Zecong Xiao | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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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

Tingting Li | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tingting Li | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer From Jiangsu Ocean University, China

Dr. Tingting Li is a highly accomplished academic, currently serving as a Lecturer and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Ocean University. With a multidisciplinary background in biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and developmental biology, she integrates advanced knowledge and research to address significant scientific challenges. Her expertise centers on enzyme structural biology, synthetic biology, and mechanisms of plant stress tolerance. Dr. Li is known for her contributions to both teaching and research, guiding numerous graduate students and instructing undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as Enzyme Engineering and Biochemistry. Her scholarly output includes 15 peer-reviewed publications and two patents, reflecting her commitment to innovation and real-world application. She has led multiple research projects as the principal investigator, funded by the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation and collaborative industry-academia initiatives. Dr. Li is also actively involved in structural and functional analysis of enzymes and membrane proteins, bringing deep insights into protein engineering and molecular dynamics. A dynamic mentor, educator, and researcher, Dr. Li exemplifies academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and scientific leadership. Her work not only contributes to the field of pharmaceutical sciences but also promotes sustainable solutions and novel therapeutic strategies through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Tingting Li’s academic journey has been marked by rigorous training and interdisciplinary focus, laying the groundwork for her research in pharmaceutical sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Wuhan University in 2018, where she conducted significant research on molecular mechanisms regulating plant responses to environmental stress. During her doctoral studies, she developed a strong foundation in molecular biology, cellular signaling pathways, and biochemical techniques. Prior to that, she obtained her M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Jilin Agricultural University in 2012. Her master’s thesis focused on enzyme activity and functional genomics, which introduced her to structural biology and bioinformatics. Dr. Li began her academic career with a B.S. in Biotechnology from Shandong Agricultural University in 2009, where she first developed her passion for molecular science and laboratory research. These degrees have equipped her with a diverse and in-depth understanding of biological systems, from basic biotechnological principles to complex regulatory networks in living organisms. Each stage of her education contributed to her development as a researcher, fostering her analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency. Her solid academic background now underpins her success as an educator, investigator, and mentor in the evolving field of marine pharmaceutical science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Tingting Li brings over a decade of professional experience in academic research and education. Since July 2018, she has served as a Lecturer and Master’s Supervisor at Jiangsu Ocean University’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, contributing to the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening. In this role, she leads research projects focusing on enzyme structural biology, synthetic biology, and plant stress tolerance mechanisms. Her work bridges basic research with applied pharmaceutical solutions, using innovative approaches to enzyme engineering and molecular design. She mentors more than five graduate students, providing scientific guidance and helping them navigate their academic careers. She also teaches core courses such as Enzyme Engineering and Biochemistry, integrating hands-on learning and cutting-edge research into the curriculum. Prior to this, Dr. Li worked as a Research Associate at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2012–2014), where she specialized in structural and functional studies of membrane proteins. There, she gained extensive experience in protein crystallization and structure-function analysis, which remains central to her current research. Her blend of research and teaching experience has made her a respected figure in the pharmaceutical sciences community, known for her collaborative spirit, academic integrity, and scientific acumen.

Research Interest

Dr. Tingting Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of structural biology, enzyme engineering, synthetic biology, and plant stress physiology. A major focus of her work is elucidating the structure-function relationship of enzymes to develop novel biocatalysts with industrial and pharmaceutical applications. She is particularly interested in characterizing thermostable and solvent-tolerant transaminases and exploring their use in asymmetric synthesis and green chemistry. Her studies often employ X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations to understand protein behavior at the atomic level, enabling rational design and directed evolution of enzymes. Another area of her research investigates plant stress tolerance mechanisms, especially how molecular signaling pathways are modulated under abiotic stress conditions like salinity and drought. Her previous work on sorting nexins and nitric oxide signaling in plants has revealed potential targets for improving crop resilience. Furthermore, Dr. Li’s collaborative projects with industry explore the scalability of enzymatic processes and sustainable bioproduction. She aims to bridge basic biological insights with applied innovation, contributing to advancements in pharmaceutical development, agriculture, and environmental biotechnology. Through interdisciplinary research and strong academic collaboration, Dr. Li aspires to solve real-world problems by leveraging the power of biomolecular science.

Research Skills

Dr. Tingting Li possesses a comprehensive and technically diverse skill set, essential for high-level research in pharmaceutical and biological sciences. In the field of structural biology, she is proficient in X-ray crystallography, protein purification, and crystallization techniques. Her experience includes solving crystal structures of complex proteins such as odorant binding proteins and membrane proteins, contributing to a deeper understanding of molecular function and interaction. She is also skilled in computational modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, which she uses to investigate enzyme stability and design mutations for improved activity or selectivity. In enzyme engineering, Dr. Li employs strategies such as directed evolution, site-directed mutagenesis, and metabolic pathway reconstruction. She designs biocatalysts for industrial applications, including the asymmetric synthesis of amines and other pharmaceutical intermediates. Her lab expertise spans from molecular cloning and gene expression to high-throughput screening of enzyme variants. Additionally, she is adept at integrating multi-disciplinary tools for systems biology, including plant molecular biology methods to analyze stress-response pathways. Dr. Li’s technical skills are complemented by her analytical thinking and problem-solving approach, enabling her to manage complex experiments and collaborative projects. Her hands-on experience across multiple scientific domains positions her as a leader in both fundamental and translational research.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Dr. Tingting Li has been recognized for her contributions to scientific research and academic excellence. She has successfully secured funding as the Principal Investigator for multiple competitive grants, including two projects from the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation General Program since 2022. These grants support her innovative research on enzyme function, structure-based drug design, and plant tolerance mechanisms. Additionally, Dr. Li has led three major industry-academia collaborative projects since 2023, demonstrating her ability to translate basic research into practical applications with real-world impact. Her research findings have been published in internationally renowned journals such as ChemBioChem, Chemical Biodiversity, and Frontiers in Plant Science, earning her recognition within the global scientific community. Beyond publications, Dr. Li holds two patents related to enzyme discovery and co-extraction methods, showcasing her commitment to innovation and intellectual property development. Her mentorship of graduate students and contribution to teaching have also garnered praise within Jiangsu Ocean University, highlighting her balanced commitment to education and research. These accolades reflect Dr. Li’s sustained excellence, scientific rigor, and leadership in a competitive and evolving research environment.

Conclusion

Dr. Tingting Li stands out as a dynamic and impactful figure in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, blending deep scientific expertise with a strong commitment to education and innovation. Her multidisciplinary background and research interests have led to significant advances in enzyme engineering, structural biology, and plant stress physiology. Through both her academic roles and research leadership, she contributes meaningfully to the development of sustainable and innovative solutions in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Li’s ability to secure competitive research funding and produce high-quality publications and patents underscores her commitment to scientific advancement. Equally dedicated to student mentorship, she fosters a collaborative learning environment that prepares young researchers for success in academia and industry alike. Her professional journey reflects a balance of discovery, application, and mentorship—an embodiment of the modern scientific scholar. Looking ahead, Dr. Li aims to expand her research through interdisciplinary collaboration, industrial partnerships, and global engagement. Her long-term vision is to develop novel bio-based solutions that address critical challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment. With a career marked by innovation, integrity, and academic excellence, Dr. Li continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of marine pharmaceutical science.

 Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Identification, characterization and application of M16AT, a new organic solvent–tolerant (R)–enantio–selective type IV amine transaminase from Mycobacterium sp. ACS1612

  • Authors: Tingting Li, Hai Zhu, Weiwei Jia, Xia Tian, Ziwen Xu, Jiang Zhu, Wencheng Liu, Yang Cao

  • Year: 2024