Leckband

Prof. Leckband is a Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the School of Chemical Sciences. Her research focuses on fundamental biophysical interactions at bio-interfaces, with two core directions: mechano-transduction in cell adhesion and biomaterial design for biomedical applications. Key projects include studying cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion, force-dependent signaling pathways, and material properties that control protein adsorption.

Her work bridges cell biology and engineering through projects like designing non-fouling materials, manipulating tissue functions via engineered cues, and understanding glycolysis' role in endothelial barrier integrity. Collaborations with tissue engineers aim to apply these insights to muscle differentiation and stem cell therapies.

Recent articles highlight advancements in single-molecule cadherin studies, microfluidic platforms for mechanical stress analysis, and the role of glycolysis in junction mechanics. Her lab's biomaterials research addresses protein-stabilizing hydrogels and zwitterionic polymer surfaces for medical implants. The Leckband Group emphasizes translational research, integrating computational modeling with experimental validation to uncover mechanistic principles.

Advising efforts involve mentoring graduate students in interdisciplinary projects at the bioengineering interface. Lab activities include developing modular hydrogels conjugated with cadherins to guide neural growth, and investigating how substrate stiffness and cyclic stretch impact endothelial monolayer integrity. Current work explores combinatorial cadherin complexes as mechano-switches regulating cell mechanics.

Lab infrastructure includes advanced AFM, microfluidic systems, and live-cell imaging setups. Ongoing projects aim to correlate mechanical forces at junctions with global cell behavior, and to engineer biomaterials that preserve protein stability in non-biological environments.