The Nanomechanics Laboratory investigates mechanical properties of engineered and biological materials at the nano to macro-scale using experimental, analytical, and computational techniques.

The lab’s current research projects include studies of nanostructured materials as well as exploring connections between biological cell mechanics and human disease states.

Recent News

Sun, 09/01/2024

We are excited to invite you to an upcoming workshop at MIT focused on the cutting-edge intersection of computational modeling and experimental research in the field of biological cells and biomaterials. Registration is fee. Please see detailed program here.

Mon, 05/20/2024

ScholarGPS® is the world's most comprehensive scholarly analytics platform. Highly Ranked Scholars™ are, for the first time, identified within each Specialty, Discipline, Field, and all Fields. Highly Ranked Scholars™ are those with ScholarGPS® Ranks of 0.05% or better. 

Tue, 05/07/2024

Our study uses a novel two-component model consisting of a cell membrane and cytoskeleton network to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of different types of phagocytosis. 

Fri, 03/29/2024

New research by a team of MIT engineers offers a guide for fine-tuning specific material properties.

Tue, 10/24/2023

The White House honored four MIT affiliates today with the nation’s highest awards for scientists and innovators. At a ceremony this afternoon, President Joe Biden announced the recipients of this year’s National Medals of Technology and Innovation and National Medals of Science.

Recent Publications

Y. Qiang, M. Xu, M. P. Pochron, M. Jupelli and M. Dao*, Frontiers in Physics, 12 (2024) 1331047. 

S. Wang, S. Ma, H. Li, M. Dao, X. Li and G. E. Karniadakis, Biophysical Journal, 123 (2024) 1069-1084. (See BPS Blog)

Z. Shi1, E. Tsymbalov1, W. Shi, A. Barr, Q. Li, J. Li, X.-Q. Chen, M. Dao, S. Suresh, J. Li, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 121 (2024) e2313840121. (See MIT News Report, and TechXplore)

S. Y. Leong, W. W. Lok, K. Y. Goh, H. B. Ong, H. M. Tay, C. Su, F. Kong, M. Upadya, W. Wang, E. Radnaa, R. Menon, M. Dao, R. Dalan, S. Suresh, D. W.-T. Lim and H. W. Hou, ACS Nano, 2024, 18, 6623-6637.