Our Team

Chuang Liu, PhD

2026/01 – Present	Assistant Professor
	Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Faculty of Science)
	Department of Physiology (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine)
2025/12 – 2025/12	Research Fellow / Faculty Research Scientist
	Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy,
	Department of Anaesthesiology, Center for Nanomedicine,
2016/09 – 2021/06	Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry
	Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences
	University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
2020/01 – 2021/06	Visiting Ph.D. Student
	Department of Anaesthesiology, Center for Nanomedicine,
	Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Dr. Liu’s research interests lie in immunotherapy, particularly for cancer, using modalities such as mRNA, gene-engineered cells and bacteria, and oncolytic viruses. He has published 22 first and co-corresponding author papers in top-tier journals, including Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Reviews Cancer, Nature Protocols, Nature Materials, Nature Reviews Chemistry (2), Nature Reviews Endocrinology, Nature Reviews Bioengineering, Nature Reviews Materials, Advanced Materials, Chemical Society Reviews, Nano Letters, Chem, Matter, Angewandte Chemie, etc.

Email: chuangliu@nus.edu.sg

Departmental Page: https://pharmacy.nus.edu.sg/ https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/phys/

Research Fellow

Jing ZHANG

Info

Hello, I am Zhang Jing. In 2025, I received a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Shandong University. Before joining Chuang lab, I was mainly engaged in nucleic acid drug delivery, biochemistry, biomolecular and biomedical engineering, cancer biology, cancer immunology and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. I currently focus on the research and development of intelligent design and precision delivery strategies for RNA nanomedicine. At the same time, I am also very interested in the application of artificial intelligence in drug delivery systems.

I am a skilled event host with a knack for engaging audiences and ensuring the seamless flow of occasions. In my leisure time, I enjoy playing the guitar, swimming, and practicing yoga.

Publications:

1. Jing Zhang#, Chen Chen#, Anning Li, Weiqiang Jing, Peng Sun, Xueyang Huang, Yingchao Liu, Shengchang Zhang, Wei Du, Rui Zhang, Ying Liu, Aihua Gong, Jibiao Wu, Xinyi Jiang*. Immunostimulant hydrogel for the inhibition of malignant glioma relapse post-resection. Nature Nanotechnology, 2021 May;16(5):538-548.

2. Yan Wang#, Jing Zhang#, Ying Liu#, Xiao Yue, Kun Han, Zhichao Kong, Yuanmin Dong, Zhenmei Yang, Zhipeng Fu, Chunwei Tang, Chongdeng Shi, Xiaotian Zhao, Maosen Han, Zhibin Wang, Yulin Zhang, Chen Chen, Anning Li, Peng Sun, Danqing Zhu, Kun Zhao, Xinyi Jiang*. Realveolarization with inhalable mucus-penetrating lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Science Advances, 2024 Jun 14;10(24):eado4791.

3. Chongdeng Shi#, Jing Zhang#, Huijun Wang, Chen Chen, Maosen Han, Lin Gao, Chunwei Tang, Peng Sun, Xiaotian Zhao, Feiyue Guo, Zhaozhong Wang, Mohnad Abdalla, Zhenmei Yang, Ying Liu, Anning Li, Cai Zhang*, Xinyi Jiang*. Trojan Horse Nanocapsule Enabled In Situ Modulation of the Phenotypic Conversion of Th17 Cells to Treg Cells for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis in Mice. Advanced Materials, 2023 Mar;35(11):e2210262.

4. Yuanmin Dong#, Jing Zhang#, Yan Wang, Yulin Zhang, Daniella Rappaport, Zhenmei Yang, Maosen Han, Ying Liu, Zhipeng Fu, Xiaotian Zhao, Chunwei Tang, Chongdeng Shi, Daizhou Zhang, Dawei Li, Shilei Ni, Anning Li, Jiwei Cui, Tao Li, Peng Sun, Ofra Benny, Cai Zhang*, Kun Zhao*, Chen Chen*, Xinyi Jiang*. Intracavitary Spraying of Nanoregulator-Encased Hydrogel Modulates Cholesterol Metabolism of Glioma-Supportive Macrophage for Postoperative Glioblastoma Immunotherapy. Advanced Materials, 2024 Mar;36(13):e2311109.

5. Dawang Zhao#, Jing Zhang#, Chen Chen#, Weiyi Sun, Ying Liu, Maosen Han, Yulin Zhang, Zhipeng Fu, Chongdeng Shi, Xiaotian Zhao, Zhenmei Yang, Chunwei Tang, Kun Zhao, Danqing Zhu, Yuankai Zhang*, Lei Cheng*, Xinyi Jiang*. Rejuvenation Modulation of Nucleus Pulposus Progenitor Cells Reverses Senescence-Associated Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Advanced Materials, 2025 Feb;37(7):e2409979.

6. Qiongqiong Gao#, Jing Zhang#, Chen Chen, Menglin Chen, Peng Sun, Wei Du, Shengchang Zhang, Ying Liu, Rui Zhang, Mei Bai, Changchun Fan, Jibiao Wu, Tongyi Men*, Xinyi Jiang*. In situ Mannosylated Nanotrinity-mediated Macrophages Remodeling Combats Candida albicans Infection. ACS NANO, 2020 Apr 28;14(4):3980-3990.

Qin WANG

Info

Hi, I am Qin Wang. I received my PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2022, and subsequently conducted postdoctoral training at both USTC and the Macau University of Science and Technology. Before joining the Chuang Lab, my research focused on using intravital microscopy to uncover the mechanisms governing nanomedicine transport across vascular, immune, and epithelial barriers, and to guide the rational design of delivery systems. In Chuang Liu’s lab, I will continue to develop mRNA-based nanomedicines and mechanistically study their interactions with the biological interface to enable accurate and effective therapeutic delivery.

Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling and photography.

Publications:

1. Q. Wang^#, Z. Chen^#, G. Zhang^#, J. Yang, R. Hu, T. Yao, Y. Shen, C. Zeng, S. Zhang, W. Jiang^*, S. Zhu^*, Y. C. Wang^*. Commensal-driven serotonin production modulates in vivo delivery of synthetic and viral vectors. Science, 2026, 391, eadu7686.

2. Q. Wang^#, C. Zeng^#, Z. Chen, L. Hu, J. Dou, C. Ye, L. Zhu, Q. Liang, H. Pan, W. Jiang^*, Y.C. Wang^*. Nanoparticles reach metastatic tumours via enhanced permeability of adjacent vessels. Nature Nanotechnology, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-026-02171-8

3. Q. Wang^#, Q. Liang^#, J. Dou, H. Zhou, C. Zeng, H. Pan, Y. Shen, Q. Li, Y. Liu, D. T. Leong^*, W. Jiang^*, Y. C. Wang^*. Breaking Through the Basement Membrane Barrier to Improve Nanotherapeutic Delivery to Tumors. Nature Nanotechnology, 2024, 19, 95–105.

4. W. Jiang^#, Z. Guo^#, Q. Wang^#^,^*, Z. Chen, W. Dong, Q. Liang, Y. Hao, H. Pan, C. Zeng, H. Liu^* and Y.C. Wang^*. Enhanced Nanoparticle Delivery Across Vascular Basement Membranes of Tumours Using Nitric Oxide. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2025, 9, 1486–1501.

5. G. Zhang^#, Q. Wang^#, W. Tao^#, W. Jiang, E. Elinav, Y. C. Wang^*, S. Zhu^*. Glucosylated Nanoparticles for the Oral Delivery of Antibiotics to the Proximal Small Intestine Protect Mice from Gut Dysbiosis. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2022,6, 867–881.

6. M. l. Setyawati^{#, *}, Q. Wang^#, N. Ni, J. K. Tee, K. Ariga, P. C. Ke, H. K. Ho, Y. C. Wang^*, D. T. Leong^*. Engineering Tumoral Vascular Leakiness with Gold Nanoparticles. Nature Communications, 2023, 14, 4269.

7. M. Luo^#, Q. Wang^#, G. Zhao^#, W. Jiang, C. Zeng, Q. Zhang, R. Yang, W. Dong, Y. Zhao, G. Zhang, J. Jiang, Y. C. Wang^*, Q. Zhu^*. Solid-State Atomic Hydrogen as a Broad-Spectrum RONS Scavenger for Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing. National Science Review, 2024, 11, nwad269.

PhD Students

Haoyuan YU

Info

Hello, I’m Haoyuan Yu. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Pharmaceutics from China Pharmaceutical University in 2022 and 2025, respectively. Before joining Chuang lab, my research focused on mitochondria transfer and in situ mitochondrial gene delivery using modified lipid nanoparticles. I’m broadly interested in the intersection of mitochondria transfer and immunotherapy. In Chuang Liu’s lab, I will be committed to establishing an in situ mitochondria transfer strategy via mRNA-based nanomedicines.

Outside the lab, I used to play double bass in a non-professional symphony orchestra. I also enjoy tennis and fitness.

Publications:

1. Y Wang#, HY Yu#, ZJ Yi, LY Qi, JS Yang, HX Xie, M Zhao, NH Liu, JQ Chen, TJ Zhou, L Xing, HL Jiang*. Super mitochondria-enriched extracellular vesicles enable enhanced mitochondria transfer. Nature Communication, 2025, 16, 9448.

2. Y Wang#, M Zhao#, HX Xie#, HY Yu, JS Yang, LX Qie, NH Liu, JQ Chen, ZJ Yi, TJ Zhou, L Xing, HL Jiang*. Mitochondria-targeted gene delivery using fluorinated lipid nanoparticles to alleviate Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Nature Communication, 2025, 16, 10891.

3. LY Qi#, Y Wang#, LF Hu#, PS Zhao, HY Yu, L Xing, XD Gao, QR Cao, HL Jiang*. Enhanced nuclear gene delivery via integrating and streamlining intracellular pathway. Journal of Controlled Release, 2022, 341, 511-523.

4. BW Duan#, YJ Liu, XN Li, MM Han, HY Yu, HY Hong, LF Zhang, L Xing, HL Jiang*. An Autologous Macrophage-Based Phenotypic Transformation-Collagen Degradation System Treating Advanced Liver Fibrosis. Advanced Science, 2024, 11, e2306899.

5. Y Wang#, JS Yang#, M Zhao#, JQ Chen, HX Xie, HY Yu, NH Liu, ZJ Yi, HL Liang, L Xing, HL Jiang*. Mitochondrial endogenous substance transport-inspired nanomaterials for mitochondria-targeted gene delivery. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2024, 211, 115355.

Shu GAO

Info

Hi, this is Shu Gao! I received my Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Shandong University in 2023 and Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2026. Before joining Chuang’s lab, I was mainly engaged in the development of molecular imaging probes, mitochondria-targeting theranostic agents, and novel near-infrared (NIR) responsive biomaterials, and in investigating immune responses. In Chuang’s lab, I will focus on the development of gene therapies, with an emphasis on designing highly targeted delivery vectors and constructing systems for real-time visualization of gene therapeutic efficacy.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing badminton, swimming, and hiking.

(1) S. Gao; C. Qu; J. Wang; K. Qian; Z. Cheng. Mitochondria-targeting near-infrared (NIR) materials orchestrating the symphony of precision diagnosis and therapy. Nano Today 2024, 59, 102478.

(2) S. Gao; J. Wang; X. Wei; J. Wang; Y. Jiang; B. Tan; Y. Qin; X. Zhu; R. Song; C. Qu; et al. Charge modulation in D–A–D molecules: an acid-responsive NIR-II nanoplatform for imaging and photothermal therapy. Biomaterials Science 2025. 13, 6378

(3) K. Qian; S. Gao; Z. Jiang; Q. Ding; Z. Cheng. Recent advances in mitochondria‐targeting theranostic agents. Exploration 2024, 4 (4), 20230063.

(4) X. Wei; C. Lai; X. Zhu; A. Ji; Y. Qin; S. Gao; Q. Liu; Y. Li; X. Zhao; H. Lou; et al. Construction of 89Zr-Radiolabeled Melanin-Based Nanoprobes with FAP-Targeted Motifs for Tumor PET Imaging. Molecular Pharmaceutics. 2025, 22, 7099

Jun LIAO

Info

Hi, I am Jun Liao, a PhD candidate in Systems Biomedicine at Peking University and a joint-training PhD student in the Chuang Lab. My research interests lie at the intersection of biomedical engineering, biomacromolecules, and drug delivery, with previous work focusing on therapeutic delivery to the central nervous system. I am also interested in peptide-based nanomedicines and in harnessing the unique properties of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) to develop innovative platforms for next-generation therapeutics. At the Chuang Lab, I am excited to explore the intelligent design and precise delivery of mRNA nanomedicines.

Beyond the lab, I enjoy staying active through fitness training, as well as traveling and photography. I love discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives.

(1) J. Liao^#, H. Liu^#, N. Li^#, L. Gong, J. Wang, Y. Wu, Y. Pu, W. He, M. Li*, X. Peng*, Z. Lin*, Ligand-Triggered Topology Switching Converts Transient Recognition into Durable Nanofibrillar Anchoring, Journal of the American Chemical Society 2026,148(20), 21123–21135.

(2) J. Liao^#, L. Gong^#, Q. Xu^#, J. Wang, Y. Yang, S. Zhang, J. Dong, K. Lin, Z. Liang, Y. Sun, Y. Mu, Z. Chen, Y. Lu, Q. Zhang*, Z. Lin*, Revolutionizing Neurocare: Biomimetic Nanodelivery via Cell Membranes, Advanced Materials 2024, 36(26), 2402445.

(3) J. Liao^#, W. He^#, L. Li^#, J. Wang, L. Gong, Q. Zhang*, Z. Lin*, Mitochondria in Brain Diseases: Bridging Structural-Mechanistic Insights into Precision-Targeted Therapies, Cell Biomaterials 2025, 1(2)

(4) J. Liao^#, Y. Li^#, L. Fan^#, Y. Sun, Z. Gu, Q.Q. Xu, Y. Wang, L. Xiong, K. Xiao, Z.S. Chen, Z. Ma, C. Zhang, T. Wang, Y. Lu*, Bioactive Ceria Nanoenzymes Target Mitochondria in Reperfusion Injury to Treat Ischemic Stroke, ACS NANO 2024, 18(7), 5510–5529.

(5) J. Liao, Z. Lin*, C. Liu*, Programming Extracellular Protein Fate with Peptide Chimeras, Chem 2026, 12(5).

(6) J. Liao^#, W. He^#, S. Zhang^#, J. Wang, H. Cheng, L. Gong, Y. Li, Y. Sun, D. Lu, C. Zhang, Y. Lu, Q. Zhang*, Z. Lin*, Magnetic Field Driven Ceria Nanosystems for Mitochondria-Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke, Advanced Functional Materials 2025, 35(24), 2423291.

Visiting Scholars & Researchers

Jing CAI

Info

Hi, I am Jing CAI, working at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology. I received my Ph.D in biochemical engineering from Northwest University, and then completed my postdoctoral training at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center and Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. Before joining Chuang‘s lab, my research focused on MRI molecular imaging, targeted nucleic acid drug delivery and gene regulation in cancer and brain diseases. In Chuang’s Lab, I will continue to learn and explore the advanced strategies for targeted nucleic acid delivery, artificial intelligence-driven design for nanomedicine and gene-engineered cells or viruses for precise treatment and related mechanistic studies.

In my leisure time, I like swimming, hiking and doing yoga. During the holiday, I also love to travel around and go to concerts and visit museums.

Publications:

1, Cai J#, Zhu H#, Guo W, Guan Z*, et al. Development of patient-derived conditionally reprogrammed 3D breast cancer culture models for drug sensitivity evaluation. Oncol. Res., 2026. 34(1), 23.

2. Cai J, Xu X*, Saw P E*. Nanomedicine targeting ferroptosis to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance. Sci China Life Sci, 2024, 67(1): 19-40.

3. Liu T, Liu L*, Li L*, Cai J*. Exploiting targeted nanomedicine for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mater. Today Bio, 2023, 22, 100766.

4. Cai J#, Yi P#, Miao Y, Feng Y, Chen H, Li L*, et al. Ultrasmall T1-T2 MR multimodal imaging nanoprobes for the detection of β-amyloid aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease mice. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2020,12, 26812-26821.

Master Students

Yalei LIU

Info

Hi, I am Liu Yalei. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh. I will join the MSc Applied Biomedicine programme at the National University of Singapore in 2026. Before joining the Chuang Lab, my previous research focused on CD8⁺ T cell biology. I am broadly interested in how immune cells are regulated by disease microenvironments and how this knowledge can be translated into immunotherapy and mRNA-based therapeutic strategies.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing Identity V, badminton, and swimming. I also love trying different flavors of ice cream.

Publications:

1. Tan RJY; Liu Y; Chen W; Liang Y, Ling GS. Targeting immunometabolism in cancer through pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. PLoS Biol 24(1): e3003617.

Shiliang GAO

Info

Hi, I am Shiliang GAO. I received my Bachelor’s degree from
China Pharmaceutical University and
University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK). I am a Master’s student in Pharmaceutical Science and Technology at the National University of Singapore. My previous research experience includes CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing, λ-Red recombineering, bacterial engineering, genetic code expansion, and protein engineering. My current research interests focus on drug delivery, synthetic biology, engineered microbial systems, and nucleic acid therapeutics. I am particularly interested in developing programmable biological platforms for the efficient delivery of therapeutic molecules and exploring their potential biomedical applications.

Zihan JIANG

Info

Hi, I am Zihan Jiang. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Macau. I will join the MSc Pharmaceutical Science and Technology program at NUS in 2026. Before joining the Chuang Lab, my research focused on small-molecular polymeric nanoparticles inducing cuproptosis in cancer therapy. In Chuang Lab, my research will lie in next-generation lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic mRNA in cancer therapy.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing badminton, swimming and traveling.

Undergraduate Students

Jagger WONG

Info

Hello! I am Jagger Wong. I am a Life Sciences major at NUS doing an FYP (Final-Year-Project) with the Chuang lab. My interests generally lie in immunotherapy and immunology.

Jiani WANG

Info

Hi, I am Jiani, and I am a Final Year Project (FYP) student with a background in pharmaceutical science and data analytics. My research interest lies in using data and experimental approaches to better understand diseases and evaluate potential treatments. I’m especially interested in how lab-based findings can be translated into real-world healthcare applications, and how data can support more informed decisions in my area of study.

Alumni

Ng Teck Zhong

Emmalina Tang Min Binte Elias Tang

Yennamani Hemant Vihaan