MUSC asking to build bioengineering building

The Medical University of South Carolina is asking permission from Charleston officials to start work on a $55 million bioengineering center.
   
The center is designed to attract experts in biomedical engineering, in the hopes of developing treatments such as growing replacement organs or regenerating neural tissue.
   
Richard Swaja directs the South Carolina Bioengineering Alliance and told The Post and Courier of Charleston the new facility could open by late 2010. The alliance includes the medical university, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
   
In addition to offices for the alliance, the four-story building will include more than three dozen lab areas.
   
Officials hope to attract millions of dollars in biomedical engineering research grants.