Research Summary
Dr. Zhang’s long-term research objective is to decode the mechanistic barriers within physiological microenvironments that restrict pharmacological intervention, and to design advanced, targeted biomaterials capable of successfully delivering therapeutics to traditionally inaccessible disease sites. His current research focuses on developing novel biomaterial strategies that transiently modulate physiological barriers to facilitate penetration of therapeutics. A primary thrust of his laboratory is the development of advanced drug carriers designed to induce localized phase separation within the human mucus barrier. By dynamically altering the biophysical properties of the mucus gel layer, his group aims to overcome a fundamental impediment to the delivery and efficacy of oral and inhaled medicines. His work has been published in leading journals such as Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Advanced Science, and Cell Reports Medicine. Dr. Zhang’s research has been supported by organizations including the Diabetes Research Connection and the Comparative Medicine Institute. In addition, his innovations have contributed to the founding of Alnair Therapeutics, a biotech startup.
CGIBD Focus Area(s): Clinical/Translational Research, Regeneration and Repair
Collaborators: Battle, Williamson
