DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED MECHANICS
& BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING Indian Institute Of Technology Madras

Research Areas

Biomedical Signal Processing


The mission of the Bio-Electronics Lab at Biomedical Engg Group, Department of Applied Mechanics in IITM is to advance the art and science of extracting clinically important data from biological signals.

The objectives of the research program in this area are to:

  • Develop new methods of signal processing that extract useful information from physiologic signals.
  • Advance our knowledge of pathophysiology through the investigation of behavior manifest in physiologic signals.

The lab primarily focuses on clinical projects in which the extracted information can help physicians or medical devices make better critical decisions and improve patient care.

For Details Contact rsreddy@iitm.ac.in




Haptics


Haptics is an interdisciplinary research field. We define Haptics as - the study of sensing and manipulation through touch. We use a variety of methods to look for the general principles that we use to explore, represent, and interact with objects. We not only study how humans explore and interact with objects, but also how machines do so. The Touch Lab at IIT Madras came into existence in June 2005.

  • Understand human Haptics.
  • Develop machine Haptics.
  • Enhance human-machine interactions.

The interactions can not-only between human and machines in real space, but also in virtual reality and teleoperator systems.

For Details Contact mani@iitm.ac.in




Biophotonics


The Biophotonics Laboratory is located within the Biomedical Engg Group, in the Department of Applied Mechanics. The research activities of the laboratory concern the development of new optical instruments and techniques for medical applications.

Optical methods of examination provide the ability to visualize the tissue structures and the metabolic processes occurring at the sub cellular level. Screening and detection could be improved by optical technologies which will provide improvement in speed and accuracy of diagnosis. The focus of Biomedical Optics research group is the development of minimally-invasive diagnostic tools based on optical technologies.

For Details Contact nsujatha@iitm.ac.in




Neuromechanics Lab


At Neuromechanics lab, we are interested in understanding the neural basis ("control") of skilled human movements. Further we are interested in understanding movement control strategies in people with motor disorders and in elite athletes/artists. Neuromechanics lab is part of the Biomedical Engineering group in the Dept of Applied Mechanics at IIT Madras.

The objectives of the research program in this area are to:

  • Fine & dexterous hand/finger movements are believed to be one of the distinct features human behavior.
  • In our lab, we investigate how humans perform specific finger movements and interact with the environment in a variety of ways.
  • Further, we are interested in understanding how humans can learn to perform specific skilled movements.

This research is inherently interdisciplinary and combines knowledge and questions from Movement Neuroscience, Finger/Hand Biomechanics, Robotics/Instrumentation and Machine learning/linear algebra/signal processing.

For Details Contact skm@iitm.ac.in



Biomedical Ultrasound Lab


Our research interests and projects revolve around developing novel Ultrasonic Methods, including Ultrasound Elastography, for diagnostics, therapeutics, biopsy guidance and treatment monitoring applications. We are also interested in high-frequency, pre-clinical, ultrasound imaging and multi-modality imaging, including, Photoacoustics. We are also working on exploiting different applications of acoustic radiation force (ARF).

Our research inherently requires interdisciplinary approach and a student will have an opportunity to work with a mix theory, simulation, and experiments in most of the projects.

For Details Contact akthittai@iitm.ac.in




Cell Mechanics Lab


Located in MSB 201, the Cell-mechanics lab is a recent addition to the Biomedical Division of Applied Mechanics Dept. The lab focuses on fundamental studies at unraveling the role played by mechanics in the progression of disease and therapy. The nature of research brings together engineering disciplines such a mechanics and materials with cell biology. Cell-Mechanics lab is also a part of institute-funded Centre for Research in Confined Soft Matter - an interdisciplinary centre spread across Chemical Engg., Chemistry, Physics, and Applied Mechanics departments.

The primary focus-areas of Cell-Mechanics lab are:
  • Theoretical understanding of the interaction between migrating cells and stroma.
  • Engineered biologically active matrices towards design of implantable material.
  • Microfabricated point-of-care devices towards clinical solutions in resource-scarce settings.

For Details Contact sbajpai@iitm.ac.in

Cell-Mechanics Lab webpage




Nano Molecular Lab


The Nano Molecular Lab is a new addition to the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering. Our research focuses on developing novel methods of detecting and treating diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis by developing innovative diagnostic and nanotherapeutic strategies. At NML we are also interested in understanding the protein nanomechanics in neurodegenerative diseases.

The primary focus areas of NML are :

  • Biophysics- studying the nanomechanics of biomolecules and building superresolution microscopes
  • Nanotherapeutics- Development of active nano drug delivery vehicles
  • Biosensors - Detection of molecules for disease diagnosis application

The research conducted at NML incorporates multiple disciplines such as biotechnology , biomedical engineering and instrumentation, physics as well as material science. NML is part of the Institute-funded Centre for Soft and Biological Matter (CSBM), Medical Device Regulations & Standard and Centre of Excellence for Healthcare and Assistive Technologies- – an interdisciplinary centre spread across Chemical Engg , Mechanical Engg , Physics, Electrical Engg, Biotechnology as well as Applied Mechanics and Biomedical engineering department. We also have International Collaboration with different Universities across the world including Mc. Gill University- Canada, Lundt University- Sweden, Univerity de Paris- France, University of Birmingham- U.K, and Temple University, U.S.A​

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For details contact swathi.s@iitm.ac.in

 

Link to NML website https://nanomolecularlabii.wixsite.com/nano-molecular-lab