I specialize in studying the mechanical behavior of biological materials using microfluidic technologies. My doctoral research focuses on how the mechanics of cancer cells and multicellular aggregates are influence by size and structure. This work is relevant to both cancer metastasis and tissue engineering. Recent studies have shown that circulating tumor cell aggregates, once thought too bulky to pass through capillaries, can deform into single-file chains, traverse narrow vessels, indicating unique biomechanical properties.
During my PhD, I designed and fabricated microfluidic devices with customized channel widths using soft lithography to optimize for different experimental needs. Microfluidics are well suited for cell studies due to their high-throughput and potential for clinical applications. I improved our high-speed imaging workflow by identifying and enabling motion-triggered recording on a high-speed camera, allowing us to record relevant frames while minimizing file size and computer storage use. I analyze deformation data through custom MATLAB programs. In addition, I have hands-on experience with cell culture, 3D spheroid fabrication, and live-cell confocal microscopy to study cellular structures.
In Summer 2024, I completed a Research & Development Internship at Tides Medical, a medical device company focused on wound healing. This experience gave me valuable insight into how industry scientists approach problem-solving in wound healing. I observed a fast-paced, results-driven culture and gained a deeper appreciation for application-focused research. During this time, I applied my microfluidic expertise to help develop prototypes for wound-healing devices. I also developed skills in 3D printing custom microfluidic chips. Working on real-world problems with direct clinical impact was especially meaningful, and it reshaped how I approach scientific questions, with a sharper, solution-oriented perspective.
I am broadly interested in how tumor mechanics contribute to processes like invasion, and drug resistance. I aim to extend this work toward more integrated approaches that connect fundamental mechanobiological insights with biological function and clinical relevance. As I transition from academia, I am actively seeking industry roles where I can apply my expertise in mechanobiology and microfluidics to develop innovative solutions in biotechnology, medical devices, or related fields. I am eager to join interdisciplinary teams focused on translating scientific insights into impactful products and therapies.
Publications and Presentations:
Peer-Reviewed Publication
1) Ghanbarpour, S., Dahl. J. Conditions for a microfluidic creep experiment for microparticles using a cross-slot extensional flow device. Biomicrofluidics, 1 March 2025; 19 (2): 024102. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0239475
2) Ghanbarpour, S., et al. Investigating the Range of Cell Spheroid Biomechanical Behavior with Spheroid Size. (manuscript in preparation).
Conference Abstracts and Presentations
3) Ghanbarpour S., Celli J., Dahl J. (2025). Exploring the Influence of Initial Shape on Spheroid Deformation in an Extensional Flow Microfluidic Device. Podium Presented at Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C); Santa Ana Pueblo, NM.
4) Ghanbarpour S., Celli J., Dahl J. (2025). Impact of Initial Cell Spheroid Shape and Size on Deformation in Extensional Flow Microfluidic Device. Submitted for Presentation (Pending) at 2025 BMES Annual Meeting; San Diego, CA.
5) Ghanbarpour S., Celli J., Dahl J. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Cell-Cell Junction Strength on Spheroid Stiffness Using Extensional Flow Microfluidic Device. Poster Presentation at 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting; Boston, MA.
6) Ghanbarpour S., Wagner E., Celli J., Dahl J. (2024). Investigating the Range of Cell Cluster Biomechanical Behavior with Cluster Size. Podium Presented at Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C); Lake Geneva, WI.
7) Ghanbarpour S., Dahl J. (2022). Precise Measurement of Microparticle Viscoelastic Properties Using a Microfluidic Extensional Flow Device. Podium Presented at Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C); Cambridge, MD.
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