Research group: Functional Materials for Medicine
Functional Materials have played more and more critical role in development of novel treatment methods for different diseases. Our group focus on designing all kinds of functional materials, at different scales, to solve clinical and biological problems. We have broad collaborations with hospitals, and most of our projects have clinical doctors involved and initial from a real-life clinical question. Our group is multidisciplinary, which interplay between physics, materials science, synthetic organic chemistry, engineering, biology and medicine. We aim that many of our designs could be clinical applicable in future, and to have a great social impact in treating diseases.
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Contact: hongbo.zhang@abo.fi
Principle Investigator
Hongbo Zhang
Hongbo Zhang received his bachelor´s degree in biology from Fudan University and PhD degree in Pharmacy from the University of Helsinki (2012) and did his Postdoc in Harvard University. In September 2016, he entered the tenure track process as Assistant Professor, and he becomes full Professor (Tenure) in March 2023. He is Academy of Finland Postdoc Fellow between 2016-2019 and Research Fellow between 2019-2024. He is admitted as Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2024. He is also a docent in Pharmaceutical Technology in University of Helsinki. His research focus is functional materials in biomedical applications and their potential in clinical translations.
Awards and honours
2024 Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2024
2023 10 leading Chinese talents in science and technology in Europe 2023
2021 Per Brahe Prize from Åbo Akademi University
2021 Young Investigator Prize from Turku Cancer Research Society
2021 Shanghai Oversea Talent
2020 MDPI Pharmaceutics Young Investigator
2019 Chinese Orthopaedic Association Outstanding Young Research, First Prize
2019 USERN Prize, top 5 nominated in Medical Sciences
2019 Beijing Capital Oversea Talent
2019 Royal Society of Chemistry Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator
2018 Åbo Akademi University Innovation Catalyst Award
2014 Best Oral Drug Formulation, Controlled Release Society, USA
Supervised PhD thesis:
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7. Dr. Rawand Mustafa, "Silica core@shell nanoparticles for biomedical applications", 2024 (Main Supervisor, ÅAU PhD degree).
6. Dr. Wenhui Zhou, "Development of Novel Porous Nanomaterial-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Precision Cancer Treatment", 2024 (Main Supervisor, ÅAU PhD degree).
5. Dr. Jiaqi Yan, " Precision Therapeutics: Harnessing Receptor-targeted and Dynamic DNA Nanotechnology", 2024 (Main Supervisor, ÅAU PhD degree).
4. Dr. Xiaodong Ma, " Stimuli-Responsive Prodrug Nanomaterials for Combination Therapy of Cancer", 2023 (Main Supervisor, ÅAU PhD degree).
3. Dr. Chang Liu, " Stimuli-Responsive Porous Nanomaterials for Controlled Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy", 2022 (Main Supervisor, ÅAU PhD degree).
2. Dr. Feng Zhang, "Development of Transformable Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Therapy", 2021, University of Helsinki, Co-supervisor
1. Dr. Zehua Liu, "Porous silicon-based on-demand nanohybrids for biomedical applications", 2019, University of Helsinki, Co-supervisor
Supervised Master Thesis:
20. Jouni Vuorinen: The Cerberus nanoparticle for the treatment of choroidal melanoma, Master’s Degree Program, Åbo Akademi University (2024)
19. Jessica Salo: Intracellular delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid with Zif-8 nanocarrier to liver cancer cell, Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Imaging, Åbo Akademi University (2023)
18. Elie Char: Delivery of Decorin mRNA by nano-vehicle for cancer therapy, Master’s Degree Programme in Pharmaceutical Science, Umeå University (2023)
17. Doroteja Bednjanec: Targeted Sequential Delivery Platform with ROS-Response for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis, Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Imaging, Åbo Akademi University (2021)
16. Brajesh Shrestha: Synthesis of CuS@MSN@SpAcDEX for Tacrolimus Delivery to Treat End Stage Renal Disease, Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Imaging, Åbo Akademi University (2021)
15. Cassandre Rouanet: "Biocompatibility study of guar gum based material", Erasmus, IUT de LAVAL, Département Génie Biologique (2021).
14. Jiaqi Yan, "Preparation of drug delivery system based on different carriers for antitumor research by using prodrug technology". Exchange student from China, Faculty of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University (2020)
13. Alexandra Manea, " In vitro evaluation of nanoantibiotics", MSc Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Turku (2020)
12. Tzu-Chen Rautio, "Effects of Nanomaterial-Delivered Protein Kinase A on Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells." Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Imaging, University of Turku (2020).
11. Oliver Koivisto, "Delivery of Cas9/sgRNA system using functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticle system". Master´s Degree Programme in Physiology and Genetics, University of Turku (2020).
10. Tokic Dado, "Synthesis of Mesoporous silica nanoparticles using microfluidics". University of Turku, Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Imaging, University of Turku, (2020).
9. Deependra Yadav, "Developing and optimizing microfluidics platform for fabricating lignin nanoparticles", Master’s Degree Program in Molecular Systems Biology, University of Turku, (2020).
8. Xiaodong Ma, “Synthesis and Anti-cholinesterase Activities of 2-Phenylthiazole Derivatives”, Exchange student from China, Jiangsu Ocean University (2019)
7. Md. Rifahul Abrar Taiseer, " Identifying the issues concerning zeta potential measurements of polymer nanoparticles". MSc Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Turku (2019)
6. Mariam Gouda, "Protein-encapsulated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the treatment of bacterial biofilms", MSc Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Turku (2019)
5. Wali Inam, “Optimization of microfluidic encapsulation with nanoprecipitation for controlled drug delivery”, MSc Degree Programme in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Turku (2018)
4. Laura Leenesonne, “Personalized drug platform using rollable thin film with 3D printing and microfluidics: a conceptual study”, Erasmus, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ghent (2019)
3. Korbinian Weisensee: "Fabrication of Advanced Drug Delivery Nanoparticles with Microfluidics", Erasmus, Ulm University, Germany (2018)
2. Dhayakumar Rajan Prakash: "Versatile syringe based microfluidic platform for bio-pharmaceutical and biomedical applications”, Exchange student from India, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Sastra Deemed to Be University, India (2018)
1. Bram Bogaert: "Optimising microfluidic encapsulation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with acetalated dextran for controlled drug delivery", Erasmus, University of Ghent, Belgium (2017)
Giving talks
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Talks in 2024 (11)
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• 2024.07.30 Invited Talk, New Era of Targeted Drug Delivery, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
• 2024.07.09 Invited Talk, Functional Materials for Medication, Shenyang Eighth People's Hospital, Shenyang, China
• 2024.07.08 Invited Talk, Functional Materials for Target Drug Delivery, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
• 2024.07.02 Invited Talk, Functional Materials for Biological Applications, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
• 2024.06.25 Invited Talk, Functional Materials in Drug Delivery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing
• 2024.06.19 Invited Talk, Material Driven Medication, Shanghai Institute of Silicate, Shanghai
• 2024.05.29 Invited Talk, Functional Materials in Medication, School of Medicine, University of Turku
• 2024.05.24 Plenary Talk, Congressus Pharmaceuticus Hungaricus XVII. and EUFEPS Annual Meeting 2024, Kolcsey Centre, Debrecen, Hungary
• 2024.03.12 Invited Talk, Functional Materials in Medicine, Turku Bioscience Day, Turku, Finland
• 2024.03.04 Invited Talk, Functional Materials and the Clinical Translation Potential, the University Medical Center/University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherland
• 2024.02.20 Invited talk, New Era of Targeted Drug Delivery, DWI Institute and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Talks in 2023 (13)
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• 2023.11.22 Biomaterials in Clinical Translation, Hainan University, Haikou, China
• 2023.11.21 Encapsulated bioactive mitochondria for transplantation in cell, China Development Forum, Haikou, China
• 2023.11.04 Invited Talk, ''Functional Materials in Bone Regeneration'', CORMed Meeting, Beijing, China
• 2023.09.28 Invited Talk, ''Functional Materials in the Application of Smart Healthcare'', Ocean University of China, Shandong, China
• 2023.09.11 Invited Talk, ''Smart Medicine with Nanomaterials'', Smart Medicine – Symposium, Wenzhou, China
• 2023.08.15 Invited Talk, ''Nanomedicine for Gene Therapy'', Food for Sustainability and Health – Symposium, Turku, Finland.
• 2023.08.09 Invited Talk, ''Targeted Drug Delivery with Nanomedicine'', Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
• 2023.08.08 Invited Talk, ''Nanomaterials Driven Precision Medication'', Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Science, China
• 2023.07.03 Invited Talk, ''Targeted Drug Delivery with Nanomedicine'', Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
• 2023.07.01 Invited Talk, ''The Application of Advanced Materials in Precision Medicine'', The 16th China Medical Biotechnology Congress, Wenzhou, China
• 2023.05.17 Invited Talk, ''Functional Materials for Precision Gene Therapy'', Inflames, Turku, Finland
• 2023.04.25 Invited Talk, ''Material Driven Precision Medication'', The first hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
• 2023.04.08 Invited Talk, ''Functional Materials for Precision Gene Therapy'', Frontiers of International Soft Matter Research, Wenzhou, China
Talks in 2022 (7)
• 2022.11.15 Invited Talk, "Functional Materials for Biomedical Engineering", Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
• 2022.11.12 Invited Talk, "The first meeting of the Preparatory Committee of the World Federation of Young Scientists", WenZhou, China
• 2022.04.24 Keynote: “Solution for Health with Functional Materials”, Advanced Chemical Biology Online Forum-2022, Nanjing Forestry University
• 2022.04.12 Keynote: “Solution for Health with Functional Materials”, Bioseminar, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
• 2022.04.05 Invited Talk, “Functional Materials for Cancer Treatment”, Turku Cancer Research Seminar, Finland
• 2022.04.05 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials for Future Clinical Practices”, Joint NordicPOP and CRS Nordic Local Chapter webinar, Organized by Norway
• 2022.03.17 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials in Tissue Engineering”, Medical 3D Printing Online Seminar, Finland
Talks in 2021 (9)
• 2021.11.28 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials for Biomedical Application”, the 8th Jiangsu University International Laboratory Medicine Forum, China
• 2021.11.10 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials for Precision Medication”, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
• 2021.11.01 Invited Online Pitch, “Nanotechnology for Precision Medication”, Finland China Food and Health Pilot Kickoff Meeting, Turku, Finland
• 2021.10.29 Invited Online Short Pitch, UPM Steering Group Meeting, Turku, Finland
• 2021.10.28 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials for Precision Medication”, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
• 2021.09.21 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials for Precision Medication”, Shanghai 6th Hospital, Shanghai, China
• 2021.08.26 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Tissue Engineering in Finland Today Vital Meeting, Finland
• 2021.04.06 Invited Online Talk, Functional Materials for Biomedical Engineering, FinPharNet, Finland
• 2021.03.24 Invited Online Talk, “Functional Materials for Precision Medication”, Drug Webinar, UK
Talks in 2020 (5)
• 2020.09.17 Invited Online Talk, The 1st International Online Conference on Polymers Science, Turku, Finland
• 2020.07.17 Invited Online Talk, Functional Materials for Precision Medication, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
• 2020.05.20 Invited Online Talk, Functional Materials for Bone Regeneration, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
• 2020.02.13 Invited Talk, Introduction of China Collaboration, Mayor Association Finland, Helsinki, Finland
• 2020.02.05 Invited Talk, Nanotechnology and Precision Medication Research Group, University of Technology of Compiègne, Compiègne,France
Talks in 2019 (16)
• 2019.11.30 Invited talk, “Functional Materials for Biomedical Applications”, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
• 2019.11.29 Invited talk, “Functional Materials for Pharmaceutical Applications”, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
• 2019.11.29 Invited talk, “Functional Materials for Bone Regeneration”, China Academy of Science, Shenzhen Branch, Shenzhen, China
• 2019.11.25 Invited talk, “Functional Materials for Bone Regeneration”, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
• 2019.11.15 First Prize Award Lecture, The 14th Annual Congress of Chinese Orthopaedic Association, Shanghai, China
• 2019.11.10 Nomination for Medical Award, “Functional Biomaterials in Translational Medicine”, USERN annal meeting, Budapest, Hungry
• 2019.11.06 Invited talk, Coperate Corner, Turku, Finland
• 2019.09.02 Invited speaker, EUROMAT 2019, Stockholm, Sweden
• 2019.07.14 Keynote speaker, 15th scientific meeting of Chinese society of interventional radiology, Shanghai, China
• 2019.07.10 Invited Talk “Functional Biomaterials and Microfluidics for Precision Medication and the Potential for Clinical Translation”, Xiamen University, China
• 2019.07.02 Invited Talk “Functional Biomaterials for Precision Medication and the Potential for Clinical Translation”, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
• 2019.06.20 Invited Talk “Functional Biomaterials for Precision Medication and the Potential for Clinical Translation”, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xián, China
• 2019. 04.22 IX International Conference “YOUNG PHARMACY-POTENTIAL OF THE FUTURE”, Saint-Petersburg Chemical Pharmaceutical University, Saint-Petersburg, Russian
• 2019.04.10 Invited talk, “Nanotechnology for Precision Medication”, Shanghai 6th Hospital, Shanghai, China
• 2019.04.05 Invited presentation, Tissue Cure Alliance Finland
• 2019.01.14 Keynote, Nordic POP 1st Annual Meeting, Oslo, Norway
Talks in 2018 (25)
• 2018.11.21, Chairing Prof. John Eriksson in Jiangsu Affiliated Hospital, Zhenjiang, China
• 2018.11.20, Invited Talk “Nanotechnology for Precision Medication”, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
• 2018.10.31, Plenary Talk “Microfluidic Technology for Pharmaceutical Applications”, FinPharmSci, China.
• 2018.10.25, Invited Talk ”Future Drug Development with Advanced Nanomaterials”, 5th Russian Finland Drug Development Symposium, Turku, Finland
• 2018.10.19, ”Advanced Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications”, Beijing Association for Science And Technology, Beijing, China
• 2018.10.18 China Zhi Gong Party Center Government, Report to Vice President, YAN Xiaopei, “the Biomedical Industry in Finland”, Beijing, China
• 2018.10.16 Invited Talk, ”Current Development of Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications” Jinan Innovation Zone, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
• 2018.10.13 Pitch, ”Introduction of ChinFin Incubator and Innovation Oy” The Fifth Young Returnees Development Forum”, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
• 2018.09.28 Chairman, Opening ceremony of ChinFin Incubator and Innovation Oy.
• 2018.09.27 Chairman and Moderator of Biomedical and Health Industry Seminar, European Forum.
• 2018.09.24 Panel Discussion with Jinan, Chongqing delegate, Nordic Zhi Gong Association, Stockholm, Sweden.
• 2018.09.09 Invited Talk, “Advanced Materials for Biomedical Applications”. Nantong University, Nantong, China
• 2018.09.08 Plenary speaker, “Advanced Materials for Bone Research”. International Conference on Bone Repair Materials and Devices, Nantong, China
• 2018.07.13 Invited Talk, “Applying Nanotechnology to Human Health”, Jilin 1st Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
• 2018.07.04 Invited Talk, “Applying Nanotechnology to Human Health”, Shandong Sofine Incubator Opening ceremony, Jinan, China
• 2018.07.04 Invited Talk, “Bridging Finland and China Research and Technology”, Shandong Sofine Incubator Opening ceremony, Jinan, China
• 2018.06.11 Invited Talk, “Single Cell Analysis, the Power of Microfluidics”, Bayer Pharmaceutics, Turku, Finland
• 2018.06.08 Åbo Akademi Seminar, Single Cell Analysis, the Power of Microfluidics, Turku, Finland
• 2018.05.06 Video Presentation, “Functional Materials and Technology in Finland”, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
• 2018.04.19 Invited Talk, “DNA Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications”, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
• 2018.04.18 Invited Talk, “DNA Nanotechnology as Biosensors”, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
• 2018.03.22 Microfluidic and Computer Aided Screening of DNA Based Notch 3-CSL Inhibitor. FunMat Seminar, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
• 2018. 03.13 Single Cell Analysis, the Power of Microfluidics. Seminar in Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
• 2018.01.30 Applying Nanotechnology to Human Health. Seminar in Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
• 2018.01.15 Nanotechnology for Precision Medication. Seminar in Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
Talks in 2017 (17)
• 2017.12.15 Scientific Board Establishment Seminar of Chinese Association of Science and Technology in Finland, Future Prospective on Precision Medication, Chair, Helsinki, Finland
• 2017.11.28 Åbo Akademi Seminar,, Single Cell Analysis, the Power of Microfluidics, Turku, Finland
• 2017.11.21 Åbo Akademi Seminar, Nanotechnology for Precision Medication, Turku, Finland
• 2017.11.03 China Zhi Gong Party Center Government, Report to President, Minister of Science and Technology, WAN Gang, “the Microfluidic Based Single Cell Analysis Technology”, Beijing, China
• 2017.10.20 Zhejiang University, DNA Nanotechnology and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications, Hangzhou, China
• 2017.10.18 Huazhong Science and Technology University, DNA Nanotechnology and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications, Wuhan, China
• 2017.10.17 6th International Symposium on Surface and Interphase of Biomaterials, DNA Nanotechnology for Biomedical Applications, Chair, Chengdu, China
• 2017.10.15 Chongqing University, DNA Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Chongqing, China
• 2017.09.13 Åbo Akademi Seminar, Functional Materials and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications, Turku, Finland
• 2017.09.03 Chinese Association of Life Science in Finland Annual Meeting, Functional Materials and Microfluidics, Turku, Finland
• 2017.08.24 Åbo Akademi Seminar, Functional Materials and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications, Turku, Finland
• 2017.08.08 Chinese Association of Science and Technology in Finland Annual Meeting, Single Cell Analysis, the Power of Microfluidics, Helsinki
• 2017.06.02 Chinese Embassy, The Beauty of Nanomedicine, Helsinki
• 2017.05.31 Åbo Akademi Seminar, Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications, Turku, Finland
• 2017.05.17 Åbo Akademi Seminar, Functional Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, Turku, Finland
• 2017.05.05 CompLifeSci Seminar, Single Cell Analysis, the Power of Microfluidics, Turku, Finland
• 2017.02.23 FinDan Meeting, Introduction of Functional and Microfluidic Research Group, Turku, Finland
Talks before 2017
• 2016.11.08 “Nanotechnology and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications”. 4th International Pharma & Clinical Pharmacy Congress” in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• 2016. 12.01 “Functional Materials and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications” Lecture in Åbo Akademi University.
• 2016. 09.24 “Advanced Materials and Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications” Lecture in Åbo Akademi University.
• 2016. 09.05 ”Functional Biomaterials and Microfluidic Group”, FinDan Meeting, Turku, Finland
• 2016.01.19 “Microfluidics Templated All-in-one Platform for Advanced Drug Delivery Applications”. 2nd International Symposium on Nanoparticles, Nanomaterials and Applications. Lisbon, Portugal.
• 2015.09.16. "Fabrication of HPMCAS-encapsulated pH-responsive Platforms for Enteric Cancer Drug Delivery with Microfluidics", Shin-Etsu Scientific Seminar, 16 September 2015, Somerset, New Jersey, USA (invited lecture).
• 2015.07.22. " Microfluidic Techniques on Micro/nano Fabrication of Drug Delivery Platforms", Prof. Molly Steven’s group, Faculty of Material Science, Imperial College London, 22 July 2015, London, UK (invited lecture).
• 2015.06.29 "Advanced Drug Delivery Techniques for Nanomedicine", Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, 29 June 2015, Xiamen, China (invited lecture).
• 2015.06.26 "Microfluidic in Biomedical and Potential Clinical Applications", Jiangsu Province Hospital, 26 June 2015, Nanjing, China (invited lecture).
• 2015.06.25 "Advanced Microfluidic Templated Platforms for Biomedical Applications", Orthopedic Institute, Soochow University, 25 June 2015, Suzhou, China (invited lecture).
• 2015.06.19 "Microfluidic Techniques for Biomedical Applications", Stem cell and Regeneration Center, The Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 19 June 2015, Beijing, China (invited lecture).
• 2014.09.02 H. Zhang*, "Microfluidics for Drug Delivery and Diagnostics Applications", Prof. David. A. Weitz’s group, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 02 September 2014, Cambridge, MA, USA (invited lecture).
Organizing scientific conferences
• Smart Medicine Journal Board Meeting, 2023, Chairman
• 5th China-Finland Sci and Tech Forum “Winter sport and Health care”, 2019, Chairman
• 1st Nordic POP-China Forum on Clinic and Translational Medicine, Chairman, 2019
• 10th European Forum, 09.2018, Chairman of Biomedical Panel, 300 participates
• 10th Chinese Life Science Annual Meeting, 09.2017, Vice Chairman, 100 participates