Armando Del Rio Hernandez

Dr. Armando Del Rio Hernandez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanotransduction, investigating how mechanical stimuli drive biochemical signals in cells and molecules. He directs the MRes in Bioengineering program, fostering graduate research careers. Key affiliations include the Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, the Institute of Chemical Biology, and networks such as the Cancer Technology Network and Membrane Receptor Network.

Research interests span mechanobiology, cancer mechanotransduction, and bioengineering approaches to study cell-matrix interactions. Notable contributions include work on pancreatic cancer cell invasion, exosome-based diagnostics, and the role of talin and integrins in mechanosensing. Awards include the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Gold Fellowship (2016) and supervision of award-winning students like Daniel Pink (Best Student Award, 2016).

Laboratory activities involve interdisciplinary methods, including microfluidics, AFM, and magnetic tweezers, to explore tumor microenvironments and cell mechanics. Collaborations with industry (e.g., Manchester Biogel Ltd) highlight translational research efforts. Dr. Del Rio Hernandez actively recruits motivated postdocs and students, emphasizing innovation in mechanobiology and regenerative medicine.