Interviews with Faculty Researchers

– Interview with Prof. Zhao Xin
Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology

Prof. Zhao Xin is advancing regenerative medicine through the design of biomaterials that mimic the natural cellular environment, promoting tissue regeneration. A key aspect of her research is the development of biomimetic scaffolds—engineered materials that replicate the biochemical and mechanical cues of native tissues. These scaffolds facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, enabling effective tissue repair. By integrating expertise in biology, chemistry and engineering, her team is creating platforms that support the body’s natural healing mechanisms, offering new solutions for previously untreatable conditions.

One of her most significant contributions is the invention of Biomimicking Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Bone Grafts. This innovative material represents a new generation of bone grafts that not only fill bone defects but also actively promote new bone growth. Unlike conventional grafts, which often lack sufficient integration and biological activity, this graft is engineered to closely replicate both the structural and functional characteristics of native bone.

The graft combines nanocomposite materials with a photocrosslinkable polymer matrix. The nanocomposites enhance the mechanical strength and osteoconductivity of the material, while the photocrosslinking process enables precise, rapid solidification through light exposure, allowing the scaffold to conform to complex defect geometries. The result is a biocompatible, biomimetic material capable of integrating with host tissue and supporting bone regeneration in a controlled and effective manner.

Prof. Zhao’s breakthrough in biomaterials has garnered international recognition, including gold and silver medals at global innovation exhibitions. More importantly, it offers a clinically viable solution for patients with traumatic bone injuries or degenerative conditions, addressing the limitations of traditional grafts. Her translational research bridges laboratory discoveries with real-world applications, tackling medical challenges in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Backed by substantial funding, Prof. Zhao’s work transforms cutting-edge biomaterial science into practical treatments. Recognized globally, including inclusion in Stanford University’s The World’s Top 2% Scientists and Clarivate Analytics' Highly Cited Researchers, Prof. Zhao continues to lead pioneering studies in hard and soft tissue scaffolding, and 3D bioprinting, reshaping the future of regenerative medicine.

自我修復骨骼技術：再生醫學的突破

– 趙昕教授專訪
應用生物及化學科技學系教授

趙昕教授一直在再生醫學方面尋求突破。透過改進仿生生物材料的結構，模擬細胞自然生長微環境，以研發出能夠讓人體自我修復的材料。她的研究重點之一，是研發仿生支架 —— 一種能夠模擬人體組織生物化學功能與肌理活動的材料，促進細胞黏附、增殖及分化，以及加快組織再生。為此，她的團隊結合了生物學、化學及工程學的專業知識，創造出協助人體自我修復的工具，為過往難以治療的疾病帶來嶄新解決方法。

她的其中一項突破性發明，是仿生光交聯納米複合骨移植材料。這種新型骨骼材料不僅能填補受損骨骼，更可加快令新骨骼生長。相比傳統骨骼材料，這種材料擁有高程度的相容性和生物活性，在結構與功能上更貼近天然骨骼。

這種骨骼材料由納米合成材料與光交聯高分子結合而成。當中的納米合成物有效提升材料的強度與誘導骨頭生長的效能，而光交聯技術則能讓仿生骨骼在光照下快速固化，靈活貼合各種形狀不規則的受損骨骼，以帶來有機、高相容性的修復效果。

這項研究不僅為她贏得多項國際創新獎項殊榮，更為創傷與退化性骨骼病患者帶來治療新希望。她期待將研究從實驗室轉化為臨床技術，並與不同醫護專家合作，真正將科研成果應用於現實當中。

趙教授的團隊因為出色的研究成果而獲得多項資助，她本人亦入選為史丹福大學全球排行前2%獲徵引最多的科學家，以及科睿唯安最廣獲徵引研究人員。她對身體軟硬組織生物材料以及3D生物打印等先進技術的研究，為再生醫學開辟了新未來。