Manufacturing is undergoing major transformation due to the unforeseen challenges arising from the current trend of miniaturization, the emergence of new materials and the growing interaction between biologists and engineers to learn more from nature and living objects.

Traditionally, a "top-down" approach has been used in manufacturing. Recently, engineers and scientists have begun exploring "bottom-up" approaches for manufacturing today's highly complex products. Further, these emerging processes are aimed to improve process efficiency and product quality.