Acoustic-Driven Platforms for Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology in Thrombosis, Cancer, and Immunity

Summary

We are developing versatile acoustic-driven platforms that enable precise, label-free, and non-invasive manipulation of cells, extracellular vesicles, and biomolecules. These technologies allow researchers to probe the biomechanical mechanisms underlying thrombosis, cancer progression, and immune responses under physiologically relevant conditions. By integrating advanced imaging, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence, our platforms offer dynamic and high-throughput control over biological systems, opening new avenues for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Supervisor

Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju.

Research location

Biomedical Engineering

Program type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

Thrombosis, cancer, and immune dysregulation are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conventional diagnostics and therapies often fail to capture the dynamic, mechanobiological aspects of these diseases, such as cellular mechanics, interactions between platelets and tumor cells, or immune cell responses. Acoustic-driven platforms provide a powerful solution by enabling non-invasive, precise, and controllable manipulation of biological systems at the cellular and molecular level.

In this project, students will develop and apply acoustic and holographic technologies to isolate, stimulate, and analyze blood cells, cancer cells, and extracellular vesicles under physiologically relevant conditions. By combining these platforms with real-time imaging and artificial intelligence, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanobiological mechanisms and translate these insights into practical diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The anticipated outcomes include novel acoustic-based devices for rapid thrombus profiling, cancer biomarker detection, and immune function assessment, with potential applications in point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine. This project offers students interdisciplinary training at the interface of bioengineering, acoustics, and translational medicine, equipping them for careers in both fundamental research and clinical innovation.

Offering:

A PhD scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $41,753 in 2025). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered.

Funded by ARC Discovery Project DP200101970 (CI-A) “Integrin Activation by Fluid Flow Disturbance: Mechanobiology Approaches”

Successful candidates must:

• Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree,
• Have knowledge in the discipline of fluid mechanics, hemorheology, micro / nano fabrication, organ chips, and wearable devices cardiac and exercise physiology,
• Have capability of using two or more of ANASYS, Comsol, Labview, AutoCAD, MATLAB, 3D-max, PRO-E, SolidWorks, ZEMAX and other software,
• Have experience with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for haemodynamics or PIV analysis of haemorheology,

Preferred experience include:

• At least one year of experience in clean room micro/nano processing and soft lithography,
• Experience in theoretical simulation using and Matlab or Comsol, or Labview programming to control equipment and devices,
• Capability of independently output processing models and drawings, be capable of CNC programming, use other conventional processing platform equipment to manufacture mechanical parts, and use 3D printers for part manufacturing,

How to apply:

To apply, please email [email protected] and [email protected] (co-supervisor) the following:

• CV
• transcripts

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2781

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