Zecong Xiao | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Applied Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zecong Xiao | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate Research Fellow at The Third Affiliated Hospitial of Sun Yat sen University, China

Dr. Zecong Xiao is a distinguished Associate Research Fellow and Master’s Supervisor at the Nanomedicine Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. As a recognized member of Sun Yat-sen University’s prestigious “Hundred Talents Program” for Young Talents, Dr. Xiao is known for his pioneering research in nanomedicine, tumor immunotherapy, and tissue engineering. Born on January 5, 1992, he has swiftly risen through the academic ranks, demonstrating a strong commitment to translational biomedical research. His scientific contributions are substantiated by an H-index of 24 and over 1,900 citations. Dr. Xiao has published 49 SCI-indexed articles, with 41 of them as first or corresponding author in high-impact journals like Science Advances, ACS Nano, Bioactive Materials, and Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. He has effectively integrated interdisciplinary strategies in engineering, pharmacology, and immunotherapy to advance cancer treatment methodologies. Beyond his publication record, he has served as a principal investigator in numerous national and provincial research grants, with total funding exceeding 2 million RMB. His ongoing commitment to innovation, mentoring, and collaborative science positions him as a prominent thought leader in applied biomedical research in China and beyond.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Zecong Xiao has received comprehensive academic training across multiple disciplines relevant to pharmaceutical and biomedical research. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering with a focus on Materials Science from Sun Yat-sen University in June 2020, where he initiated his foundational research into drug delivery systems and nanomedicine. His doctoral work equipped him with interdisciplinary expertise blending materials science, pharmacology, and immunotherapy—areas central to his current research pursuits. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Medicine with a specialization in Pharmacology at Wenzhou Medical University in 2017. This phase of his education provided a critical understanding of drug mechanisms and therapeutic interventions at the cellular and systemic levels. Dr. Xiao began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine in 2014, grounding him in pharmaceutical sciences and traditional Chinese medicine. Each phase of his education not only broadened his technical skills but also deepened his commitment to translational research, laying a strong foundation for his contributions to cancer immunotherapy and advanced drug delivery technologies. His academic background showcases a rare integration of pharmacological principles and engineering applications.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zecong Xiao currently serves as an Associate Research Fellow and Master’s Supervisor at the Nanomedicine Center of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Since March 2023, he has been actively involved in cutting-edge research focused on nanodrug delivery, tumor-targeting immunotherapy, and tissue engineering repair. His role involves supervising graduate students, leading national and university-level research projects, and publishing high-impact papers. Before this, from August 2020 to August 2022, Dr. Xiao completed a productive postdoctoral fellowship at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. During this period, he developed a number of innovative nanomedicine strategies for targeted cancer therapy, earning national-level funding and recognition. Dr. Xiao’s professional experience reflects a trajectory of consistent scientific growth, marked by deep collaborations across disciplines such as bioengineering, immunology, and clinical oncology. His participation in multi-million RMB projects, both as principal investigator and key contributor, highlights his strategic thinking and leadership. At every career stage, he has demonstrated a clear vision for applying laboratory innovation to clinical contexts. His position in Sun Yat-sen’s “Hundred Talents Program” further affirms his status as a rising star in translational biomedical research in China.

Research Interest

Dr. Zecong Xiao’s research interests lie at the dynamic interface of nanomedicine, immunotherapy, and materials science. His work is primarily focused on the design and development of smart drug delivery systems that can effectively target tumors and modulate the immune microenvironment for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. He is particularly interested in functional nanomaterials that can bypass biological barriers to deliver payloads such as siRNA, small molecules, and proteins directly to diseased tissues. Dr. Xiao’s lab explores methods for improving T-cell infiltration into solid tumors using bioorthogonal nanodrug strategies and CAR-T cell modifications. He is also deeply involved in the study of tumor interstitial pressure and how to engineer delivery platforms that overcome this hurdle. Recently, his research has expanded into tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with projects investigating hydrogel-based scaffolds and MOF-based delivery systems for spinal cord injury and wound healing. His translational approach aims to bridge the gap between fundamental materials science and clinical applications in oncology and regenerative therapy. Overall, Dr. Xiao’s interdisciplinary focus on applying nanoscale innovations to solve complex biomedical problems situates him at the forefront of next-generation therapeutic development.

Research Skills

Dr. Zecong Xiao possesses an extensive and advanced skill set that supports his multidisciplinary research in nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy. He is proficient in the synthesis and characterization of functional nanomaterials, including stimuli-responsive nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and hydrogel-based delivery systems. He demonstrates expertise in drug encapsulation techniques, bioorthogonal chemistry, and surface functionalization, which are critical for targeted delivery and controlled release. Dr. Xiao is also well-versed in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models, enabling comprehensive evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and biocompatibility. His ability to integrate imaging technologies such as fluorescence microscopy and ultrasound enhances his work in biodistribution and real-time tracking of nanodrugs. In immunological applications, he is skilled in flow cytometry, ELISA, cytokine profiling, and T-cell modification techniques such as CAR-T engineering. Computational modeling and statistical analysis are further tools he utilizes for experimental design and data interpretation. In addition to laboratory competencies, Dr. Xiao has demonstrated proficiency in academic writing, grant proposal development, and project management, contributing to his success in securing multiple national research grants. Collectively, these skills empower him to conduct high-impact, translational research aimed at improving clinical outcomes in oncology and tissue regeneration.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zecong Xiao has earned significant recognition for his research contributions, highlighted by his selection into the prestigious “Hundred Talents Program” at Sun Yat-sen University—a testament to his exceptional promise as a young scientist. This competitive initiative supports top-tier early-career researchers, offering substantial research funding and institutional support. He has also received the First-Class Grant from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, acknowledging his groundbreaking work on matrix clearance-based nanodelivery systems to improve T-cell tumor infiltration. Dr. Xiao has served as Principal Investigator on multiple nationally and provincially funded projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Guangdong Provincial Science Fund for Applied Basic Research. His cumulative research funding exceeds 2 million RMB, reflecting the strong institutional and governmental trust in his work. In addition to funding awards, his published works have garnered widespread academic acclaim, accumulating over 1,900 citations and an H-index of 24—extraordinary achievements for a researcher of his age. His papers frequently appear in top-tier journals with impact factors exceeding 10, further underscoring the innovation and relevance of his research in the global scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Zecong Xiao exemplifies the next generation of translational researchers, leveraging multidisciplinary expertise to address some of the most pressing challenges in medicine. Through a strong foundation in materials science, pharmacology, and nanotechnology, he has developed innovative solutions for cancer immunotherapy and tissue engineering. His prolific academic output—comprising 49 high-impact publications and a rapidly growing citation record—reflects both the depth and breadth of his contributions. As a core member of Sun Yat-sen University’s “Hundred Talents Program,” he continues to inspire through mentorship, collaboration, and leadership in scientific research. His success in securing major research grants highlights both his visionary research goals and his strategic planning capabilities. With demonstrated excellence in both fundamental science and clinical translation, Dr. Xiao is poised to make lasting contributions to global healthcare, particularly in oncology, regenerative medicine, and nanomedicine. His career trajectory is a powerful example of how dedicated research, supported by institutional trust and personal perseverance, can drive scientific innovation with real-world impact. As his research continues to evolve, Dr. Xiao is set to remain at the forefront of biomedical discovery and application.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: Endothelia-targeting eye drops deliver a STING inhibitor to effectively reduce retinal neovascularization in ischemic retinopathy
Authors: Siying Wen, Xuemin He, Jiachen Wang, Zheyao Wen, Heying Ai, Mengyin Cai, Yi Yang, Hejun Li, Shasha Li, Guojun Shi, Aimin Xu, Zecong Xiao, Xintao Shuai
Year: 2025

2. Title: Targeting m6A demethylase FTO to heal diabetic wounds with ROS-scavenging nanocolloidal hydrogels
Authors: Xinyao Zheng, S.Z. Deng, Yuan Li, Zhipeng Luo, Ziqi Gan, Zheng Zhang, Rui Xu, Shan Xiao, Yuxiong Cai, Jiazheng Meng, Li Li, Changxing Li, Xianghong Xue, Wei Dai, Qin Si, Mengying Wang, Kang Zeng, Zecong Xiao, Lai-Xin Xia
Year: 2025
Citations: 2

3. Title: A dissolvable microneedle platform for the delivery of tumor-derived total RNA nanovaccines for enhanced tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Jiachen Wang, Siying Wen, Yujie Jiang, Zheyao Wen, Minghao Zhang, Yuchen Li, Jujian Ye, Zecong Xiao, Xintao Shuai
Year: 2025

4. Title: A PD-L1 siRNA-Loaded Boron Nanoparticle for Targeted Cancer Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Shaohui Deng, Lijun Hu, Guo Chen, Jujian Ye, Siying Wen, Zecong Xiao, Xintao Shuai
Year: 2025
Citations: 2

5. Title: Tertiary lymphoid structure formation induced by LIGHT-engineered and photosensitive nanoparticles-decorated bacteria enhances immune response against colorectal cancer
Authors: Lijun Hu, Tan Li, Shaohui Deng, Honglin Gao, Yujie Jiang, Qiu Chen, Hui Chen, Zecong Xiao, Xintao Shuai, Zhongzhen Su
Year: 2025
Citations: 4

Xiaolian Sun | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Applied Scientist

Prof. Xiaolian Sun | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

China Pharmaceutical University, China

Dr. Xiaolian Sun is a distinguished professor and researcher in the field of nanomedicine, radiolabeled nanomaterials, and molecular imaging. Currently based at the State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Dr. Sun has built a prolific career that bridges fundamental chemistry with translational biomedical applications. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Brown University in 2012 and completed her undergraduate studies at Nanjing University in 2008. With extensive research experience in magnetic nanomaterials and cancer theranostics, she has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, accruing over 2,000 citations and achieving an H-index of 22. Her work is characterized by innovation in designing multifunctional nanoplatforms for synergistic imaging and therapeutic strategies, particularly in oncology. Dr. Sun’s contributions extend beyond academic research through her leadership roles at top institutions, including Xiamen University and China Pharmaceutical University. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans chemistry, nanotechnology, radiology, and biomedical engineering. She has also secured multiple national-level research grants and continues to play a vital role in advancing precision medicine. As a mentor, she actively supports young scientists and graduate students, fostering a collaborative research environment. Dr. Sun remains a pioneering force in the integration of nanotechnology with modern medicine.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Xiaolian Sun has pursued a rigorous academic path that laid the groundwork for her interdisciplinary research in nanomedicine and molecular imaging. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Brown University in 2012, where she was immersed in an intellectually vibrant environment that emphasized fundamental research in materials chemistry and its biomedical applications. Her doctoral work focused on designing and characterizing nanomaterials, with an emphasis on their potential in catalysis, imaging, and therapy. During her time at Brown, she developed strong analytical, synthetic, and problem-solving skills that would serve as the foundation for her future innovations. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Sun completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Nanjing University in 2008, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. There, she developed her initial interest in nanomaterials and their role in biomedical sciences, gaining critical lab experience and a deep understanding of core chemical principles. Both educational experiences helped shape her cross-disciplinary expertise, preparing her to integrate chemical sciences with bioengineering and medical imaging. This combination of Eastern and Western academic training provided Dr. Sun with a unique global perspective, enriching her approach to research and collaboration. Her educational background continues to inform her leadership in advanced biomedical technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Xiaolian Sun’s professional journey is marked by excellence and leadership in both academic and research environments. Since November 2017, she has served as a Professor at the School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, where she is affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines. In this role, she leads multiple research initiatives focused on nanomedicine and molecular imaging, mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows while securing competitive research funding. Prior to her current position, Dr. Sun was a Professor at the Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine at Xiamen University from August 2015 to November 2017. There, she expanded her research on radiolabeled nanoparticles and multifunctional imaging agents, making significant contributions to the development of novel cancer theranostics. Her postdoctoral training took place at the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the Intramural Research Training Award program from September 2012 to August 2015. At NIH, she worked on cutting-edge projects involving radiolabeled inorganic nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Across all positions, Dr. Sun has demonstrated a consistent commitment to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation, contributing significantly to the fields of nanotechnology, bioimaging, and cancer treatment.

Research Interest

Dr. Xiaolian Sun’s research interests lie at the forefront of nanomedicine, with a particular focus on magnetic and radiolabeled nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Her work explores the intersection of materials chemistry, biomedical imaging, and targeted cancer therapy, aiming to develop novel multifunctional nanoparticles that respond to tumor microenvironments. A central theme in her research is the design of magnetic nanoplatforms and radiopharmaceuticals that can simultaneously deliver therapy and enhance imaging capabilities, thereby enabling more precise and effective treatment strategies. She has extensively studied X-ray and radiation-triggered nanostructures, PROTAC-based therapeutics, and self-assembling nanomedicines that modulate immune responses in tumor tissues. Dr. Sun is particularly interested in using metal-based nanomaterials such as FeAu, Fe/Fe₃O₄, and iodine-labeled structures to activate ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and photodynamic mechanisms. Her work also involves investigating radiation-responsive and near-infrared (NIR-II) technologies to overcome tumor hypoxia and improve treatment efficacy. By integrating chemistry with immunotherapy, her research addresses key challenges in current cancer treatments. Through collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, she continues to expand her research into clinical translation, seeking to develop next-generation nanoplatforms that support imaging-guided, personalized cancer therapies. Her interests reflect a deep commitment to solving real-world problems through advanced material science and biomedical engineering.

Research Skills

Dr. Xiaolian Sun possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that bridge chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical imaging. Her expertise includes the synthesis and functionalization of magnetic nanomaterials, radiolabeled nanoparticles, and hybrid nanostructures for applications in cancer theranostics. She is highly proficient in advanced nanomaterial fabrication techniques, including core-shell assembly, metal alloy nanoparticle synthesis, and redox-responsive nanostructure design. Dr. Sun has extensive experience in radiolabeling, particularly with isotopes such as ¹³¹I, ⁶⁴Cu, and ⁸⁹Zr, enabling her to develop nanoplatforms suitable for SPECT, PET, and multimodal imaging. Her technical skills extend to photodynamic and photothermal therapy applications, using Cerenkov luminescence, persistent luminescence, and X-ray-triggered responses for tumor-specific treatments. She is adept in utilizing in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate nanoparticle biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and immunomodulation effects. Dr. Sun is also skilled in the use of imaging modalities such as MRI, PET/CT, fluorescence imaging, and NIR-II imaging for preclinical validation. Additionally, she has strong command over data analysis software, materials characterization tools (TEM, SEM, XRD), and bioconjugation chemistry. Her ability to integrate these diverse skills enables her to innovate across disciplines, pushing the boundaries of nanomedicine for precision diagnostics and therapy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Xiaolian Sun has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her groundbreaking research in nanomedicine and molecular imaging. Among her most notable achievements are multiple grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, including the prestigious project on porous yolk-shell Fe/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for MRI-guided cancer therapy (2019–2023). She also led research on copper-gold/iron oxide nanostructures for imaging-guided photothermal therapy (2016–2018), and participated in key national initiatives such as the tumor microenvironment-responsive magnetic nanovesicles project under China’s National Key Research and Development Program (2016–2020). These grants underscore the scientific merit and societal impact of her research. In addition to funding recognition, Dr. Sun’s scholarly excellence is reflected in her publication record, including articles in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie, JACS, Advanced Functional Materials, and Biomaterials. Her works have garnered international attention and substantial citations, contributing to her growing influence in the scientific community. Furthermore, she has been invited to speak at global conferences and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple high-impact journals. These accolades not only highlight her research leadership but also affirm her role as a pioneer in the development of smart nanoplatforms for cancer therapy and biomedical imaging.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaolian Sun’s career embodies a rare blend of scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. From her early academic training at Nanjing University and Brown University to her advanced research at NIH and professorships at Xiamen and China Pharmaceutical University, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in nanomedicine and molecular imaging. Her pioneering research on radiolabeled and magnetic nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the evolution of cancer theranostics, offering new avenues for noninvasive diagnosis and targeted treatment. Her 60+ publications, influential H-index, and sustained research funding reflect a profound and lasting impact on her field. As a mentor and academic leader, Dr. Sun fosters an inclusive and forward-thinking research environment that nurtures the next generation of scientists. Her commitment to translational science bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, underscoring the real-world significance of her work. Through continuous innovation in material design, radiopharmaceuticals, and smart nanotherapeutics, Dr. Sun remains at the cutting edge of precision medicine. Looking ahead, she is poised to further her contributions to global health by advancing personalized, image-guided therapies that respond dynamically to tumor biology. Her scientific vision and leadership ensure that she will continue to be a transformative figure in biomedical research.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: A ROS-responsive hydrogel encapsulated with matrix metalloproteinase-13 siRNA nanocarriers to attenuate osteoarthritis progression

    • Authors: Q. Wang, K. Feng, G. Wan, W. Wang, Q. Jiang

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 1

  2. Title: Hydrogen sulfide-responsive and depleting NIR-II nanoplatform synergistic photodynamic therapy for colorectal cancer

    • Authors: Y. Chai, M. Xu, Y. Sun, Y. Pan, Y. Liu

    • Year: 2025

  3. Title: Responsive and traceless assembly of iron nanoparticles and 131I labeled radiopharmaceuticals for ferroptosis enhanced radio-immunotherapy

    • Authors: J. Shen, K. Feng, J. Yu, T. Zhang, X. Sun

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 3

  4. Title: X-ray triggered bimetallic nanoassemblies as radiosensitizers and STING agonists for a CDT/radio-immunotherapy strategy

    • Authors: R. Chen, J. Gong, Z. Yu, S. Wang, X. Sun

    • Year: 2025

  5. Title: Self-Assembled Triple-Targeted Radiosensitizer Enhances Hypoxic Tumor Targeting and Radio-Immunotherapy Efficacy

    • Authors: Y. Tian, L. Wang, R. Chen, Y. Zhang, D. Ye

    • Year: 2025

  6. Title: FeAu Bimetallic Nanoparticle as Fe(0) Reservoir for Near Infrared Laser Enhanced Ferroptosis/Pyroptosis-Based Tumor Immunotherapy

    • Authors: Y. Ruan, X. Wu, K. Li, S. Sun, X. Sun

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 5

  7. Title: 131I Induced In Vivo Proteolysis by Photoswitchable azoPROTAC Reinforces Internal Radiotherapy

    • Authors: H. Liu, H. Xiong, C. Li, D. Su, X. Sun

    • Year: 2024

  8. Title: A multi-modality imaging strategy to determine the multiple in vivo fates of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells at different periods of acute liver injury treatment

    • Authors: N. Wei, X. Chen, D. Liu, X. Sun, J. Zhang

    • Year: 2024

  9. Title: Copper-based catalysts for carbon monoxide electroreduction to multicarbon products

    • Authors: W. Zhao, J. Liu, G. Wang, G. Zuo, W. Zhu

    • Year: (unspecified but likely 2024/2025)

    • Citations: 4

  10. Title: Self-Illuminating In Situ Hydrogel with Immune-Adjuvant Amplify Cerenkov Radiation-Induced Photodynamic Therapy

    • Authors: X. Zhang, J. Guo, Z. Zhou, L. Tang, X. Sun

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3