Biosystems
The department’s research in biosystems engineering focuses on advancing technologies and methodologies at the intersection of biology, engineering, and materials science. Key areas of investigation include:
Bioinstrumentation
Faculty Contacts: M. Kim, E. Richer, A. Beskok
Development and optimization of advanced instruments and tools for precise measurement, monitoring, and manipulation of biological systems. This includes sensors, imaging devices, and analytical platforms designed to enhance biological research and clinical diagnostics.
Biomaterials and Biomimetic Metamaterials
Faculty Contacts: M. Kim, W. Tong, X.-L. Gao, E. Richer
Exploration and engineering of novel materials that interact with biological systems, such as biocompatible polymers, hydrogels, nanomaterials. These materials are designed for applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. We also investigate mechanical coupling phenomena in biological materials to understand how they achieve diverse functionalities, such as bending-twisting coupling, which drives processes like chiral growth, DNA supercoiling, and the movement of climbing plants seeking optimal sunlight exposure.
These studies on mechanical coupling can inspire innovative, biomimetic designs for metamaterials in fields such as soft robotics, electronics, energy technologies, phononics, photonics, sensing, and biomedicine.
Biosensing
Faculty Contacts: M. Kim, A. Beskok
Creation of sensitive and specific sensors for detecting biological molecules, pathogens, and environmental factors. Research includes the design of biosensors that integrate with digital systems for real-time monitoring and data analysis.
Biomanipulation
Faculty Contacts: M. Kim
Techniques and technologies for manipulating biological cells, tissues, and molecules at micro and nano scales. This includes innovations in micro/nanoscale robotics, optical tweezers, and magnetic manipulation, aimed at improving the precision and efficiency of biological experiments.
Heat Transfer in Biosystems
Faculty Contacts: J. Lage
Study of thermal processes within biological systems, focusing on how heat affects cellular function, metabolic processes, and the integrity of biological tissues. This research is crucial for optimizing medical devices and understanding physiological responses to temperature changes.
Biomechanics
Faculty Contacts: M. Kim, E. Richer, X.-L. Gao
Investigation of the mechanical aspects of biological tissues and systems, including nondestructive measurements of bone quality and strength, the study studies of forces, movement, and structural integrity in living organisms, and modeling of traumatic brain injuries. This research informs the design of prosthetics, orthotics, helmets, and other medical devices.
Mechanobiology
Faculty Contacts: M. Kim
A field that merges mechanics and biology, focusing on how mechanical forces and changes in the physical environment affect cellular behavior and function. This research has significant implications for understanding disease progression, tissue development, and cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.