Research Themes
By innovating materials and therapeutics, we aim to advance drug delivery, sustainable biomaterials, and next-generation therapies.
Current Research Projects
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Our lab is actively engaged in six innovative research projects, each led by a PhD student, exploring diverse aspects of biomolecular engineering.
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Designing Biomaterials through Peptide Self-Assembly |
Transformation of High-Protein Waste into Functional Bioplastic Materials |
Fundamental Study on Protein Phase Transitions in Cell Necroptosis
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RNA-LNP Formulation Using Microfluidic Technology |
Protein Condensate and DNA Interactions |
Protein Condensates for mRNA Recruitment and Delivery |
Designing Biomaterials through Peptide Self-Assembly
Nature’s proteins possess a remarkable ability to self-assemble into diverse structures, from liquid condensates to solid fibers. By studying the design principles of amino acid sequences, this research aims to develop synthetic peptides that mimic the biological functions of natural proteins, such as those found in silk fibers and mussel plaques. The focus is on how protein sequences influence phase behavior and the resulting self-assembled structures, with the ultimate goal of fabricating multifunctional biomaterials for various applications.
Transformation of High-Protein Waste into Functional Bioplastic Materials
This research focuses on converting various high-protein waste sources into bioplastics, with properties tailored by the source. Pea protein offers the strongest mechanical properties, while whey protein provides the highest transparency. By blending protein sources, we can optimize strength and transparency for specific applications.
Adding anthocyanins enables microbial activity detection, and the bioplastics’ water vapor and oxygen barrier properties make them suitable for packaging bakery products, fruits, and vegetables. Early biodegradation studies show they can start breaking down in the environment within a month, offering a sustainable solution to reduce plastic waste.
Adding anthocyanins enables microbial activity detection, and the bioplastics’ water vapor and oxygen barrier properties make them suitable for packaging bakery products, fruits, and vegetables. Early biodegradation studies show they can start breaking down in the environment within a month, offering a sustainable solution to reduce plastic waste.
Fundamental Study on Protein Phase Transitions in Cell Necroptosis
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This research explores the role of protein phase transitions in cell necroptosis, a regulated form of cell death crucial for combating viral infections and linked to inflammation-related diseases and cancers.
In collaboration with Prof. Margaret Sunde from the School of Medical Science at the University of Sydney, the study focuses on how liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and liquid-to-solid transitions (LSTs) contribute to necroptosis. These processes are also compared with the nucleation-elongation model of amyloid fibril formation to better understand protein interactions during cell death. |
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RNA-LNP Formulation Using Microfluidic Technology
This project focuses on the development of RNA-Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) formulations through microfluidic technology. RNA is encapsulated by lipids, forming a nanoparticle structure that enhances delivery for therapeutic applications such as gene therapy. The process involves the use of a microfluidic mixing system with specially designed grooves to facilitate mixing at the microscale. By optimizing the interaction between lipids and RNA, the project aims to improve the efficiency, specificity, and stability of RNA-LNP formulations. Key areas of interest include improving organ-specific targeting, enhancing shelf life stability, and overcoming challenges such as endosomal escape.
Protein Condensate and DNA Interactions
This research explores phase separation behavior in protein-DNA interactions, utilizing microfluidic systems to study protein phase behavior. The goal is to understand the kinetics and dynamics of molecular scaffolding into protein condensates, with potential applications in therapeutic development. This fundamental study aims to uncover how proteins and DNA interact through phase separation and how these processes can be harnessed for innovative biomedical applications.
Protein Condensates for mRNA Recruitment and Delivery
This project focuses on utilizing protein condensates as carriers for mRNA recruitment and delivery. By exploring the thermodynamics and kinetics of naturally self-assembling proteins—such as soy glycinin and silk proteins—via liquid-liquid phase separation, the aim is to understand the mechanisms behind therapeutic recruitment into these condensates. The goal is to design functional protein condensates that enhance mRNA recruitment, delivery, and release, with potential applications in vaccine development, gene therapy, and cell therapy.