The Microsystems Series has as its goal the creation of an outstanding
set of textbooks, references, and monographs on subjects that span the
broad field of microsystems. Exceptional PhD dissertations provide a
good starting point for such a series, because, unlike monographs by
more senior authors, which must compete with other professional duties
for attention, the dissertation becomes the sole focus of the author
until it is completed. Conversion to book form is then a streamlined
process, with final editing and book production completed within a few
months. Thus we are able to bring important and timely material into
book form at a pace which tracks this rapidly developing field. Our
first four books in the series were drawn from the more physics-oriented
side of the microsystems field, including such diverse subjects as
computer-aided design, atomic-force microscopy, and ultrasonic motion
detection. Now, with Sangeeta Bhatia's work, we enter the realm of
biology. Her use of artifically structured substrates to encourage the
liver cells to form orderly assemblies is a fine example of how
microfabrication technology can contribute to cell biology and medicine.
I am pleased to be able to add this very new and very interesting work
to the Microsystems Series. Stephen D. Senturia Cambridge MA
Microfabrication in Tissue Engineering and Bioartificial Organs Foreword
One of the emerging applications of microsystems technology in biology
and medicine is in the field of tissue engineering and artificial
organs. In order to function, cells need to receive proper signals from
their environment.
