Zhang Lab@Soton
Developing Smarter Therapeutics and Biosensors to Combat Infectious Diseases and Beyond
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MISSION
Bacterial infections remain a major global health threat, and the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is reducing the effectiveness of many current treatments. This challenge not only makes infections harder to manage but also places significant strain on healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Our team is developing smarter antimicrobials and biosensors that are more effective therapy against drug-resistant pathogens and more accessible diagnostic tools for wider communities. We approach this challenge through multidisciplinary research that combines pharmaceutical science, materials engineering, and computational methods.
Our ultimate goal is to deliver next-generation solutions that address AMR and support decentralised healthcare worldwide. The details of our current focus areas are outlined below:
Supermetals vs Superbugs
Liquid Metal-based Antimicrobials for Combating Bacterial Infections
We are pioneering novel gallium-based antimicrobials by studying their interactions with biological systems across molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. By incorporating computational methods for molecular screening and structural optimisation, we aim to accelerate the discovery of next-generation antimicrobials that combine high selectivity against drug-resistant pathogens with minimal toxicity to host tissues.
Acknowledgement:
Standard Research Grant (RG\R1\241228). The Royal Society, UK.
International Exchanges 2023 (IEC\NSFC\233339). The Royal Society, UK.
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, UK
Accessible Biosensors
Point-of-Care Biosensors for Infectious Diseases and Beyond
We are developing affordable, user-friendly diagnostic platforms for the rapid and sensitive detection of molecular disease biomarkers. These systems are intended for at-home and community use, enabling early screening and continuous health monitoring. Our ultimate goal is to advance decentralised, accessible healthcare for diverse populations.
Beyond clinical applications, these molecular detection mechanisms can also be adapted to monitor a wide range of targets beyond biofluids, supporting improvements in food safety and environmental monitoring.
Acknowledgement:
Wessex Medical Innovation Fund 2025 (AF06), Wessex Medical Trust, UK.
Internal fundings from the University of Southampton, UK
Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
Join us if you are interested to revolutionise therapeutics and health monitoring with cutting-edge research and innovative solutions!
Funding Agents & Industrial partners
The Royal Society, UK
Wessex Medical Trust, UK
Promega, UK
Call for Papers: Health Nanotechnology (BMC, part of Springer Nature)
Health Nanotechnology is an open access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to communicating scientific and technological advances in healthcare and disease management, with a special emphasis on nanoscale materials and interfaces. Waivers are currently available! Contact me (chengchen.zhang@soton.ac.uk, Associate Editor) for more information.
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