Research

CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS

• Development of novel magnetic iron nanoparticles for biomechanical effect-based cancer therapy

• Understanding the mechano-biological aspects of the cytoskeleton during  metastasis

• Development of mechanobiology-based simple-to-use diagnostic tools

• Designing hydrogels with tunable stiffness for application in regenerative therapy

• Synthesize novel iron nanofomulations to fight cancer-related anemia

Development of novel magnetic nanoparticles for biomechanical effect-based cancer therapy

Research focuses on the development of biocompatible, functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy. By engineering nanoparticle surfaces with various biologically relevant molecules, we aim to enhance cellular internalization, tumor targeting, and therapeutic efficacy. A major focus of our work is the investigation of nanoparticle-cell interactions and the application of external magnetic fields to modulate cancer cell behavior. We are particularly interested in magneto-mechanical therapy, where magnetic nanoparticles generate localized mechanical stimuli that influence cellular processes, induce apoptosis, and alter biomechanical properties such as cell stiffness, adhesion, migration, traction forces, and cytoskeletal organization. Combining advanced imaging, molecular biology, and in vitro and in vivo studies, our research aims to develop innovative nanoparticle-based theranostic platforms and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-mediated cancer cell death and differentiation.

Nanoparticle internalization-based diagnostic strategies

While research on the application of nanoparticles in biomedicine is extensive, most of them overlook the mode of internalization and the associated changes in the cells. A nuanced understanding of the internalization capacity of different nanoparticles can potentially help understand the cancerous state of cells. Some of our experiments are directed to this larger vision of delineating and discriminating cells, based on the internalization of various nanoparticles. This could cut new paths in cancer diagnostics.

    Mechano-biological aspects of the cytoskeleton in internalization and metastasis

One of the most explored biomechanical features of the cell is the cell stiffness or otherwise deformability. Cancer cells have consistently exhibited more deformability compared to their healthy counterparts. This has even been touted as a useful biomarker to identify cancer cell state. We have undertaken an exhaustive study in the form of a meta-analysis on the stiffness dynamics of breast cancer cell lines. The study has brought new observations and caveats in approaching the stiffness feature of cancer cells. Many of these observations have also been further experimentally validated.

   Magnetic nanoparticles incorporated hydrogels with tunable stiffness for tissue regeneration

This area of research aims to develop advanced metal nanoparticle-integrated hydrogel scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications. By combining the favorable biological properties of hydrogels with the unique physicochemical characteristics of metal nanoparticles, the study seeks to engineer scaffolds with precisely tunable mechanical properties. Special focus is given to the modulation of scaffold stiffness through nanoparticle incorporation in the presence of a mechanical field, enabling the generation of biomimetic microenvironments that can direct cell behavior and enhance tissue repair and regeneration. This approach offers a promising platform for the design of next-generation regenerative biomaterials with controllable mechanical and biological functionalities.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

1. Mechanical Force-Mediated Differentiation Therapy of Breast Cancer Stem Cells (Seed Money Project, University of Calicut, 2022-2024; Principal Investigator; ₹2.90 Lakhs).

2. Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF/PAIR/2025; Co-Principal Investigator).