gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Bioengineering integrates biology and engineering to develop technologies that address health-related problems. Advances in both fields allow bioengineering to drive progress in many medical technologies, such as genetic engineering, tissue regeneration and diagnostic tools, expanding treatment possibilities and improving human health. This rapid horizon scan was undertaken to inform stakeholders of in-development bioengineering applications for human health.

Methods: On 11^th and 15^th of July 2024, we searched bibliographic and patent databases (2020–2024) for bioengineering terms. For published literature we searched Lens.org Embase (Ovid), Web of Science and IEEE Xplore; for patent documents we searched Lens.org. Bibliographic records were downloaded and de-duplicated in Endnote 20, while patents were de-duplicated during screening. Bibliographic search results were manually screened for relevance using titles, abstracts, and full text. During manual screening of Lens records, we used Artificial Intelligence Document Organiser and Classifier (AIDOC), an AI tool developed by the NIHR Innovation Observatory, which automatically prioritises records based on an initial manual sift of 300 records. This allowed for a more systematic approach when time was limited, maximising the likelihood of capturing a larger number of relevant records. For the patent analysis, a list of technologies was produced in order of first sign of emergence. Data from all sources were cross-referenced to identify novel technologies, which were classified into three pre-determined categories: bioengineered therapeutics and delivery systems, bioengineered tissues and medical devices, and genetically engineered organisms.

Results: Our searches identified 6913 bibliographic records. After de-duplication, automated prioritisation, and manual screening, 517 records were included. Patent screening found 24 relevant patents. From this, we identified 45 novel technologies, including 3D graphene foams, probiotic delivery systems, and genetically engineered immune cells designed to target tumour sites.

Conclusion: This rapid scan revealed numerous bioengineering innovations in the development pipeline with the potential to improve a broad range of health issues. As well as guiding research priorities, the early identification of these innovations enables health organisations to prepare for their implementation and minimises delays in patient access to innovative treatments. This scan also demonstrated the efficiency of using AIDOC in handling large data volumes with time constraints. It is important to note that this was a rapid scan and so the limited scope and lack of second reviewing may have restricted findings. Many emerging technologies were identified, and we are currently expanding this research to develop a more detailed and comprehensive view of the current bioengineering landscape.