Home | Balalab

Department of Biomedical Engineering

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Research

Our laboratory investigates the role of mechanical forces on physiology, function and disease. In particular, we are interested in understanding the interaction between structure and mechanics in regulating biological responses at different length-scales.

We employ micro- and nano-fabrication tools to recreate the cellular and tissue environment in the laboratory. We also utilize live imaging, cell/tissue mechanics and tissue engineering techniques to understand several cardio and cerebrovascular bioengineering problems including cardiac valve calcification, valve fusion and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Knowledge gained from these studies will help guide the development of medical interventions and regenerative therapies.

Kartik Balachandran to Be Inducted in National Academy of Inventors

Feb. 27, 2026 Kartik Balachandran, a professor of biomedical engineering and associate dean for research at the University of Arkansas, has been named a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors. He joins members from around the world who will be formally inducted into the academy, known as the NAI, at the 15th annual meeting to be held in June of 2026. “It is truly an honor to be inducted as a senior member of the NAI,” Balachandran said. “I give credit to all my m

Rising Star in Biomedical Innovation: U of A Researcher Named to Forbes 30 Under 30

Dec. 17, 2025 Lexi Applequist, a biomedical engineering Ph.D. researcher at the University of Arkansas and cofounder and CEO of Humimic Biosystems, has earned a spot on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Science list for 2026 — a recognition that underscores her groundbreaking work in revolutionizing how drugs are tested before reaching patients. "Being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 is incredibly meaningful not only as a personal milestone, but because it represents recognition

Nearly 100 Undergraduate Researchers Complete Transformative Summer Experience at U of A

Nov. 11, 2025 The University of Arkansas wrapped up another successful summer of undergraduate research in August, as 86 students from across the nation completed intensive 10-week research experiences through the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. This opportunity, designed to immerse undergraduate students in cutting-edge STEM research alongside faculty mentors, concluded with a public poster fair where participants presented thei

Latest Publications

Development of a nasal airway-on-chip co-culture model to study particulate matter exposure

Amanda Walls, Adrienne Vaughan & Kartik Balachandran

Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of urban air pollution and is strongly associated with respiratory diseases. However, the mechanisms of PM-induced inflammation remain poorly understood due to a lack of physiologically-relevant airway models which can incorporate PM exposure. To address this, we used our nasal airway-on-chip platform to establish a co-culture model of human nasal epithelial cells and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and used this model to investigate the effects of PM exposure on the nasal airway. In particular, we sought to understand the PM-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated inflammatory response of the co-culture. Upon PM exposure, we observed a significant increase in ROS production consistent with oxidative stress-mediated injury. Additionally, treatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine attenuated ROS levels and showed a trend toward reduced inflammation, suggesting a protective effect. These findings support the utility of our model for studying PM-induced airway inflammation in a more physiologically-relevant environment.

Mechanobiology &
Soft Materials
Laboratory

Research

Recent Posts

Kartik Balachandran to Be Inducted in National Academy of Inventors

Rising Star in Biomedical Innovation: U of A Researcher Named to Forbes 30 Under 30

Nearly 100 Undergraduate Researchers Complete Transformative Summer Experience at U of A

Latest Publications

Amanda Walls, Adrienne Vaughan & Kartik Balachandran

Mechanobiology & Soft Materials Laboratory

Research

Recent Posts

Kartik Balachandran to Be Inducted in National Academy of Inventors

Rising Star in Biomedical Innovation: U of A Researcher Named to Forbes 30 Under 30

Nearly 100 Undergraduate Researchers Complete Transformative Summer Experience at U of A

Latest Publications

Amanda Walls, Adrienne Vaughan & Kartik Balachandran

Mechanobiology &
Soft Materials
Laboratory