Department Head at Lanzhou University of Technology, China
Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao is an accomplished researcher and academician currently serving as an Associate Professor, Master’s Supervisor, and Head of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Department at Lanzhou University of Technology. With a robust background in medical and pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Zhao holds a Master of Medicine in Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy and a Doctor of Medicine in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, both earned from the prestigious Ocean University of China. His academic career is distinguished by a deep commitment to advancing the fields of glycochemistry and glycodrug research, specifically focusing on the preparation, characterization, and functional analysis of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. Beyond his academic roles, Dr. Zhao is a highly active contributor to the global scientific community. He regularly serves as a peer reviewer for top-tier journals such as Carbohydrate Polymers, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, and Food Chemistry. His interdisciplinary approach seamlessly blends fundamental carbohydrate research with its practical applications in pharmaceuticals and food science. Over the years, he has led more than ten national and provincial research projects, received multiple prestigious grants, and amassed a substantial publication record. Dr. Zhao’s academic achievements and leadership have solidified his standing as a key figure in pharmaceutical engineering and carbohydrate-based drug development.
Professional Profiles
Education
Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao’s academic foundation is rooted in rigorous training at Ocean University of China, where he earned both his Master of Medicine in Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy and his Doctor of Medicine in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. His postgraduate education provided him with a thorough understanding of microbiological systems, biochemical processes, and advanced pharmaceutical sciences. The master’s program allowed him to explore the interface between biology and medicine, emphasizing microbial applications in drug development and therapeutic design. Building on this knowledge, Dr. Zhao pursued doctoral studies in pharmaceutical chemistry, where he specialized in carbohydrate-based drug discovery and development. During his doctoral research, he investigated the structural and functional properties of glycoconjugates and bioactive polysaccharides, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to glycochemistry and glycodrug innovation. His time at Ocean University of China was marked by active participation in interdisciplinary projects, publication of early research findings, and development of laboratory skills critical to modern pharmaceutical research. This rigorous academic training, combined with mentorship from leading scholars, provided the intellectual and practical tools necessary for a career that bridges fundamental research and applied pharmaceutical innovation. Dr. Zhao’s academic path reflects a clear progression toward specialization in complex biomolecular systems and drug discovery.
Professional Experience
Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao has cultivated a dynamic and impactful career in pharmaceutical sciences through a series of academic, research, and leadership roles. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at Lanzhou University of Technology, where he also holds the dual roles of Master’s Supervisor and Head of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Department. In this capacity, Dr. Zhao oversees curriculum development, supervises graduate research, and leads departmental initiatives aimed at advancing pharmaceutical education and innovation. His responsibilities extend beyond teaching and administration to include active research management, project leadership, and industry collaboration. Over the years, Dr. Zhao has led more than ten national and provincial-level research projects, many of which were funded by prestigious entities such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His professional experience also includes extensive publication and patenting efforts, with over 70 academic papers (more than 40 of which are SCI-indexed), 11 authorized invention patents, and co-authorship of four books. His work consistently bridges theoretical insights and practical applications, contributing to both academic discourse and industrial progress. As a peer reviewer for numerous high-impact journals, Dr. Zhao plays a vital role in maintaining scientific quality and promoting innovation within the global research community.
Research Interest
Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao’s research interests lie at the intersection of glycochemistry, pharmaceutical science, and biomedical engineering, with a particular focus on glycodrug development and carbohydrate-based therapeutics. His work explores the intricate structure–function relationships of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, aiming to uncover their potential in drug design, targeted delivery, and disease treatment. A core area of interest for Dr. Zhao is the preparation and characterization of functional carbohydrates, including their structural modification to enhance biological activity. He is also deeply involved in the development of glycan microarrays—powerful tools for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate–protein interactions, which are essential in vaccine development, diagnostics, and immunotherapy. His research extends to investigating the bioactivities of natural and synthetic glycomolecules, with applications in anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating therapies. Through multidisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Zhao bridges chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical technology to develop innovative solutions that address both clinical and industrial challenges. His projects are often driven by real-world healthcare needs, ensuring that his research is not only scientifically robust but also socially and therapeutically relevant. Dr. Zhao’s commitment to advancing carbohydrate science positions him as a leader in the emerging field of glycomedicine.
Research Skills
Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao brings a comprehensive and technically advanced skill set to the field of pharmaceutical research, particularly in glycochemistry and carbohydrate-based drug development. His expertise encompasses the synthesis, purification, and structural elucidation of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides using techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and gas chromatography (GC). These tools allow him to precisely characterize glycan structures and assess their physicochemical properties. Dr. Zhao is highly skilled in designing and implementing glycan microarrays, which are crucial for studying carbohydrate–protein interactions in biomedical applications. Additionally, he has extensive experience in bioconjugation techniques, enabling the development of glycodrugs with targeted functionalities. His capabilities also include cell culture, in vitro pharmacological testing, and bioactivity screening, ensuring a full pipeline from molecular design to biological evaluation. Dr. Zhao is proficient in leading complex, multidisciplinary research projects, managing laboratory teams, securing research funding, and collaborating with academic and industrial partners. His methodological rigor and technological versatility have made significant contributions to the advancement of carbohydrate-based therapeutics and pharmaceutical engineering. These research skills, combined with a deep theoretical foundation, position him as a scientific innovator in both academic and applied settings.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao’s academic and research excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors at both the provincial and national levels. He is the recipient of two prestigious provincial-level scientific awards that acknowledge his impactful contributions to pharmaceutical research and carbohydrate science. These honors reflect his dedication to scientific innovation, practical application, and the translation of complex biochemical insights into real-world healthcare solutions. His ability to lead and deliver high-impact projects has earned him more than ten research grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China—one of the most competitive and respected funding bodies in the nation. In addition to his project-based accolades, Dr. Zhao’s reputation as a meticulous researcher and reviewer has led to frequent invitations to evaluate manuscripts for top-tier journals such as Carbohydrate Polymers, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, and Food Chemistry. These peer review roles highlight his influence and standing in the scientific community. The breadth and prestige of Dr. Zhao’s honors serve as a testament to his scholarly achievements, leadership, and contributions to the development of new therapeutic strategies rooted in carbohydrate chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Xiaoliang Zhao stands as a distinguished figure in pharmaceutical engineering and glycochemistry, seamlessly integrating fundamental research with applied innovations in drug development. His career reflects a consistent commitment to excellence in scientific discovery, academic leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As an Associate Professor, Master’s Supervisor, and Head of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Department at Lanzhou University of Technology, he continues to mentor the next generation of researchers while steering pioneering projects in carbohydrate-based therapeutics. With over 70 academic publications, 11 patents, and multiple awards to his name, Dr. Zhao’s contributions span both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. His expertise in glycan structure, bioactivity, and drug delivery systems has positioned him at the forefront of glycodrug research. Through his service as a peer reviewer and educator, he actively shapes scientific discourse and promotes high standards of research integrity. Dr. Zhao’s professional journey is characterized by an unwavering dedication to advancing health sciences through innovative, carbohydrate-centered approaches. His work not only enriches the academic landscape but also holds promising implications for improving public health and therapeutic outcomes on a global scale. Dr. Zhao remains a vital force in bridging science, medicine, and engineering in the 21st century.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Preparation, Structure Characteristics, Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharides From Rheum officinale Baill. and Their Derivatives
Authors: Xiaoliang Zhao; Yanmei Liu; Haili Wang; Kaili Qi; Haidong Wen; Yuxin Wang; Yuanyuan Ma; Cunjin Wang; Jing Zhang; Yonggang Wang et al.
Year: 2025
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Title: High-sensitivity detection of tetracycline using phosphorus-doped carbon quantum dots prepared by pyrolysis method as fluorescent probes
Authors: Cunjin Wang; Zixin Ma; Zhuoru Yao; Peipei Li; Jing Zhang; Weijie Zhang; Xiaoliang Zhao; Huanxian Shi
Year: 2025
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Title: Electrochemical study of oxidized hyaluronic acid grafted with aniline tetramer Bletilla striata polysaccharide hydrogel wound dressings
Authors: Li Luo; Xiaofei Wang; Li Ma; Kaibin Wang; Jiandong Ma; Xiaoliang Zhao; Yonggang Wang; Jing Zhang; Cunjin Wang; Weijie Zhang
Year: 2025
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Title: Accelerated self-assembly of filipin proteins and formation of hydrogels
Authors: Xiaoliang Zhao; Chuanhui Zhang; Pingping Li; Liyuan Lu; Yuan Liu; Doudou Ma; Li Ma; Yilong Wei; Weijie Zhang
Year: 2024
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Title: The Polysaccharides from Pinellia ternata and Their Derivatives: Preparation, Structure Characteristics, and Activities in Vitro
Authors: Xiaoliang Zhao; Zhenglei Guo; Kaili Qi; Qingsong Zhou; Yanmei Liu; Lixia Xiong; Jing Zhang; Ji Zhang; Weijie Zhang
Year: 2024