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The Micro/NanoScale Biotic/Abiotic Systems (MicroN BASE) Engineering Laboratory was founded in 2009 by Professor Behkam in the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Current research activities can be divided into two broad categories: (1) Developing bio-hybrid engineered systems in which biological components are utilized for actuation, sensing, communication, and control (e.g. bacteria-enabled autonomous drug delivery systems for cancer therapy) (2) Studying the mechanism of adhesion, motility and sensing in mammalian cells and unicellular microorganisms (e.g. effect of surface nanotopography on fungal biofilm formation). We utilize 2D and 3D microfluidic platforms to establish well-defined and repeatable test environments for most of our projects.
Research areas
News and events
2026
May 13 Congratulations to our undergraduate student, Christian Harris, for receiving the MII 2026 summer Undergraduate Research Support! We are proud to see his hard work recognized through this opportunity!
Feb 1 Dr. Bahareh Behkam was invited to visit the University of Oulu in Finland as part of the Fibrobesity Visitor Programme. Congratulations Dr. Behkam!
2025
Dec 11 Congratulations to Binita Saha on successfully defending her Ph.D dissertation! We are incredibly proud of this milestone, and wish Dr. Saha all the best as she embarks on the next exciting chapter of her career!
May 16 Congratulations to Molly Nystrom on earning her B.S in Biochemistry! We are proud of her hard work and dedication, and wish her all the best in her next chapter!