Mechanobiology and Biomechanics Laboratory
The Mechanobiology and Biomanufacturing Laboratory (MBL) is at the forefront of research in mechanobiology, biomechanics and biomanufacturing. Led by Associate Professor Arnold Ju, the team is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes through the development of cutting-edge microtechnologies for cardiovascular health.
The lab is actively involved in international collaborations and partnerships, including the Sydney-Glasgow Biomedical Engineering Alliance, SHOP (Harvard Medical School), STATE (University of Toronto), and BioFlexNet (Yonsei University)
The Snow fellowship funds Associate Professor Ju’s research program aimed at understanding the mechanics behind blood clot formation, which carries profound implications for diagnosing and preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Our research
Developing innovative biomechanical nanotools, such as the Biomembrane Force Probe (BFP) and fluorescent micropipette aspiration assays (fMPA), to elucidate cellular responses to mechanical stress and advance understanding of mechanobiological mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases.
Our experts: Dr Yao Wang, Ms Laura Moldovan, Mr Haoqing (Jerry) Wang, Mr Fengtao Jiang, Ms Catherine Chen, Ms Jasmine Jin, Professor Stephen Simpson, Professor Philip Hogg, Dr Joyce Chiu
Our partners: Dr Charlex D. Cox and Professor Boris Martinac, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Dr Qian (Peter) Su, University of Technology Sydney, Associate Professor Owen Sigg, Garvan Institute, Associate Professor Yungfeng Chen, University of Texas Medical Branch
Industry Partners: Lumicks, Evident Australia
Pioneering personalised organ-on-a-chip devices, such as vessel-on-chip models, to simulate prothrombotic vascular geometries and provide insights into thrombosis and endothelial behaviour under stenotic conditions. These platforms aim to revolutionise drug evaluation and enhance the success rate of therapeutic interventions.
Our experts: Professor Gemma Figtree, Associate Professor Khoon Lim, Dr Freda Passam, Dr Zhao (Jeff) Wang, Dr Alex Dupuy, Dr Tao Huang, Dr Zihao Wang, Ms Linda Dei-Awuku, Ms Yingqi (Kaitlyn) Zhang, Ms Linda Dei-Awuku
International collaborators: Associate Professor Shrike Y. Zhang, Harvard Medical School, Professor Massimo Vassalli, Dr Qingshen Jing, University of Glasgow, Professor Lim Chwee Teck, National University of Singapore
Leveraging expertise in mechanobiology and biomanufacturing to translate research findings into clinical applications through collaborations with leading clinical trial centres and industry partners. Addressing regulatory considerations and securing clinical champions to ensure the successful translation of technologies from concept to commercialisation.
Our experts: Professor Meg Jardine, Professor Wenlong Cheng, Dr Aisha Abidin, Dr Mingxin Xu, Dr Pierre Qian, Mr Allan Sun
Our partners: Dr Freda Passam, Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, Dr Timonthy Ang, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Associate Professor James McFayden, Baker Institute and Alfred Hospital, Professor David Beard, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Oxford
Industry partner: CSL Behring
Develop an AI algorithm to aid the automation of 3D microprinting these vessel-chips, through both MRV segmentation of patient clinical images for double-layered chip alignment for the full lumen chips, and identifying key area of thrombus development and pattern in various patient vessel geometries.
Our experts: Dr Haimei Zhao, Mr Yunduo (Charles) Zhao, Mr Naveen Louis, Mr Yundao (Charles) Zhao
Our partners: Professor Zhiyong Li, Queensland University of Technology, Professor Dacheng Tao, Nanyang Technology University
Industry partner: BioFabrix
More information
- Snow Fellowship Announcement
- Profile on Snow Medical
- Future Social Impact: A father had a heart attack at 54. His son’s technology could have predicted it.
Key contacts
- Snow program manager: Nina Trethowan
- Mechanobiology project lead: Yao Wang
- Vessel-on-a-chip project lead: Zhao Wang
- Point-of-care testing project lead: Mingxin Xu
Associate Professor Arnold Ju