01
Applied AFM, fluid-shear assays, digital image correlation, creep analysis, and cytoskeletal imaging to living biological cells.
Project 01Translational Cancer Research
Developing Innovative Biomarkers for Cancer Detection
I used a range of mechanical characterization techniques on biological cells to distinguish the physical properties of normal cells from cancer cells — from breast to brain — as a route to earlier, physically grounded diagnosis.
The problem
Can cancer cells be distinguished through their mechanical behavior?
Approach
Single-cell mechanical characterization, viscoelastic creep analysis, cytoskeletal structure, and statistical analysis.
Outcome
Investigated measurable differences and heterogeneity in malignant and non-malignant cell behavior.
What I led and delivered
02
Compared normal and malignant cell mechanics across breast and brain cancer models, respecting the biological context rather than forcing a universal biomarker.
03
Connected cellular stiffness, viscosity, creep behavior, and cytoskeletal structure to diagnostic hypotheses and targeted-therapy design.
Research underpinning this work
2022
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
Investigation of creep properties and the cytoskeletal structures of non-tumorigenic breast cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells
2026
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
Distinguishing cancerous from non-malignant breast cells using viscoelastic creep and functional principal component analysis
2024
Biophysical Journal
Single-cell mechanical assay unveils viscoelastic similarities in normal and neoplastic brain cells
Demonstrates
Biomedical research · quantitative thinking · diagnostic translation