Biotechnology in materials science: A storied past and a bold future

Abstract

The intersection of biotechnology and materials science has driven medical and scientific innovation for decades and is poised to make similar transformative impacts over the next 50 years. Advanced drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles and larger delivery material platforms, are enhancing therapeutic precision, while tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are laying the groundwork for bioprinting complex organs, offering new possibilities for transplantation and repair. Nanotechnology and biomedical devices are reshaping diagnostics and therapeutics, enabling real-time monitoring essential for personalized health care. Additionally, emerging fields such as space biotechnology and machine learning-driven biomaterials design hold potential for cutting-edge discoveries. This article examines the historical trajectory, current state-of-the-art applications, and bold future directions of biotechnology in materials science, emphasizing its impact on human health and its untapped potential yet to be explored.