Module 3-Human

organ Systems and

Biodesigns

Dr. Shyna A
 Biodesign
• Biodesigns refer to the application of engineering principles and design
concepts to replicate, enhance, or interface with human organ systems.
• This involves understanding the architecture and functionality of biological
systems (like the brain, eye, and heart) and developing technological
solutions such as prosthetic devices, optical corrections, and
cardiovascular implants.
Brain as a CPU system
• Both CPU and brain use electrical signals to send
messages.
• The brain uses chemicals to transmit information; the
computer uses electricity.
• Even though electrical signals travel at high speeds in
the nervous system, they travel even faster through
the wires in a computer. Both transmit information.
Architecture
• In the human brain, information is processed in a distributed manner
across multiple regions, each with specialized functions, rather than
being processed sequentially in a single centralized location.
• Just like how a computer's CPU has an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to
perform mathematical calculations, the human brain has specialized
regions for processing mathematical and logical operations. The
prefrontal cortex, for example, is responsible for higher-level cognitive
functions such as decision making and problem solving.
 Signal Transmission

• Signal transmission in the brain occurs through the firing of nerve cells, or
neurons.
• A neuron receives inputs from other neurons at its dendrites, integrates the
information, and then generates an electrical impulse, or action potential, that
travels down its axon to the synaptic terminals.

• At the synaptic terminals, the neuron releases chemical neurotransmitters, which

cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading
to the initiation of another action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

• This process of transmitting information from one neuron to another is known as

synaptic transmission and forms the basis of communication within the brain.
•
• Different types of neurotransmitters have different effects on
postsynaptic neurons, and the balance of neurotransmitter levels can
influence brain function, including mood, learning, and memory.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
 EEG (Electroencephalogram)
• A non-invasive method for measuring the electrical activity
of the brain.
• An EEG records the electrical signals generated by the
brain's neurons as they communicate with each other.
• The signals are recorded through electrodes placed on the scalp and the
resulting EEG pattern provides information about the synchronized
electrical activity of large populations of neurons.
• This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.
• An EEG is one of the main diagnostic tests for epilepsy.
• An EEG can also play a role in diagnosing other brain
disorders.
 Activity
• Identify the engineering solution based on the biological concepts for the given cases
Parkinson’s Disease
Bionic Eye
Design of pacemakers
Muscular Dystrophy:
Hearing Loss
Spinal Cord Injury
Heart Failure
Osteoporosis
Chronic Pain Management:
Cancer Treatment:
Activity -2

Prepare a report on the state-of-the-art progress in the Brain

Computer Interface field over the last decades and highlight the
critical challenges faced in the design.
 Robotics arms for prosthetics
• Prosthetics refers to artificial devices designed to replace missing body parts, such as
limbs, teeth, or eyes, and restore their functionality or appearance.
• Robotic prosthetic limb is a well-established research area that integrates advanced
mechatronics, intelligent sensing, and control for achieving higher order lost
sensorimotor functions while maintaining the physical appearance of amputated limb.
How Robotic Prostheses Work:
• Robotic prosthetic arms use electrical signals from the muscles left in
your body after an amputation.
• Sensors are placed on your skin to detect these signals, which are
sent to the prosthetic arm to control its movements.
• For example, if you still have muscles in your forearm, you can "think"
about moving your fingers, and the robotic hand will respond by
opening or closing.
 Prosthetic Purpose:
•If you're missing an arm or leg, a prosthetic limb can replace it.

•It helps you do everyday things like walking, eating, or dressing,

making life easier and more independent.
 Robotic Arms in Industry:
• Robotic arms aren’t just for prosthetics—they’re also used in factories.
• They help move or organize products onto pallets (like stacking boxes).
• Automating this task makes the process more accurate, less expensive,
and safer because it reduces the risk of injury to human workers.
Structure of Eye
Eye as a camera system
• The human eye can be analogized to a camera system,
as both the eye and a camera capture light and convert
it into an image
Eye as a camera system
• In both the eye and a camera, the captured light is
transformed into an image by the lens and the light-
sensitive component.
• The eye processes the image further, allowing for visual
perception, while a camera stores the image for later
use
Architecture of Rod and Cone Cells
 Rod Cells
• Rod cells are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye
that are responsible for detecting light and transmitting
signals to the brain for the perception of vision, especially in
low light conditions.
• They contain a protein called rhodopsin that absorbs light
and triggers a chain of events leading to the activation of
neural signals.
• Rods are more sensitive to light than cone cells but do not
distinguish color as well
 Cone cells
• Cone cells are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye
that are responsible for color vision and visual acuity
(sharpness of vision).
• There are three types of cone cells, each containing a
different photopigment sensitive to different wavelengths
of light (red, green, and blue), which allow for the
perception of color.
• Cones are less sensitive to light than rod cells but provide
better visual acuity and color discrimination.
• They are concentrated in the fovea, the central part of the
retina responsible for detailed and sharp vision.
Architecture
• Both types of cells have a photoreceptor outer segment that
contains the photopigment (rhodopsin in rods and
photopigments in cones) that absorbs light and triggers a
change in membrane potential.
• The inner segment contains the cell's organelles, including the
nucleus and mitochondria.
• The major difference between rod and cone cells is their shape.
Rod cells are elongated and cylindrical, while cone cells are
shorter and more conical in shape.
• Another difference between the two types of cells is the
distribution of their synaptic contacts with bipolar cells.
• Rod cells make synapses with one bipolar cell, while cone cells
synapse with one of several bipolar cells. This difference in
synapse distribution is critical for the different functions of rod
and cone cells in vision.
Optical Corrections
• Optical corrections refer to devices or techniques used to
improve or correct vision problems caused by a refractive
error in the eye.
• Refractive errors occur when light entering the eye is not
properly focused on the retina, leading to blurred vision.
There are several types of refractive errors, including:
Myopia (nearsightedness): Light is focused in front of the retina,
making distant objects appear blurry.
Hyperopia (farsightedness): Light is focused behind the retina,
making near objects appear blurry.
Astigmatism: Light is not focused evenly on the retina, leading to
blurred or distorted vision.
 The most common optical
corrections
• Eyeglasses: Glasses with corrective lenses can be used to
refocus light onto the retina, improving vision.
• Contact lenses: Corrective lenses in the form of contacts sit
directly on the cornea and work similarly to eyeglasses.
• Refractive surgery: Surgical procedures, such as LASIK and
PRK, can reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors.
Cataract
• A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that affects
vision.
• The lens, located behind the iris and pupil, normally
allows light to pass through to the retina and produces
clear, sharp images.
• However, as we age or due to other factors, the proteins in
the lens can clump together and cause the lens to
become opaque, leading to vision problems.
• Symptoms of a cataract include blurred or hazy vision,
increased sensitivity to glare and bright lights, faded or
yellowed colors, and double vision in one eye.
• Cataracts can also cause frequent changes in prescription
for eyeglasses or contacts.
 LENS MATERIALS
• Corrective spherocylindrical lenses are commonly used to treat
refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and
astigmatism.
• Lenses can be produced using a variety of materials and designed
with several optical profiles to optimize use in specific
applications.
• Critical lens properties include refractive index, Abbe number
(chromatic dispersion), specific gravity, and ultraviolet absorption.
• The most common lens material is, of course, optical glass, but
crystals and plastics are frequently used, while mirrors can be
made of essentially anything that is capable of being polished.
• There are 5 main types of lens materials for eyeglasses and
sunglasses. Each type of lens material can help correct refractive
errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or
presbyopia.
Types of lens materials
• CR-39:
The most used plastic lens material for years was CR-
39.
It was first developed as a replacement for glass lenses
during World War II.
• CR-39 is available in all lens styles and from multiple
manufacturers.
• Advantages include light weight, good optical
properties, and tinting well.
• Disadvantages of CR-39 are that it is the thickest
material and scratches easily
• Crown Glass
• Flint Glass
• Polycarbonate Lenses:
 Bionic Eye or Artificial Eye
• A bionic eye, also known as a
retinal implant, is a type of
prosthetic device that is surgically
implanted into the eye to help
restore vision to people who have
lost their sight due to certain
conditions such as retinitis
pigmentosa or age-related macular
degeneration.
 Bionic Eye
• The device typically consists of a camera, a processor, and
an electrode array that is attached to the retina.
• The camera captures images and sends signals to the
processor, which then transmits electrical stimulation to
the electrodes in the retina to stimulate the remaining
healthy cells and restore vision.
• The restored vision is not perfect, but it can help people
with vision loss to perform daily tasks more easily and
safely.
Materials Used in Bionic Eye
• The materials used in a bionic eye can vary depending
on the specific device and manufacturer. Commonly
used materials are:
Working of Bionic Eye
• A bionic eye typically works by capturing images with a small
camera and transmitting the information to a processing unit
that is attached to the eye.
• The processing unit then converts the visual information into
electrical signals and sends them to an electrode array that is
surgically implanted onto the retina. The electrodes stimulate
the remaining healthy cells in the retina, which then sends
signals to the brain to create the perception of vision.
• The amount and quality of vision that can be restored varies
depending on the individual and the type of bionic eye being
used. Some bionic eyes only restore basic visual shapes and
patterns, while others can provide more detailed vision.
• The bionic eye is powered by a battery that is typically
implanted behind the ear. The battery is recharged
through a device that is held near the eye, which
transmits power wirelessly to the battery.
• The device is typically rechargeable and can be used for
several years before it needs to be replaced.
Heart as Pumb System