Alexya Azhakesan, PhD
Biomedical Engineering
Ever since a kid, my fascination with cancer has significantly deepened through my work in nano-biomedical research. I am eager to contribute to transformative changes in the pharmaceutical industry by taking on challenges as a scientist, leading projects, and mastering administrative aspects to drive revolutionary advancements.
Research Interests
I am a biomedical scientist specializing in 3D bioprinting and nanoparticle biofabrication, with over six years of experience in advanced 3D cell culture systems, disease modeling, and preclinical drug testing. My research focuses on biofabricating heterotypic cancer models using bioprinting technology to advance precision medicine and high-throughput drug screening.
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Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and biomedicine, contributing to 15+ peer-reviewed publications and conferences. My expertise spans biomaterial surface modification, hydrogel-based tissue engineering, and microfluidic platforms for in-vitro disease modeling.
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Beyond research, I am passionate about scientific communication and leadership, serving as the Chair of the 3R-ECRN committee in Baden-Württemberg and leading international public speaking initiatives. I actively stay at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements in 3D biofabrication, continuously expanding my knowledge and skill set to drive innovation in biomedical sciences.
Scientific exchanges
Journal publications
​First Author Publication- Azhakesan A, Kern J, Mishra A, Selhuber- Unkel C, Affolter A, Gatenholm P, Rotter N, Bieback K, 3D Bioprinted Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Model Using Tunicate Derived Nanocellulose (NC) Bioink. Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Jan 13:e2403114. doi: 10.1002/adhm.202403114. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39801216.’
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Under review- ‘A. Azhakesan†*, E. Seiz†, K. Bieback, J. Kern, L. Hendricks, J. Fleckenstein, C. Hoerner, C-A. Weis, F. Jungbauer, C. Scherl, A. Lammert, N. Rotter, A. Affolter, Xeno-free serum substitutes as an alternative to fetal bovine serum for head and neck cancer explant cultures. ’
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Co-author Publication-‘Affolter A, Liebel K, Tengler L, Seiz E, Tiedtke M, Azhakesan A, Schütz J, Theodoraki MN, Kern J, Ruder AM, Fleckenstein J, Weis CA, Bieback K, Kramer B, Lammert A, Scherl C, Rotter N, Ludwig S. Modulation of PD‑L1 expression by standard therapy in head and neck cancer cell lines and exosomes. Int J Oncol. 2023 Sep; 63(3):102.doi: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5550. Epub 2023 Jul 28. PMID: 37503786; PMCID: PMC10552694.
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First Author Publication- Azhakesan A, Yadav S, Rajesh V M. Extraction of silica nanoparticles from Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and its characterization. JSIR-NISCAIR journal, Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research; Vol. 79, July 2020, pp. 656-660; July 2020.”
Conference publications
Alexya Azhakesan, Dr. Johann Kern, Prof. Dr. Karen Bieback, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Nicole Rotter, P. Gatenholm, '3D in vitro Bio-printed HNSCC (Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) model- a preclinical tool?', poster presentation at International Conference Biofabrication 2022, Pisa, Italy, 25-28th, September, 2022.
Alexya Azhakesan, Dr. Johann Kern, Prof. Dr. Karen Bieback, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Nicole Rotter, '3D Bio-Printed HNSCC (Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) in vitro model for biomedical applications', Poster presentation at ENT Congress 2022, 93th Annual Meeting of the DGHNO-KHC, Deutsche Messe Hannover, Germany, 25-28thMay, 2022.
Alexya Azhakesan, Prof. Dr. Karen Bieback, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Nicole Rotter, '3D Bioprinted HNSCC (Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in vitro model', Online Poster Presentation at BioFabrication twitter conference 2022 by International Society of Biofabrication, 25-26 April, 2022.
Alexya Azhakesan, Dr. Sanjeev Yadav, 'Extraction of silica nanoparticles from Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and its characterization for the therapeutic treatment of breast cancer; Department of Chemical Engineering. Podium presentation at the 70th annual session of Indian Chemical Engineering Congress (CHEMCON 2017), Haldia, India, 27-30th December, 2017.