Publications

Biomechanical 3D tumor models on a micro-milled high-throughput force sensor array

Published in Biofabrication, 2026

We developed a high-throughput 3D tumor platform that integrates patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids with a biomechanical sensor array to simultaneously measure cellular forces and matrix remodeling. Built using a scalable micro-milling approach, the system enables parallel drug testing with both biochemical and biomechanical readouts for more physiologically relevant preclinical screening and personalized medicine.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, A. Kashefi, M. H. Rahman, D. Adnan et al., “Biomechanical 3D tumor models on a micro-milled high-throughput force sensor array”, Biofabrication, 18, 025015 (2026), https://doi.org/10.1088/1758-5090/ae5347
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A forward-engineered, muscle-driven soft robotic swimmer

Published in Science Advances, 2025

We designed and fabricated a muscle-powered flagellate swimmer integrated with a muscle ring and motor neurons. Improved contractility and nonlinear design allowed for a peak swimming speed of ~87 micrometers per second - about two orders of magnitude higher than previous biohybrid flagellate swimmers.

Recommended citation: W.C. Drennan, O. Aydin, B. Emon, Z. Li, M.S.H. Joy, A. Barishman, Y. Kim, M. Wei, D. Denham, A. Carrillo & M.T.A. Saif, “A forward-engineered, muscle-driven soft robotic swimmer”, Science Advances, 11 (29), eadu8634 (2025), https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adu8634
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Decoupling chemical and mechanical signaling in colorectal cancer cell migration

Published in Scientific Reports, 2025

This study revealed that colorectal cancer cell migration is dominated by mechanical cues, while chemical cues are relatively less effective.

Recommended citation: M.G. Tetrick, B. Emon, U. Doha et al., Decoupling chemical and mechanical signaling in colorectal cancer cell migration. Sci Rep 15, 4952 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89152-4
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A multifunctional sensor for cell traction force, matrix remodeling and biomechanical assays in self-assembled 3D tissues in vitro

Published in Nature Protocols, 2025

This paper presents a detailed protocol for manufacturing biomechanical microsensors, preparing experimental setup, developing assays with different tissues and for imaging and analyzing the data.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, M.S.H. Joy, W.C. Drennan et al., A multifunctional sensor for cell traction force, matrix remodeling and biomechanical assays in self-assembled 3D tissues in vitro. Nature Protocols, 20, 2005–2033 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-024-01106-8
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Inspiring a convergent engineering approach to measure and model the tissue microenvironment

Published in Heliyon, 2024

Recommended citation: R.R. Iyer, C.C. Applegate, O.H. Arogundade, S. Bangru, I.C. Berg, B. Emon, M. Porras-Gomez, et al., “Inspiring a convergent engineering approach to measure and model the tissue microenvironment,” Heliyon, 10(12), e32546, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32546 (2024).
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Nuclear deformation regulates YAP dynamics in cancer associated fibroblasts

Published in Acta Biomaterialia, 2024

This study provides valuable insights into the mechanics governing Yes Associated Protein (YAP) in fibroblasts. We showed that YAP activation through translocation to the nucleus depends on the degree of nuclear deformation, irrespective of substrate/matrix stiffness.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, M.S.H. Joy, L. Lalonde, A. Ghrayeb, U. Doha, L. Ladehoff, R. Brockstein, C. Saengow, R.H. Ewoldt, M.T.A. Saif, Nuclear deformation regulates YAP dynamics in cancer associated fibroblasts. Acta Biomaterialia, 173, 93–108 (2024).
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Synapses without tension fail to fire in an in vitro network of hippocampal neurons

Published in PNAS - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2023

We found that neurons develop tension after forming connection with other neurons, resulting in a contractile neural network. Without this contractility, neurons fail to fire.

Recommended citation: MSH Joy, DL Nall, B Emon,...,& MTA Saif, Synapses without tension fail to fire in an in vitro network of hippocampal neurons, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 120 (52) e2311995120, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311995120 (2023).
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A window into solid stresses within tumours

Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2023

Recommended citation: B. Emon, M.T.A. Saif, A window into solid stresses within tumours. Nat. Biomed. Eng 7, 1348–1349 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-023-01121-2
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Towards understanding the role of cellular force in cancer progression

Published in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2023

This doctoral research investigates how cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their contractile forces remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing colorectal cancer metastasis through mechanical signaling and matrix stiffening.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, "Towards understanding the role of cellular force in cancer progression," Ph.D. dissertation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2023. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/128674
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Mechanosensitive changes in the expression of genes in colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts

Published in Scientific Data, 2023

Recommended citation: B. Emon, Y.J. Song, M.S.H. Joy et al. Mechanosensitive changes in the expression of genes in colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts. Sci Data 10, 350 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02233-9
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Disorder to order transition in cell-ECM systems mediated by cell-cell collective interactions

Published in Acta Biomaterialia, 2022

Our study reveals a link between a phase-transition-like change in cell dynamics and material microstructure as cells collectively compact collagen gels.It underscores the significance of temporal evolution of these cell-ECM systems in understanding the mechanism of such collective action and provides insights on the process from a mechanistic viewpoint.

Recommended citation: U Doha, O Aydin, MSH Joy, B Emon, W Drennan, MTA Saif, Disorder to order transition in cell-ECM systems mediated by cell-cell collective interactions, Acta Biomaterialia, 154, 290-301, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.012.
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Ecoresorbable and bioresorbable microelectromechanical systems

Published in Nature Electronics, 2022

Here we report ecoresorbable and bioresorbable MEMS that are based on fully water-soluble material platforms and can either naturally resorb into the environment to eliminate solid waste or in the body to avoid a need for surgical extraction.

Recommended citation: Q. Yang, T.L. Liu, Y. Xue, H. Wang, Y. Xu, B. Emon et al. Ecoresorbable and bioresorbable microelectromechanical systems. Nat Electron 5, 526–538 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-022-00791-1
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Dose-independent threshold illumination for non-invasive time-lapse fluorescence imaging of live cells

Published in Extreme Mechanics Letters, 2021

We established a safe illumination threshold that enables extended fluorescence imaging of live cells without affecting their health or behavior, paving the way for non-invasive long-term cell studies.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, S. Knoll, U. Doha, L. Ladehoff, L. Lalonde, D. Baietto, M. Sivaguru, R. Bhargava, M.T.A. Saif, Dose-independent threshold illumination for non-invasive time-lapse fluorescence imaging of live cells, Extreme Mechanics Letters, 46, 101249, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eml.2021.101249 (2021).
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A novel method for sensor-based quantification of single/multi-cellular traction dynamics and remodeling in 3D matrices

Published in Science Advances, 2021

We introduced a sensor that quantifies 3D cell traction and matrix remodeling in 3D matrices and biomaterials, addressing a major challenge in mechanobiology.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, Z. Li, M.S.H. Joy, U. Doha, F. Kosari, & M.T.A. Saif, “A novel method for sensor-based quantification of single/multi-cellular traction dynamics and remodeling in 3D matrices”, Science Advances, 7 (15), eabf2629, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abf2629 (2021).
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A portable pen-sized instrumentation to measure stiffness of soft tissues in vivo

Published in Scientific Reports, 2021

We developed a pen-sized device that can measure the stiffness of soft tissues in vivo, offering potential use in clinical diagnostics and monitoring tissue health.

Recommended citation: Z. Li, A. Tofangchi, R.A. Stavins, B. Emon, R.D. McKinney, P.J. Grippo, M.T.A. Saif, A portable pen-sized instrumentation to measure stiffness of soft tissues in vivo, Scientific Reports, 11 (1), 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79735-8 (2021).
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Performance of fabrics for home-made masks against the spread of COVID-19 through droplets: A quantitative mechanistic study

Published in Extreme Mechanics Letters, 2020

We quantitatively assessed common fabrics for their efficacy in blocking respiratory droplets, informing safe and effective mask-making strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recommended citation: O. Aydin*, B. Emon*, S. Cheng, L. Hong, L.P. Chamorro, M.T.A. Saif, Performance of fabrics for home-made masks against the spread of COVID-19 through droplets: A quantitative mechanistic study, Extreme Mechanics Letters, 40, 100924, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eml.2020.100924 (2020); *equal contribution authors.
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Increased stiffness of the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer stimulates cancer associated fibroblast-mediated prometastatic activin A signaling

Published in Scientific Reports, 2020

This study demonstrates that stiffer tumor microenvironments enhance activin A signaling through cancer-associated fibroblasts, promoting metastasis in colon cancer.

Recommended citation: J. Bauer, B. Emon, J.J. Staudacher, A.L. Thomas, J.Z. Spitzenberg, G. Mancinelli, N. Krett, M.T.A. Saif, & B. Jung, Increased stiffness of the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer stimulates cancer associated fibroblast-mediated prometastatic activin A signaling, Scientific Reports, 10, 50, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55687-6 (2020).
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A novel technique for in situ uniaxial tests of self-assembled soft biomaterials

Published in Lab on a Chip, 2019

We introduced an innovative method for performing in situ uniaxial mechanical testing of self-assembled soft biomaterials, enabling precise evaluation of their mechanical behavior under physiological conditions.

Recommended citation: M. Elhebeary, B. Emon, O. Aydin, M.T.A. Saif, A novel technique for in situ uniaxial tests of self-assembled soft biomaterials, Lab on a Chip, 19 (7), 1153–1161, DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/C8LC01273C (2019).
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Cytotoxicity and in Vitro Degradation Kinetics of Foundry-Compatible Semiconductor Nanomembranes and Electronic Microcomponents

Published in ACS Nano, 2018

This study evaluates the biocompatibility and degradation behavior of foundry-compatible semiconductor nanomembranes and microelectronic components, which are critical for transient and implantable electronics.

Recommended citation: J.K. Chang*, B. Emon*, C.S. Li, Q. Yang, H.P. Chang, Z. Yang, C.I. Wu, M.T.A. Saif, J.A. Rogers, Cytotoxicity and in Vitro Degradation Kinetics of Foundry-Compatible Semiconductor Nanomembranes and Electronic Microcomponents, ACS Nano, 12 (10), 9721–9732, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.8b04513 (2018). *Equal contribution authors.
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Biophysics of Tumor Microenvironment and cancer metastasis – a mini review

Published in Computational & Structural Biotechnology Journal, 2018

This mini review discusses how the biophysical properties of the tumor microenvironment influence cancer metastasis, highlighting the mechanical forces and interactions that drive disease progression.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, J. Bauer, Y. Jain, B. Jung, M.T.A. Saif, Biophysics of Tumor Microenvironment and cancer metastasis – a mini review, Comput. Struct. Biotechnol. J., 16, 279–287, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2018.07.003 (2018).
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Suitability of locally manufactured galvanized iron (GI) wire fiber as reinforcing fiber in brick chip concrete

Published in Case Studies in Construction Materials, 2017

This study investigates the mechanical performance of brick chip concrete reinforced with cost-effective galvanized iron (GI) wire fibers manufactured locally.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, T. Manzur, M.S. Sharif, Suitability of locally manufactured galvanized iron (GI) wire fiber as reinforcing fiber in brick chip concrete, Case Studies in Construction Materials, 7, 217–227, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.08.003 (2017).
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Improving performance of light weight concrete with brick chips using low cost steel wire fiber

Published in Construction and Building Materials, 2016

This paper explores the mechanical enhancement of lightweight concrete using recycled brick chips and economical steel wire fibers, offering an affordable alternative for sustainable construction.

Recommended citation: B. Emon, T. Manzur, N. Yazdani, Improving performance of light weight concrete with brick chips using low cost steel wire fiber, Construction and Building Materials, 106, 575–583, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.12.165 (2016).
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Potential of carbon nanotube reinforced cement composites as concrete repair material

Published in Journal of Nanomaterials, 2016

This work explores the application of carbon nanotube-reinforced cement composites as high-performance concrete repair materials, focusing on strength and durability enhancements.

Recommended citation: T. Manzur, N. Yazdani, B. Emon, Potential of carbon nanotube reinforced cement composites as concrete repair material, Journal of Nanomaterials, vol. 2016, Article ID 4201602, https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1421959 (2016).
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Toughness Indices and Residual Strength Factors of Locally Available Steel Wire Reinforced Concrete

Published in UKIERI Concrete Congress, Jalandhar, Punjab, India, 2015

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Effect of Carbon Nanotube Size on Compressive Strengths of Nanotube Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Published in Journal of Materials, 2014

This study investigates how the size of carbon nanotubes affects the compressive strength of cementitious composites, providing insights into nanoscale reinforcement strategies in construction materials.

Recommended citation: T. Manzur, N. Yazdani, B. Emon, Effect of Carbon Nanotube Size on Compressive Strengths of Nanotube Reinforced Cementitious Composites, Journal of Materials, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/960984 (2014).
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An Experiment on Durability Test (RCPT) of Concrete According to ASTM Standard Method Using Low-Cost Equipments

Published in Advanced Materials Research, 2014

This study presents a low-cost approach to perform the ASTM standard Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT) to evaluate concrete durability, making testing more accessible in resource-limited settings.

Recommended citation: S. Iffat, B. Emon, T. Manzur, S.I. Ahmad, “An Experiment on Durability Test (RCPT) of Concrete According to ASTM Standard Method Using Low-Cost Equipments”, Advanced Materials Research, 974, 335–340, https://www.scientific.net/AMR.974.335 (2014).
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Nanotechnology: The Emerging Field of Civil Engineering Particularly in Developing Countries

Published in Advanced Materials Research, 2014

This paper discusses how nanotechnology can revolutionize civil engineering applications, particularly in developing countries, by enhancing the properties and performance of construction materials.

Recommended citation: T. Manzur, B. Emon, K. Islam, “Nanotechnology: The Emerging Field of Civil Engineering Particularly in Developing Countries”, Advanced Materials Research, 974, 329–334, https://www.scientific.net/AMR.974.329 (2014).
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