Oct 2023
Abstract
Responsive supramolecular systems have recently gained enormous attention in the areas of bioimaging and therapeutics on account of their ability to deliver biologically active molecules with spatial and temporal control through the means of regulated response. We have developed several responsive multifunctional nanosystems for targeted bioimaging and controlled therapy in cancer treatment. In particular, we have synthesized different types of responsive nanosystems for fluorescent, two-photon, three-photon, and photoacoustic imaging-guided cancer therapy. These responsive nanosystems could generally perform several important roles: (1) nanocarriers for drug delivery, (2) triggers for drug release, (3) chromophores for cell imaging, and (4) switchable fluorophores for real-time monitoring of drug release and therapy. The research provides a fundamental understanding of bioimaging and therapeutic mechanisms for developing next-generation supramolecular systems in cancer treatment.
Bio
Dr. Yanli Zhao currently holds the Lee Soo Ying Professorship in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He serves as the Associate Chair for Research and Graduate Education in the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at NTU. He is also a Principal Scientist (Adjunct Appointment) at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. Prof. Zhao’s group conducts innovative research in an interdisciplinary area of chemistry, functional materials and biomedical engineering, with an emphasis on the design and synthesis of novel integrated systems for targeted bioimaging and therapy as well as for green energy and sustainable catalysis. He has so far authored over 500 scientific papers with an H-index of 110. Prof. Zhao has been honored with several national and international awards and recognitions, including the Mitsui Chemicals-SNIC Industry Award in Materials and Nano-chemistry in 2023, the Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2022, the Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics in 2018-2022, the Singapore National Research Foundation Investigatorship in 2018, the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Young Investigator Award in 2017, the Asian and Oceanian Photochemistry Association Prize for Young Scientists in 2016, the TR35@Singapore Award in 2012, and the Singapore National Research Foundation Fellowship in 2010. He serves as the Executive Editor of ACS Applied Nano Materials.