IISc-supported deep-tech venture

Forces without contact

We build ultrasound mechanostimulation platforms and devices that integrate with standard cell cultureware and apply programmable, non-contact mechanical stimulation to 2D and 3D culture models.

Explore the platform Work with us
The problem

Force is an integral biological signal of the body. Most laboratories still cannot dial it in.

The need

The need is a programmable force

Cells rely on mechanical forces to perform routine biological functions. Researchers need tools that deliver them on demand, without redesigning the experiment around equipment.

The gap

Current tools do not scale

Existing approaches are contact-based, workflow-intensive and difficult to scale across the standard cell cultureware and devices researchers already use.

Our answer

Ultrasound mechanostimulation is a solution

Low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) attenuates less and penetrates deeper, delivering uniform mechanical stimulation across 2D and 3D culture platforms.

Products

The platform

Mechanostimulation hardware built around the culture plates and dishes your lab already uses — plus an apparatus for watching cells respond in real time.

Render of the 6-well platform: a grey housing with a 6-well culture plate of magenta medium seated on top.
6-well

6-well plate-compatible platform

The platform delivers controlled mechanostimulation to cell samples cultured in a standard 6-well culture plate. The culture wells sit directly above an array of piezoelectric transducers, with an acoustic coupling gel maintaining uniform contact between each transducer face and the base of the well above it.

Render of the 12-well platform: a cream housing with coolant ports and two connectors, a 12-well culture plate seated on top.
12-well

12-well plate-compatible platform

The platform delivers controlled mechanostimulation to cell samples cultured in a standard 12-well culture plate. The culture wells sit directly above an array of piezoelectric transducers, with an acoustic coupling gel maintaining uniform contact between each transducer face and the base of the well above it.

Live imaging

The apparatus for real-time imaging

The apparatus enables simultaneous mechanostimulation and real-time microscopic imaging of cells. It is compatible with standard culture dishes, inverted microscopes, upright imaging configurations and stage-top incubators, supporting prolonged live-cell experiments.

Cut-away render of the imaging apparatus: a lid holding an ultrasound transducer at an angle over a dish of culture medium.
Software

The user interface

The platform's touchscreen interface: a Select Application screen listing Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Mechanobiology and 3D Platform Program, with a Ready status indicator.

The intuitive user interface enables researchers to select application-specific programs for stem cell biology, cell biology, cancer mechanobiology, regeneration and 3D platforms. A clean visual layout, real-time system status, and streamlined navigation support efficient experimental setup, helping users operate the platform confidently with minimal training requirements.

  • Application-specific programsStem cell biology, cell biology, cancer mechanobiology, regeneration and 3D platforms
  • Real-time system statusSee the platform's state at a glance while a run is in progress
  • Minimal trainingStreamlined navigation for confident, efficient experimental setup
Applications

One platform, multiple bioengineering applications

Diagram of the ultrasound mechanostimulation platform linked to seven applications: stem cell technology, cancer mechanobiology, drug and gene delivery, immuno-engineering, tissue regeneration, cell biology and cell senescence rejuvenation.
  • Stem cell technologyDirecting cell fate with mechanical cues
  • Cancer mechanobiologyTargeting mechanosensitive cancer pathways
  • Drug & gene deliveryEnhancing therapeutic uptake and efficacy
  • Immuno-engineeringModulating immune responses
  • Tissue regenerationStimulating repair and regeneration
  • Cell biologyUnderstanding cellular mechanotransduction
  • Cell senescence rejuvenationRestoring cellular function
Research

Publications using these devices

  1. 01Rashmita Luha et al.Materials Today Bio · 2026Read paper
  2. 02Nandini K. et al.ACS Applied Bio Materials · 2026Read paper
  3. 03Gomathi Sankar et al.Biomaterials · 2025Read paper
  4. 04Alka Kumari et al.Small · 2025Read paper
  5. 05Manasa Veena et al.Nano Letters · 2025Read paper
  6. 06Siddhesh Saigaonkar et al.ACS Nanoscience Au · 2025Read paper
  7. 07Ajay Tijore et al.Bioengineering & Translational Medicine · 2025Read paper
News

Featured in the press

Coverage of our low-frequency ultrasound work on oral cancer.

The Scientist article page
The Scientist

Low-Frequency Ultrasound Attacks Oral Cancer Cells

27 Jul 2026Read
The Indian Express article page
The Indian Express

Why IISc’s novel method holds promise for oral cancer treatment

22 Jul 2026Read
Philosophical Magazine article page
Philosophical Magazine

Oral cancer cells carry a mechanical weak spot

16 Jul 2026Read
The Times of India newspaper clipping
The Times of India

Ultrasound can destroy oral cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed: IISc study

BengaluruRead
Team

Built by people who run experiments

Contact

Work with us

We are open to research collaborations and pilot deployments.

Incubated at

Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Bangalore, India

Send an inquiry

Opens your email app with the inquiry addressed to mechanobiologike@gmail.com, ready to send.