Rocha Lab
@rochalab.bsky.social
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology @ KU Leuven,
interested in mechanobiology, 3D cell models, cancer metastasis, biosensors and nanoparticles. Fluorescence microscopy aficionados 🔬
https://susanarocha.github.io/
interested in mechanobiology, 3D cell models, cancer metastasis, biosensors and nanoparticles. Fluorescence microscopy aficionados 🔬
https://susanarocha.github.io/
Pinned
Rocha Lab
@rochalab.bsky.social
· Mar 27
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Tumor Biology Influences Nanoparticle Behaviour in Cancer Models
Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising tool for cancer therapy, yet few have successfully reached clinical application. Current nanomedicine development pipelines are focused on optimizing physical prope...
www.biorxiv.org
What if tweaking nanoparticles isn’t enough to improve nanomedicine? 🧐
In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave.
Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯
🔎 Curious? Check it out: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave.
Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯
🔎 Curious? Check it out: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
Our Nature Protocols cover is out!🎉
Fully synthetic PIC hydrogels provide an animal-free matrix for 3D cell culture.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kaizheng Liu, and Paul Kouwer; and thanks to Hans Van Oosterwyck for the collaboration behind this beautiful cover.
🔗 nature.com/articles/s41596-025-01159-3
Fully synthetic PIC hydrogels provide an animal-free matrix for 3D cell culture.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kaizheng Liu, and Paul Kouwer; and thanks to Hans Van Oosterwyck for the collaboration behind this beautiful cover.
🔗 nature.com/articles/s41596-025-01159-3
November 7, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Our Nature Protocols cover is out!🎉
Fully synthetic PIC hydrogels provide an animal-free matrix for 3D cell culture.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kaizheng Liu, and Paul Kouwer; and thanks to Hans Van Oosterwyck for the collaboration behind this beautiful cover.
🔗 nature.com/articles/s41596-025-01159-3
Fully synthetic PIC hydrogels provide an animal-free matrix for 3D cell culture.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kaizheng Liu, and Paul Kouwer; and thanks to Hans Van Oosterwyck for the collaboration behind this beautiful cover.
🔗 nature.com/articles/s41596-025-01159-3
Still buzzing after the @cellmech2025.bsky.social conference in Leuven!
It was great to connect with so many experts in mechanobiology and to be part of this close, dynamic community. We enjoyed the inspiring talks and left with plenty of new ideas.💡
Already looking forward to the next edition!
It was great to connect with so many experts in mechanobiology and to be part of this close, dynamic community. We enjoyed the inspiring talks and left with plenty of new ideas.💡
Already looking forward to the next edition!
October 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Still buzzing after the @cellmech2025.bsky.social conference in Leuven!
It was great to connect with so many experts in mechanobiology and to be part of this close, dynamic community. We enjoyed the inspiring talks and left with plenty of new ideas.💡
Already looking forward to the next edition!
It was great to connect with so many experts in mechanobiology and to be part of this close, dynamic community. We enjoyed the inspiring talks and left with plenty of new ideas.💡
Already looking forward to the next edition!
Reposted by Rocha Lab
Exciting week ahead! @cellmech2025.bsky.social is looking truly incredible and we are happy to be here as @rochalab.bsky.social. Let’s share some quality science! 🔬
September 30, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Exciting week ahead! @cellmech2025.bsky.social is looking truly incredible and we are happy to be here as @rochalab.bsky.social. Let’s share some quality science! 🔬
Reposted by Rocha Lab
Hydrogels are essential in mechanobiology—and PIC is a game changer.
Fully synthetic yet highly biomimetic, PIC opens new possibilities for 3D cell culture applications.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kouwer Lab, and rochalab.bsky.social on this detailed Nature Protocols guide! 👏📜
Fully synthetic yet highly biomimetic, PIC opens new possibilities for 3D cell culture applications.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kouwer Lab, and rochalab.bsky.social on this detailed Nature Protocols guide! 👏📜
Fibrous polyisocyanide hydrogels for 3D cell culture applications - Nature Protocols
Methods to use polyisocyanide as a model matrix for 3D cell culture. Polyisocyanide gels closely mimic the physical properties of biogels such as collagen and fibrin and, as fully synthetic materials,...
www.nature.com
June 7, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Hydrogels are essential in mechanobiology—and PIC is a game changer.
Fully synthetic yet highly biomimetic, PIC opens new possibilities for 3D cell culture applications.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kouwer Lab, and rochalab.bsky.social on this detailed Nature Protocols guide! 👏📜
Fully synthetic yet highly biomimetic, PIC opens new possibilities for 3D cell culture applications.
Congrats to Hongbo Yuan, Kouwer Lab, and rochalab.bsky.social on this detailed Nature Protocols guide! 👏📜
Reposted by Rocha Lab
🔬 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 – 𝐃𝐚𝐲 #𝟏 🔬
Exciting times in @rochalab.bsky.social and @hofkenslab.bsky.social Lab !🧪We're restarting to build microscopes, and I decided to guide two PhD students (Steven Huysecom and Toon Van Roy) through the process.
#Microscopy #optics #SciComm #sts
Exciting times in @rochalab.bsky.social and @hofkenslab.bsky.social Lab !🧪We're restarting to build microscopes, and I decided to guide two PhD students (Steven Huysecom and Toon Van Roy) through the process.
#Microscopy #optics #SciComm #sts
April 16, 2025 at 8:45 AM
🔬 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 – 𝐃𝐚𝐲 #𝟏 🔬
Exciting times in @rochalab.bsky.social and @hofkenslab.bsky.social Lab !🧪We're restarting to build microscopes, and I decided to guide two PhD students (Steven Huysecom and Toon Van Roy) through the process.
#Microscopy #optics #SciComm #sts
Exciting times in @rochalab.bsky.social and @hofkenslab.bsky.social Lab !🧪We're restarting to build microscopes, and I decided to guide two PhD students (Steven Huysecom and Toon Van Roy) through the process.
#Microscopy #optics #SciComm #sts
What if tweaking nanoparticles isn’t enough to improve nanomedicine? 🧐
In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave.
Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯
🔎 Curious? Check it out: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave.
Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯
🔎 Curious? Check it out: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Tumor Biology Influences Nanoparticle Behaviour in Cancer Models
Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising tool for cancer therapy, yet few have successfully reached clinical application. Current nanomedicine development pipelines are focused on optimizing physical prope...
www.biorxiv.org
March 27, 2025 at 6:49 PM
What if tweaking nanoparticles isn’t enough to improve nanomedicine? 🧐
In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave.
Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯
🔎 Curious? Check it out: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
In our latest work, we show that tumor biology – not just particle design – affects how nanoparticles behave.
Same particles. Different tumors. Totally different outcomes. 🤯
🔎 Curious? Check it out: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
✨The IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast is a wrap!✨
A big thank you to our inspiring speakers for sharing their experiences and motivating the next generation of scientists. Perfect timing to celebrate this on the International Day of Women in Science!👩🏻🔬
Let’s keep breaking barriers and building bonds!
A big thank you to our inspiring speakers for sharing their experiences and motivating the next generation of scientists. Perfect timing to celebrate this on the International Day of Women in Science!👩🏻🔬
Let’s keep breaking barriers and building bonds!
February 12, 2025 at 10:01 AM
✨The IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast is a wrap!✨
A big thank you to our inspiring speakers for sharing their experiences and motivating the next generation of scientists. Perfect timing to celebrate this on the International Day of Women in Science!👩🏻🔬
Let’s keep breaking barriers and building bonds!
A big thank you to our inspiring speakers for sharing their experiences and motivating the next generation of scientists. Perfect timing to celebrate this on the International Day of Women in Science!👩🏻🔬
Let’s keep breaking barriers and building bonds!
Reposted by Rocha Lab
If you have a passion for single-molecule super-resolution microscopy🔬, there are great news to share: the SMLMS conference series will continue this year and will be held in Bonn/Germany Aug 27th to 29th ✨- please save the date and join us, we are looking forward to meeting you there👇🏻
Welcome to our blue space! SMLMS 2025 is actively in the making! Soon we will be able to reveal our amazing speaker line-up here in Bonn! Stay tuned! While waiting, maybe already bookmark smlms.org! 👈
See you in August 2025 in Bonn!
See you in August 2025 in Bonn!
SMLMS 2025 – Bonn, August 27th – 29th
smlms.org
January 15, 2025 at 8:44 AM
If you have a passion for single-molecule super-resolution microscopy🔬, there are great news to share: the SMLMS conference series will continue this year and will be held in Bonn/Germany Aug 27th to 29th ✨- please save the date and join us, we are looking forward to meeting you there👇🏻
Reposted by Rocha Lab
A reminder to colleagues interested in Cell-Matrix adhesion & anything ECM related that registration is now open for the Fibronectin, Integrins & related molecules Gordon Research Conference. Incredible list speakers! incredible location! it will 🔥 🔥 🔥 Please join us! www.grc.org/fibronectin-...
2025 Fibronectin, Integrins and Related Molecules Conference GRC
The 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Fibronectin, Integrins and Related Molecules will be held in Lucca (Barga), Lucca Italy. Apply today to reserve your spot.
www.grc.org
January 22, 2025 at 4:54 AM
A reminder to colleagues interested in Cell-Matrix adhesion & anything ECM related that registration is now open for the Fibronectin, Integrins & related molecules Gordon Research Conference. Incredible list speakers! incredible location! it will 🔥 🔥 🔥 Please join us! www.grc.org/fibronectin-...
How do cells translate molecular forces into mechanical actions? 🧬🔬💪 Our new research combines Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) with FRET-based tension sensors to uncover how focal adhesions manage vinculin tension and cellular traction. Check it out: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Linking Molecular Tension and Cellular Tractions: A Multiscale Approach to Focal Adhesion Mechanics
Focal adhesions (FAs) are mechanosensitive structures that mediate force transmission between cells and the extracellular matrix. While Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) quantifies cellular tractions ex...
www.biorxiv.org
January 15, 2025 at 7:46 AM
How do cells translate molecular forces into mechanical actions? 🧬🔬💪 Our new research combines Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) with FRET-based tension sensors to uncover how focal adhesions manage vinculin tension and cellular traction. Check it out: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Lab life = science, fun, and cake! 🎂🥳 Nina Anseeuw outdid herself with this lab-logo masterpiece for her birthday. Starting 2025 on a sweet note with science and great vibes! Here’s to more good times (and good science)! 🔬✨ #LabLife #Happy2025
January 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Lab life = science, fun, and cake! 🎂🥳 Nina Anseeuw outdid herself with this lab-logo masterpiece for her birthday. Starting 2025 on a sweet note with science and great vibes! Here’s to more good times (and good science)! 🔬✨ #LabLife #Happy2025
Super proud to see the efforts of @borislouis.bsky.social being recognised – even if it has little to do with my own research 😅
The Correlation Clustering Imaging (CLIM) method developed with @sudiptaseth.bsky.social @hofkenslab.bsky.social, Scheblykin lab, had two milestones last week:
1) Science and innovation award (KU leuven)
2) Accepted in Advanced materials
You can read about it here, meanwhile: doi.org/10.26434/che...
1) Science and innovation award (KU leuven)
2) Accepted in Advanced materials
You can read about it here, meanwhile: doi.org/10.26434/che...
December 9, 2024 at 3:55 PM
Super proud to see the efforts of @borislouis.bsky.social being recognised – even if it has little to do with my own research 😅
Reposted by Rocha Lab
Work realized with an incredible team:
Chih-Hao Huang, Marc Melendez, Ana Sánchez-Iglesias,Jorge Olmos-Trigo, @sudiptaseth.bsky.social, @rochalab.bsky.social, Rafael Delgado-Buscalioni, Luis M. Liz-Marzán, Manuel I. Marqués, Hiroshi Masuhara, @hofkenslab.bsky.social, Roger Bresolí-Obach
Chih-Hao Huang, Marc Melendez, Ana Sánchez-Iglesias,Jorge Olmos-Trigo, @sudiptaseth.bsky.social, @rochalab.bsky.social, Rafael Delgado-Buscalioni, Luis M. Liz-Marzán, Manuel I. Marqués, Hiroshi Masuhara, @hofkenslab.bsky.social, Roger Bresolí-Obach
December 2, 2024 at 9:22 AM
Work realized with an incredible team:
Chih-Hao Huang, Marc Melendez, Ana Sánchez-Iglesias,Jorge Olmos-Trigo, @sudiptaseth.bsky.social, @rochalab.bsky.social, Rafael Delgado-Buscalioni, Luis M. Liz-Marzán, Manuel I. Marqués, Hiroshi Masuhara, @hofkenslab.bsky.social, Roger Bresolí-Obach
Chih-Hao Huang, Marc Melendez, Ana Sánchez-Iglesias,Jorge Olmos-Trigo, @sudiptaseth.bsky.social, @rochalab.bsky.social, Rafael Delgado-Buscalioni, Luis M. Liz-Marzán, Manuel I. Marqués, Hiroshi Masuhara, @hofkenslab.bsky.social, Roger Bresolí-Obach
🔬 Hydrogels Redefined 🔬
What happens when you combine polymer science with collaborative creativity? In a project driven by Dankers' group (Eindhoven) and in collaboration with Kouwer's team (Nijmegen), we explored multi-dynamic hydrogels that combine stress-stiffening and supramolecular polymers.
What happens when you combine polymer science with collaborative creativity? In a project driven by Dankers' group (Eindhoven) and in collaboration with Kouwer's team (Nijmegen), we explored multi-dynamic hydrogels that combine stress-stiffening and supramolecular polymers.
Synthetic, multi-dynamic hydrogels by uniting stress-stiffening and supramolecular polymers
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www.science.org
November 27, 2024 at 10:32 AM
🔬 Hydrogels Redefined 🔬
What happens when you combine polymer science with collaborative creativity? In a project driven by Dankers' group (Eindhoven) and in collaboration with Kouwer's team (Nijmegen), we explored multi-dynamic hydrogels that combine stress-stiffening and supramolecular polymers.
What happens when you combine polymer science with collaborative creativity? In a project driven by Dankers' group (Eindhoven) and in collaboration with Kouwer's team (Nijmegen), we explored multi-dynamic hydrogels that combine stress-stiffening and supramolecular polymers.
🔬 How does tumor stiffness affect cancer? Our latest research shows that stiffer colorectal tumors release proteins that fuel cancer cell migration and blood vessel formation, driving more aggressive tumor behavior. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Deciphering stiffness-driven changes in colorectal cancer by proteomics
Tumor stiffening plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. Increased tumor stiffness, resulting from interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment, alters the tumor's mech...
www.biorxiv.org
November 17, 2024 at 9:53 AM
🔬 How does tumor stiffness affect cancer? Our latest research shows that stiffer colorectal tumors release proteins that fuel cancer cell migration and blood vessel formation, driving more aggressive tumor behavior. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
At the Rocha Lab, we work at the intersection of chemistry 🧪 and biology 🧬, developing hydrogel-based 3D cell models that mimic natural tissues. Our passion for microscopy 🔬 drives us to explore the intricate details of biological systems, pushing the boundaries of cellular research!
November 14, 2024 at 9:29 AM
At the Rocha Lab, we work at the intersection of chemistry 🧪 and biology 🧬, developing hydrogel-based 3D cell models that mimic natural tissues. Our passion for microscopy 🔬 drives us to explore the intricate details of biological systems, pushing the boundaries of cellular research!
📸 Super proud to share the new Rocha Lab group photo! 🌟 Not everyone could make it, but here’s a glimpse of the team driving our research forward. #LabLife
November 14, 2024 at 9:19 AM
📸 Super proud to share the new Rocha Lab group photo! 🌟 Not everyone could make it, but here’s a glimpse of the team driving our research forward. #LabLife
Interested in an interdisciplinary PhD? Join us to explore dynamic cell-ECM interactions using advanced microscopy and nanoparticles! Be a part of the partnership program between KU Leuven and Melbourne University and travel to the other side of the world! Apply now!
www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...
www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...
Nano-Enhanced Hydrogels for Probing Cellular Mechanotransduction
Join us to explore dynamic cell-ECM interactions using advanced microscopy and nanoparticles.
www.kuleuven.be
May 23, 2024 at 8:52 AM
Interested in an interdisciplinary PhD? Join us to explore dynamic cell-ECM interactions using advanced microscopy and nanoparticles! Be a part of the partnership program between KU Leuven and Melbourne University and travel to the other side of the world! Apply now!
www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...
www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...
We are thrilled to announce that Indra Van Zundert has been awarded a prestigious FWO post-doctoral fellowship! 🎉 She will join our team in October, using 3D cell models to develop DNA origamis for gene therapy. 🧬 Can't wait to have you with us at KU Leuven!
May 16, 2024 at 2:18 PM
We are thrilled to announce that Indra Van Zundert has been awarded a prestigious FWO post-doctoral fellowship! 🎉 She will join our team in October, using 3D cell models to develop DNA origamis for gene therapy. 🧬 Can't wait to have you with us at KU Leuven!
Super proud to share the success of the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast held at
@KU_Leuven! With the support of the Chemistry Department, we hosted over 60 enthusiastic participants. A big shoutout to our speakers for their openness during the Q&A session #GWB2024 #WomeninSTEM
@KU_Leuven! With the support of the Chemistry Department, we hosted over 60 enthusiastic participants. A big shoutout to our speakers for their openness during the Q&A session #GWB2024 #WomeninSTEM
February 28, 2024 at 10:22 PM
Super proud to share the success of the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast held at
@KU_Leuven! With the support of the Chemistry Department, we hosted over 60 enthusiastic participants. A big shoutout to our speakers for their openness during the Q&A session #GWB2024 #WomeninSTEM
@KU_Leuven! With the support of the Chemistry Department, we hosted over 60 enthusiastic participants. A big shoutout to our speakers for their openness during the Q&A session #GWB2024 #WomeninSTEM
Excited to announce that we are joining the IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast initiative. We are hosting a special lunch @KULeuven to celebrate women in chemistry. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow female chemists #GWB2024
January 31, 2024 at 8:48 PM
Excited to announce that we are joining the IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast initiative. We are hosting a special lunch @KULeuven to celebrate women in chemistry. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow female chemists #GWB2024
While red weather alerts sweep the nation, we're brightening up KU Leuven with Rocha Lab's creative decorations! ❄️☃️#TeamSpirit #LabLife
January 17, 2024 at 4:43 PM
While red weather alerts sweep the nation, we're brightening up KU Leuven with Rocha Lab's creative decorations! ❄️☃️#TeamSpirit #LabLife
Best wishes for 2024!
December 31, 2023 at 12:23 PM
Best wishes for 2024!
Delighted to have hosted Hokkaido University's scientific delegation at KU Leuven for the Core-2-Core symposium yesterday! 🥳After 4 years due to COVID, it was fantastic to meet in person. Big thanks to our colleagues from Melbourne University for joining us online! 🌏
November 25, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Delighted to have hosted Hokkaido University's scientific delegation at KU Leuven for the Core-2-Core symposium yesterday! 🥳After 4 years due to COVID, it was fantastic to meet in person. Big thanks to our colleagues from Melbourne University for joining us online! 🌏
Really proud of Samantha Zaman for getting this award! Sam is doing a dual PhD between KU Leuven and Exciton Science (Melbourne University), working on developing nanoparticles for light-mediated therapies. excitonscience.com/news/sam-zam...
Sam Zaman wins GCI Women in STEM Student Award
Congratulations to Exciton Science PhD student Samantha Zaman, winner of the Graeme Clark Institute (GCI) Women in STEM Student Award for 2023.
excitonscience.com
November 10, 2023 at 8:01 AM
Really proud of Samantha Zaman for getting this award! Sam is doing a dual PhD between KU Leuven and Exciton Science (Melbourne University), working on developing nanoparticles for light-mediated therapies. excitonscience.com/news/sam-zam...