Our Research Focus
Understanding Bio-Nano Interactions for the development of Personalised Nanomedicine
We examine how patient-specific biomolecular coronas shape nanoparticle targeting and immune recognition in cancer therapy. By identifying key proteins that modulate these interactions, we develop precision nanomedicines, boosting treatment efficacy while reducing off-target side effects. Short-term, we refine drug delivery in clinical settings; long-term, we advance safer, more effective personalized cancer therapeutics.
Exploring PEG Immunogenicity and mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Kinetics
We use newly developed assays (ddPCR, mass spectrometry) to define the pharmacokinetics of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA lipid nanoparticles and assess mRNA integrity in human blood. By investigating how anti-PEG antibodies influence nanoparticle distribution and clearance, our clinical research clarifies mRNA vaccine biodistribution and safety. These findings inform immediate improvements in vaccine design and pave the way for more effective, next-generation mRNA therapeutics in the long run.
Next-Generation Lipid Nanoparticles for mRNA Therapeutics
We are developing innovative, ionizable lipid‐free lipid nanoparticles with tuneable nanostructures to enhance mRNA delivery while minimizing side effects. This platform addresses key challenges in cancer mRNA therapy by improving stability, endosomal escape, and targeting specificity. Our provisional patent on these formulations highlights their translational potential, ultimately leading to safer, more effective treatments for patients.
mRNA-Encoded Intracellular Cancer Therapeutics
We develop mRNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA-encoded intrabodies, to target previously undruggable intracellular proteins in cancer cells. Utilizing advanced lipid nanoparticle technology and optimized mRNA design, our approach enables cancer cells to produce their own therapeutic antibodies to induce apoptosis, expanding monoclonal antibody applications beyond surface targets and offering a transformative platform for treating refractory cancers.
Recent Publications
Fast facts
Upon exposure to biological fluids (e.g., human blood), nanoparticles adsorb proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, resulting in the formation of a “biomolecular corona.” This corona modulates downstream biological responses, including recognition by immune cells.
PEG immunogenicity refers to the immune system’s reaction to polyethylene glycol (PEG) used in mRNA lipid nanoparticles. When these nanoparticles enter the body, some individuals develop anti-PEG antibodies. These antibodies can accelerate nanoparticle clearance, alter their distribution, and potentially reduce vaccine efficacy while increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
mRNA-encoded intrabodies are innovative therapeutics that use mRNA to instruct cancer cells to produce antibody fragments internally. Unlike traditional antibodies that function outside the cell, these intrabodies target intracellular proteins—often considered “undruggable”—such as regulators of apoptosis. By binding to these targets, they trigger cell death specifically in cancer cells, offering a new approach for treating cancers resistant to conventional therapies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Polyphenol-Mediated Engineering of Lipid Nanoparticles With Crystalline Mesophases
DOI: doi.org/10.1002/adma.202505830
15 September 2025
ACS Nano
Blood Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Lipid Nanoparticle mRNA Vaccine in Humans
DOI: doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c11652
19 September 2024
ACS Nano
Patient-Specific Nanoparticle Targeting in Human Leukemia Blood
DOI: doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c09919
9 October 2024
Our team
- Yi (David) Ju – Head, Nanomedicine and Gene Therapeutics Laboratory
- Shiyao Li – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Christina Koenig – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Zhaoran Wang – (Honorary) Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Shawn Guo – PhD Student
- Suyama Mihindukulasooriya – PhD Student
- Anamika Saini – PhD student
- Jiaoting Hu – PhD Student
- Xiankezi (Coco) Zhong – PhD Student
- Queenie Ge – PhD Student
- Sean Gao – PhD Student
- Dejia Wang – PhD Student
- Ethan du Plooy – Honours Student