Pouyan Boukany

Dr. Pouyan Boukany is an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at TU Delft, leading the 'Living Soft Matter Group'. His research focuses on microfluidics, soft matter, and biological systems, particularly in cancer biology, DNA dynamics, and biomedical applications. He holds a PhD from the University of Akron and has received prestigious awards including the ERC Consolidator Grant (2018) and van Gogh Grant (2014).

Education:

• PhD in Polymer Science, University of Akron (USA)
• MSc in Chemical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (Iran)
• Postdoctoral Researcher, Ohio State University (USA)

Research Interests:

His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to study non-equilibrium dynamics of biological systems at micro/nanoscales. Key areas include tumor microenvironment mechanics, cell membrane interactions, and gene delivery via microfluidic technologies. The group develops lab-on-a-chip systems for applications in cancer treatment and diagnostics.

Awards & Grants:

• Marie Curie Fellowship (2012)
• ERC Starting Grant (2013)
• van Gogh Grant (2014)
• ERC Consolidator Grant (2018)

Advising & Grants:

Supervises PhD candidates in cutting-edge projects such as tumor spheroid mechanics and electrotransfer mechanisms. His grants fund innovations in 3D cancer cell models and biomaterials. The team collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining polymer science, microfluidics, and cellular biology.

Labs & Teams:

The Living Soft Matter Group develops advanced microfluidic platforms for studying cellular biophysics and tumor behavior. Current projects include tumor-on-a-chip systems and mechanistic studies of cell migration in confined environments.