MNBE Research
Laboratory
Our research aims to understand the concepts and mechanisms of complex bioscience challenges lying at the interface of biology, physics, and engineering. We investigate biological processes at the micro- and nanoscale.
Research at the
Nanoscale Frontier
Our mission is to advance the field of molecular nanoscale biosystems engineering through cutting-edge research and innovation. We strive to discover and develop new nanotechnologies and bioengineering methods that improve human health and the sustainability of biological processes.
By applying our expertise across catalysis, synthetic biology, and nanoscale design, we aim to make a positive impact on medicine and society through the development of next-generation therapeutics and diagnostic platforms.
Learn moreBiosensing
Samples containing RNA and DNA lie at the heart of all biopsy techniques. We are determined to develop biosensors that can enhance the concentration of RNA and DNA in these samples, improving the detection sensitivity.
Biomechanics
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms are extensively used as model organisms in medicinal and genetic research. We use biomechanical techniques to model neuromuscular diseases like diabetes, alzheimer, etc using C. elegans.
Bioinspiration
Being bioinspired from amazing design strategies of Nature at micro and nano level, we are determined to solve incumbent problems in bioengineering using micro and nano fabrication techniques.
Recent Publications
Selected highlights from our ongoing research — updated regularly.
Aggregates-on-chip: a microfluidic device for crowding plant cells in culture
Alyaa Farouk Hessin, Ajymurat Orozaliev, Mohammed Ateequr Mohammed, Anh Duc Van, Bruno Guillotin, Yong-Ak Song, Kenneth D Birnbaum
Frontiers in Plant ScienceMechanoBioCAD: A Generalized Semi-Automated Computational Tool for Mechanobiological Studies
N. Baban*, C. Stubbs, Y.-A. Song
Lab on a ChipNews
Recent highlights, awards, and announcements from the MNBE Lab.
Lizard-inspired adhesive research featured at IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi
Prof. Rafael (Yong-Ak) Song presented a research seminar at IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi on “Lizard Tail-Inspired Adhesive Patch for Biomedical Applications.” The talk explored how the hierarchical structure of a lizard’s tail fracture interface balances secure attachment with controlled release, and how this principle could inform switchable bioadhesive patches for medical devices. The visit also brought together faculty, researchers, and students from IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi and IIT Delhi for engaging discussions on translating nature-inspired mechanics into biomedical technologies. The work is described in the original research paper published in Science (DOI: 10.1126/science.abh1614)
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International Seed Grant
Professor Rafael and André have received an International Seed Grant from the NYUAD Internal Grant Funding Committee to develop a collaborative research proposal with the Centre for Future Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, based at the University of Glasgow, targeting an EPSRC research grant for Healthcare Technologies. This marks the beginning of a partnership between NYUAD and the University of Glasgow, fostering a long-term academic network between the two universities. They envision a realistic computational representation of the arterial environment — disturbed by an invasive device — to better understand the competitive hemodynamics and device-vessel interaction in a cannulated artery. Ultimately, this shall lead to the creation of innovative medical devices that address current therapy limitations.
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Team event
Group dinner at Jumeirah Resort Saadiyat Abu Dhabi in celebration of our group’s participation and winning an award at the Technology Innovation Pioneers Summit 2020 held at NYUAD.
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We welcome inquiries from prospective PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and industry partners.