Research Vision

Bioinspired Single-Atom Catalysts for Precision Health, Energy and Environment (Advised by Yi Cui) 

​ (A “galaxy” of single atoms were featured and chosen as a Happy Holidays highlight on the Molecular Foundry website at Berkeley Lab)

Single-atom catalysis has become the most active new frontier in heterogeneous catalysis. Aided by recent advances in practical synthetic methodologies, characterization techniques and computational modelling, I have a library of single-atom catalysts (SACs) that exhibit distinctive performances for a wide variety of chemical reactions. I generated atomically dispersed metal for electrochemical Interfaces and healthcare application.

Multi-Scale Cellulose Fiber-Based Devices for Precision Health, Energy and Environment (Advised by Yi Cui)

Cortisol is a stress hormone from cholesterol in the two adrenal glands. It's significant for helping your body handle stressful situations, as your brain triggers its release in response to many different kinds of stress. however, when cortisol levels are too high for too long, this hormone can hurt you more than it helps. The dimension of the ion transport channels among celluose fiber demonstrates outstanding tunability via molecular scale engineering and structural engineering. The sub-nm scale or molecular scale ion channels among molecular chains of cellulose fiber allows for exciting interaction among cellulose fiber, electrolyte and ions. I developed the integration of an electrochemical biosensing and a tailor-made bioinspired device for mental health management and sustainability. 

Pain Management: from Biomaterials to Smart Drug Delivery Systems ​(Advised by Daniel Kohane and Bob Langer)

​​Pain is a complex medical problem that can have profound effects on your physical and mental well-being. My goal is to help you decrease your level of pain and suffering, to return you to your maximum level of functioning and independence, and to help you restore your quality of life. I developed a light triggered smart drug release device system. Current treatments of pain heavily rely on opioids, resulting in significant side effects such as addiction, tolerance, leading to the Opioid Overdose Crisis as we know of today. Smart drug delivery systems may provide an effective solution. Here I present the development of externally-triggerable drug delivery systems for on-demand, repeatable and adjustable local anesthesia using new polymer nanoparticles, where the timing, duration, and intensity of nerve block can be controlled through external energy triggers such as the optical tool. In addition to traditional pharmacological approaches, bioelectronic platforms to enhance our insights into the retina.

Sciatic Nerve

Liposome

 Bioelectronics for Artificial Vision and Human-Machine Intelligence (Advised by Gengfeng Zheng)

A brain–machine interface (BMI) is a device that translates neuronal information into commands capable of controlling external software or hardware such as a computer or robotic arm. BMIs are often used as assisted living devices for individuals with motor or sensory impairments.
I developed an artificial retina biomedical device. ​The restoration of light response with complex spatiotemporal features in retinal degenerative diseases towards retinal prosthesis has proven to be a considerable challenge over the past decades. Herein, inspired by the structure and function of photoreceptors in retinas, I develop artificial photoreceptors based on gold nanoparticle-decorated titania nanowire arrays, for restoration of visual responses in the blind mice with degenerated photoreceptors. Green, blue and near UV light responses in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are restored with a spatial resolution better than 100 µm. ON responses in RGCs are blocked by glutamatergic antagonists, suggesting functional preservation of the remaining retinal circuits. Moreover, neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to light after subretinal implant of nanowire arrays. Improvement in pupillary light reflex suggests the behavioral recovery of light sensitivity. My study will shed light on the development of a new generation of optoelectronic toolkits for subretinal prosthetic devices. Through pharmacological, optical, ultrasound and electrical toolsets, I aim to develop effective therapeutic solutions to neurological disease states. ​

Biosensors for Precision Health Monitoring and Early Diagnosis (Advised by Gengfeng Zheng)

​Precision Health reimagines medicine to focus on predicting, preventing, and curing disease precisely. Marrying two seemingly different approaches—high-tech and high-touch—this vision tailors health care to the unique biology and life circumstances of each individual, with an emphasis on catching disease before it strikes. Precision Health represents a fundamental shift to more proactive and personalized care that empowers people to lead healthy lives.
The evolution of photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis has resulted in substantial progress in its analytical performance and biodetection applications. PEC sensor represents a unique means for chemical and biological detection, with foci of optimizing semiconductor composition and electronic structures, surface functionalization layers, and chemical detection methods. Here, I have briefly discussed my recent developments of nanowire‐based PEC sensing, with particular emphasis on three main detection mechanisms and corresponding examples. I have also demonstrated the use of the PEC sensing of real‐time molecular reaction kinetic measurements, as well as direct interfacing of living cells and probing of cellular functions. My work will serve as a useful source to inform the interested audience of the latest developments and applications in the field of PEC bioanalysis.