Nanofluidics and Mechanobiology  

Overview

The Microfluidics and Mechanobiology symposium at ICONN 2026 will bridge cutting-edge research at the intersection of engineering, biology, and nanotechnology. This multidisciplinary session will showcase innovations in bio-microfluidics, mechanobiology, and their applications across healthcare, energy, and biotechnology. By uniting global experts, early-career researchers, and industry leaders, the symposium will foster collaboration, highlight emerging technologies, and address challenges in translating lab-scale discoveries into real-world solutions. Aligned with ICONN’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the symposium prioritizes gender balance and interdisciplinary dialogue, ensuring a platform for underrepresented voices and groundbreaking ideas.

Symposium Scope & Objectives

Microfluidics and mechanobiology are revolutionizing our understanding of biological systems and enabling precision control at micro-to-nanoscale resolutions. This symposium will explore three core themes: 

1. Bio-Microfluidics and nano-biomechanics: Advanced microfluidic platforms for mechanobiology discoveries and biomechanical modulation and mechanobiology-inspired diagnostics and drug discovery. 

2. Mechanobiology at nanoscale: Mechanosensing, cellular responses to mechanical forces such as fluid dynamics, and nanotechnology-enabled tools. 

3. Interdisciplinary Innovation: Convergence with super resolution imaging, AI, and biomanufacturing. 

Key objectives: 

• Highlight breakthroughs in microfluidic device design and mechanobiology. 

• Facilitate academia-industry partnerships for scalable bio-microfluidic tech  

Promote equity in mechanobiology field by amplifying diverse perspectives. 

Session Breakdown

Subsession 1: Bio-Microfluidics and Nanobiomechanics 
Chaired by Arnold L. Ju 
This session focuses on microfluidic systems for biomedical applications, including organ-on-a-chip, single-cell analysis, and point-of-care diagnostics. 

Keynote Speaker: 

• Prof. Song Li (UCLA, USA): Pioneering microfluidic and nanofabricated platforms for stem cell mechanobiology. 

Invited Speakers: 

• Prof. Yi-Chin Toh (QUT; ARC Future Fellow and College of Expert): Bioengineered microenvironments for stem cell differentiation and vascular bioengineering. 

• Prof. Hang Ta (Griffith University; ARC Future Fellow and College of Expert): Nanosensors for real-time biomarker detection in atherothrombosis. 

• A/Prof. Sara Baratchi (Baker Institute): Mechanobiology of vascular and inflammatory diseases. 

• A/Prof. Anna Waterhouse (USYD SoMS): Blood-material interactions in medical devices. 

• Dr. Jun Zhang (Griffith; ARC Future Fellow): Microfluidic synthesis of nanomaterials for bioenergic application. 

• Dr. Daniele Vigolo (USYD BME and Associate head of school research): Microfluidic rheology of complex fluids and thrombosis. 

Early/Mid-Career Researcher Spotlight: 

• Dr. Charles Zhao: Scalable manufacturing of vessel-on-a-chip devices. 

Subsession 2: Mechanobiology at Micro-to-Nanoscale 
Chaired by Charles Cox 
Explore how mechanical forces regulate cellular behavior, from gene expression to tissue morphogenesis. 

Keynote Speaker: 

• Prof. David Beech (University of Leeds, UK): Mechanosensitive ion channels in cardiovascular health. 

Invited Speakers: 
To be announced – Stay tuned for updates on leading experts in nanomechanical imaging and computational modeling. 

• A/Prof. Samantha Stehbens (UQ AIBN): Microtubule chamber mechanobiology 

Early/Mid-Career Researcher Spotlight: 

• Dr. Albert: . 

• Dr. Delfine:. 

Subsession 3: Cutting-Edge and Interdisciplinary Topics 
Chaired by Qian Peter Su 
Pushing boundaries through convergence with super resolution imaging, AI, tissue engineering. 

Keynote Speaker: 

• Prof. Yingxiao Peter Wang (USC, USA): Optogenetic tools for spatiotemporal control of cellular mechanics. 

Invited Speakers: 

• Prof. Linhong Deng (Changzhou University): Pathology-driven design of microfluidic systems. 

• Dr. Yi Shen (USYD Chemical Engineering): Microfluidics in condensates 

Early/Mid-Career Researcher Spotlight: 

• Dr. Mingxin Xu (USYD BME): Acoustofluidics in mechanobiological application 

• Dr. Guocheng Fang (UTS BME): Cancer microfluidics 

Diversity and Inclusion

ICONN 2026 is committed to a 50:50 gender balance across speakers. This symposium reflects this ethos, with 45% of speakers identifying as female (e.g., Prof. Toh, Prof. Ta, A/Prof. Baratchi, Dr. Delfine) and strong representation from early-career researchers. We actively encourage submissions from underrepresented groups and global South researchers.

Target Audience

This symposium will appeal to: 

• Researchers in bioengineering, nanotechnology, and biophysics. 

• Industry professionals developing medical devices, diagnostic tools, or biomaterials. 

• Clinicians and entrepreneurs seeking translational opportunities. 

Industry Policymakers and funding bodies invested in healthcare innovation. 

Why Attend? 

• Networking: Engage with pioneers like Prof. Song Li and Prof. David Beech during Q&A sessions and workshops. 

• Collaboration: Explore joint ventures with academia and industry exhibitors such as Lumicks, BioFabrix, SmartClot, AXT, Evident Australia 

• Visibility: Present your work in oral/poster formats and gain feedback from leaders. 

• Impact: Contribute to shaping the future of mechano-medicine and sustainable microfluidic industries. 

Join Us at ICONN 2026

Help redefine the boundaries of microfluidics and mechanobiology in Sydney, Australia! Submit your abstracts and register early to secure your spot in this landmark event.