Research
Our research group aims to leverage expertise in biomedical engineering, materials engineering, and chemical engineering to develop diverse functional materials for a wide range of medical applications. These include tissue engineering, drug delivery, cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as disease prevention and management. The research directions of our laboratory focus on the following four areas:
Research area 1: Polymeric biomaterials for medical applications
Polymeric biomaterials, derived from synthetic or natural polymers, have gained significant attention in medical applications due to their biocompatibility and functionality. Our group aims to develop natural or synthetic polymers, incorporating modification and drug-loading strategies to design functional hydrogels, microspheres, and fibrous membranes. These materials can serve as scaffolds for tissue regeneration, implants for minimally invasive surgeries, drug carriers, wound dressings, tissue adhesive materials, and more.
Research area 2: Bioceramic composites for medical uses
Bioceramics have been extensively developed for drug and gene delivery systems, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and disease prevention and treatment. Our group aims to develop various bioceramics and their composite materials, including hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, zeolite, and porous carbon materials, for a wide range of medical applications.
Research area 3: Synthetic and natural fibrous membranes for medical devices and energy applications
Polymeric and composite fibrous membranes are nonwoven mat structures composed of multiple microfibers or nanofibers. Their porous structure, interconnectivity, large surface area, ease of processing, tunable mechanical properties, and adjustable properties make them ideal for biomedical applications, such as artificial organs, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug-controlled release matrices, wound dressings, and wearable medical devices. Our group aims to utilize centrifugal spinning and electrospinning systems for the preparation of nonwoven fibrous membranes for broad applications in the medical and energy fields.
Research area 4: Natural herbal polysaccharides or extracts for disease prevention and treatment
Natural herbal polysaccharides and extracts possess a diverse array of bioactive properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, anti-tumor, weight management, and steroid-like effects. Their versatility makes them highly promising for biomedical applications. Our group aims to isolate small molecules and polysaccharides from Chinese herbal materials, chemically modifying them to create cross-linked hydrogels or tissue-adhesive hydrogels. These materials have potential applications in treating diseases associated with inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and neurodegenerative disorders.