This last area remains a true challenge of the field. Furthermore, there is considerable evidence that biomechanical factors play an important role in the regulation of cellular activity, both in normal tissues and in engineered tissue replacements. Similarly, mechanical influences are implicated in the pathologies and etiologies of many diseases. To address these function-related issues there is a need for more research into the mechanical aspects of tissue engineering. The nanometer range provides for an exciting dimension in which we are close to the atomic level and yet form, morphology, and structure have macroscopic manifestation and meaning.
Biological systems provide for a rich arena in which such phenomena can have great effect.
For example, DNA molecules are about 2.5 nm wide. Cellular nanoscale machines powered by chemical energy of the cell are marvelous new discoveries that provide highly efficient motors, whose applications are yet to be imagined. Other applications of nanobiotechnology are the development of ingenious hybrid materials that incorporate biomolecules and serve unique functions, such as providing new possibilities for smaller electronics. The possibilities are immense and the field is wide open. Computational bioengineering is proceeding from the genetic level to the organic.