Chengchen Zhang Lab@Soton
Developing Smarter Therapeutics and Biosensors to Combat Infectious Diseases and Beyond
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MISSION
Infectious Diseases 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. 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
Metal-based Antimicrobials for Controlling Infection
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 pathogens with minimal toxicity to host tissues.
Acknowledgement:
EPSRC New Investigator Award (APP34994), UKRI, UK.
Standard Research Grant (RG\R1\241228). The Royal Society, UK.
International Exchanges 2023 (IEC\NSFC\233339). The Royal Society, UK.
Newton International Fellowship (NIF\R1\231027). The Royal Society, UK.
National Biofilms Innovation Centre, UK
Accessible Biosensors
Point-of-Care Biosensors for Detecting Infection
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.
Acknowledgement:
Wessex Medical Innovation Fund 2025 (AF06), Wessex Medical Trust, UK.
Internal fundings from the University of Southampton, UK
University Hospital Southampton, UK
Infection-on-a-chip Models
Modelling for Understanding Infection
We design infection-on-a-chip models that replicate key bacterial behaviours. These systems allow us to study how bacteria respond to antimicrobials and innovative drug delivery systems with greater precision than conventional methods.
Acknowledgement:
International Exchanges 2025 (IES\R2\252009). The Royal Society, UK.
Join us if you are interested to revolutionise therapeutics and health monitoring with cutting-edge research and innovative solutions!
Funding Agents
EPSRC, UKRI, UK
The Royal Society, UK
Wessex Medical Trust, UK
University of Southampton, UK
Collaborators
UK Health Security Agency, UK
University Hospital Southampton, UK
Promega, UK
Call for Papers
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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