the pertinent areas of active research and to discuss the challenges to be addressed before the potential of continuum robots as medical devices may be fully realised.
Wave-based optical coherence elastography: the 10-year perspective
Fernando Zvietcovich and Kirill V Larin 2022
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
012007
View article
, Wave-based optical coherence elastography: the 10-year perspective
PDF
, Wave-based optical coherence elastography: the 10-year perspective
After ten years of progress and innovation, optical coherence elastography (OCE) based on the propagation of mechanical waves has become one of the major and the most studied OCE branches, producing a fundamental impact in the quantitative and nondestructive biomechanical characterization of tissues. Preceding previous progress made in ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography; wave-based OCE has pushed to the limit the advance of three major pillars: (a) implementation of novel wave excitation methods in tissues, (b) understanding new types of mechanical waves in complex boundary conditions by proposing advance analytical and numerical models, and (c) the development of novel estimators capable of retrieving quantitative 2D/3D biomechanical information of tissues. This remarkable progress promoted a major advance in answering basic science questions and the improvement of medical disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring in several types of tissues leading, ultimately, to the first attempts of clinical trials and translational research aiming to have wave-based OCE working in clinical environments. This paper summarizes the fundamental up-to-date principles and categories of wave-based OCE, revises the timeline and the state-of-the-art techniques and applications lying in those categories, and concludes with a discussion on the current challenges and future directions, including clinical translation research.
Vascularization in tissue engineering: fundamentals and state-of-art
Guang Yang
et al
2020
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
012002
View article
, Vascularization in tissue engineering: fundamentals and state-of-art
PDF
, Vascularization in tissue engineering: fundamentals and state-of-art
Vascularization is among the top challenges that impede the clinical application of engineered tissues. This challenge has spurred tremendous research endeavor, defined as vascular tissue engineering (VTE) in this article, to establish a pre-existing vascular network inside the tissue engineered graft prior to implantation. Ideally, the engineered vasculature can be integrated into the host vasculature via anastomosis to supply nutrient to all cells instantaneously after surgery. Moreover, sufficient vascularization is of great significance in regenerative medicine from many other perspectives. Due to the critical role of vascularization in successful tissue engineering, we aim to provide an up-to-date overview of the fundamentals and VTE strategies in this article, including angiogenic cells, biomaterial/bio-scaffold design and bio-fabrication approaches, along with the reported utility of vascularized tissue complex in regenerative medicine. We will also share our opinion on the future perspective of this field.
3D coaxial bioprinting: process mechanisms, bioinks and applications
Tarun Shyam Mohan
et al
2022
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022003
View article
, 3D coaxial bioprinting: process mechanisms, bioinks and applications
PDF
, 3D coaxial bioprinting: process mechanisms, bioinks and applications
In the last decade, bioprinting has emerged as a facile technique for fabricating tissues constructs mimicking the architectural complexity and compositional heterogeneity of native tissues. Amongst different bioprinting modalities, extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) is the most widely used technique. Coaxial bioprinting, a type of EBB, enables fabrication of concentric cell-material layers and enlarges the scope of EBB to mimic several key aspects of native tissues. Over the period of development of bioprinting, tissue constructs integrated with vascular networks, have been one of the major achievements made possible largely by coaxial bioprinting. In this review, current advancements in biofabrication of constructs with coaxial bioprinting are discussed with a focus on different bioinks that are particularly suitable for this modality. This review also expounds the properties of different bioinks suitable for coaxial bioprinting and then analyses the key achievements made by the application of coaxial bioprinting in tissue engineering, drug delivery and
in-vitro
disease modelling. The major limitations and future perspectives on the critical factors that will determine the ultimate clinical translation of the versatile technique are also presented to the reader.
The following article is
Open access
Translational prospects of untethered medical microrobots
Hakan Ceylan
et al
2019
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
012002
View article
, Translational prospects of untethered medical microrobots
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, Translational prospects of untethered medical microrobots
Untethered mobile microrobots have the potential to transform medicine radically. Their small size and wireless mobility can enable access to and navigation in confined, small, hard-to-reach, and sensitive inner body sites, where they can provide new ways of minimally invasive interventions and targeted diagnosis and therapy down to the cellular length scales with high precision and repeatability. The exponential recent progress of the field at the preclinical level raises anticipations for their near-future clinical prospects. To pave the way for this transformation to happen, however, the formerly proposed microrobotic system designs need a comprehensive review by including essential aspects that a microrobot needs to function properly and safely in given
in vivo
conditions of a targeted medical problem. The present review provides a translational perspective on medical microrobotics research with an application-oriented, integrative design approach. The blueprint of a medical microrobot needs to take account of microrobot shape, material composition, manufacturing technique, permeation of biological barriers, deployment strategy, actuation and control methods, medical imaging modality, and the execution of the prescribed medical tasks altogether at the same time. The incorporation of functional information pertaining each such element to the physical design of the microrobot is highly dependent on the specific clinical application scenario. We discuss the complexity of the challenges ahead and the potential directions to overcome them. We also throw light on the potential regulatory aspects of medical microrobots toward their bench-to-bedside translation. Such a multifaceted undertaking entails multidisciplinary involvement of engineers, materials scientists, biologists and medical doctors, and bringing their focus on specific medical problems where microrobots could make a disruptive or radical impact.
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Open access
Deep learning in medical image registration
Xiang Chen
et al
2021
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
012003
View article
, Deep learning in medical image registration
PDF
, Deep learning in medical image registration
Image registration is a fundamental task in multiple medical image analysis applications. With the advent of deep learning, there have been significant advances in algorithmic performance for various computer vision tasks in recent years, including medical image registration. The last couple of years have seen a dramatic increase in the development of deep learning-based medical image registration algorithms. Consequently, a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art algorithms in the field is timely, and necessary. This review is aimed at understanding the clinical applications and challenges that drove this innovation, analysing the functionality and limitations of existing approaches, and at providing insights to open challenges and as yet unmet clinical needs that could shape future research directions. To this end, the main contributions of this paper are: (a) discussion of all deep learning-based medical image registration papers published since 2013 with significant methodological and/or functional contributions to the field; (b) analysis of the development and evolution of deep learning-based image registration methods, summarising the current trends and challenges in the domain; and (c) overview of unmet clinical needs and potential directions for future research in deep learning-based medical image registration.
Emerging embolic agents in endovascular embolization: an overview
Courtney Y Wang
et al
2020
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
012003
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, Emerging embolic agents in endovascular embolization: an overview
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, Emerging embolic agents in endovascular embolization: an overview
Endovasular embolization treats diseased and malfunctioned vasculature through a minimally invasive approach that significantly benefits patients. Advances in engineering and materials science have contributed to novel generations of embolic materials that addresses challenges existed in clinically used agents. In this review, we discuss the clinically available embolic agents, their formulations and applications. Additionally, we examine materials in development for embolization, and emphasize the challenges during the process of transitioning from basic science to translational applications in this field.
A review of low-cost and portable optical coherence tomography
Ge Song
et al
2021
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
032002
View article
, A review of low-cost and portable optical coherence tomography
PDF
, A review of low-cost and portable optical coherence tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful optical imaging technique capable of visualizing the internal structure of biological tissues at near cellular resolution. For years, OCT has been regarded as the standard of care in ophthalmology, acting as an invaluable tool for the assessment of retinal pathology. However, the costly nature of most current commercial OCT systems has limited its general accessibility, especially in low-resource environments. It is therefore timely to review the development of low-cost OCT systems as a route for applying this technology to population-scale disease screening. Low-cost, portable and easy to use OCT systems will be essential to facilitate widespread use at point of care settings while ensuring that they offer the necessary imaging performances needed for clinical detection of retinal pathology. The development of low-cost OCT also offers the potential to enable application in fields outside ophthalmology by lowering the barrier to entry. In this paper, we review the current development and applications of low-cost, portable and handheld OCT in both translational and research settings. Design and cost-reduction techniques are described for general low-cost OCT systems, including considerations regarding spectrometer-based detection, scanning optics, system control, signal processing, and the role of 3D printing technology. Lastly, a review of clinical applications enabled by low-cost OCT is presented, along with a detailed discussion of current limitations and outlook.
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Spike sorting: new trends and challenges of the era of high-density probes
Alessio P Buccino
et al
2022
Prog. Biomed. Eng.
022005
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, Spike sorting: new trends and challenges of the era of high-density probes
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, Spike sorting: new trends and challenges of the era of high-density probes
Recording from a large neuronal population of neurons is a crucial challenge to unravel how information is processed by the brain. In this review, we highlight the recent advances made in the field of ‘spike sorting’, which is arguably a very essential processing step to extract neuronal activity from extracellular recordings. More specifically, we target the challenges faced by newly manufactured high-density multi-electrode array devices (HD-MEA), e.g. Neuropixels probes. Among them, we cover in depth the prominent problem of drifts (movements of the neurons with respect to the recording devices) and the current solutions to circumscribe it. In addition, we also review recent contributions making use of deep learning approaches for spike sorting, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Next, we highlight efforts and advances in unifying, validating, and benchmarking spike sorting tools. Finally, we discuss the spike sorting field in terms of its open and unsolved challenges, specifically regarding scalability and reproducibility. We conclude by providing our personal view on the future of spike sorting, calling for a community-based development and validation of spike sorting algorithms and fully automated, cloud-based spike sorting solutions for the neuroscience community.
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2018-present
Progress in Biomedical Engineering
doi: 10.1088/issn.2516-1091
Online ISSN: 2516-1091