Associate Professor Sophia Gu

Associate Professor Sophia Gu

Associate Professor

PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Australia

Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, The University of Queensland, Australia

Engineering
School of Chemical Engineering

Zi (Sophia) Gu is an Associate Professor and Head of NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory at School of Chemical Engineering of UNSW. After PhD training at The University of Queensland and Cornell University (US), she was awarded an NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical Fellowship in 2014, prior to joining UNSW in 2016. Currently, she leads a NanoBiotechnology Research Group working on multidisciplinary research projects that combine the knowledge and skills across material chemistry, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology, and developed several nanoparticle platforms for disease diagnosis and treatment. She has published >70 research papers and filed a provisional patent. Most of these publications are in top tier journals in the fields of Material Science (Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Materials Horizons), Nanotechnology (Advanced Science, Small, Small Methods), Chemistry (Chemistry of Materials), Biomaterials (Biomaterials), and Pharmaceutical Science (Journal of Controlled Release, Pharmaceutics). She has been awarded several competitive grants and awards and has several academic leadership roles such as international conference chair and an Associate Editor for the Journal of Nanobiotechnology (Springer Nature).

Research Appointments

Associate Professor, University of New South Wales, 2023-present
Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales, 2019-2022
Lecturer and NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical Fellow, University of New South Wales, 2016-2018

NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical Fellow, University of Queensland, 2014-2016
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Queensland, 2011-2013
Research Scholar, Cornell University, US, 2010

Research Projects

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for precision diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases. My research group utilises interdisciplinary approaches that bring together material chemistry, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology to synthesise functional nanoparticles, optimise their biomedical properties, and develop smart nanoparticles and advanced delivery strategies. Major themes of our research:

Research theme 1: Targeted, controlled and selective drug delivery system. 

Research theme 2: Bioimaging probe/contrast agent design and development for disease diagnosis and monitoring. 

Research theme 3: Multifunctional bioactive nanoparticles, biomimetic nanoparticles, catalytic nanomedicine 

My Expertise

Drug delivery | Bio-imaging contrast agent design and development | Theranostic nanomedicine | Bio-nano interface | Nanozyme | Catalytic nanomedicine | Nanoparticles for cancer therapy, cardiovascular disease | Nanoparticle synthesis and modification | Two-dimensional nanomaterials | Antibacterial Materials

We are looking for highly motivated, intelligent and team-playing students to do their PhD, Master by Philosophy, or Honours project in our group. 
Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Domestic Research Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/domestic-research-scholarships
International Research Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/international-research-scholarships
UNSW-China Scholarship Council (CSC) Joint Scholarship program. For more details, click here. To apply CSC, click here. Top-up scholarship (7k pa) will be provided to CSC awardees.
UNSW / HEC Pakistan Joint Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/unsw-home-country-joint-scholarships;
UNSW / CONICYT Chile Joint Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/unsw-home-country-joint-scholarships;
Postdoc and Research Assistant positions are available at specific time. 


Course Teaching
CEIC6712 Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering

CEIC2007 Chemical Engineering Laboratory
CEIC Thesis A, B, C (project supervision)

 

Phone
+61 2 93854964
  • Book Chapters | 2012
    Gu Z; Rolfe BE; Thomas AC; Campbell JH; Lu GQ; Xu ZP, 2012, 'Heparin-related Nanomaterials', in Piyathilake DE; Liang R (ed.), Heparin, Properties, Uses and Side Effects, Nova Publisher, pp. 159 - 178
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Chen W; Wang W; Xie Z; Centurion F; Sun B; Paterson DJ; Tsao SCH; Chu D; Shen Y; Mao G; Gu Z, 2024, 'Size-Dependent Penetration of Nanoparticles in Tumor Spheroids: A Multidimensional and Quantitative Study of Transcellular and Paracellular Pathways', Small, 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.202304693
    Journal articles | 2024
    Ye Q; Kwon S; Gu Z; Selomulya C, 2024, 'Stable nanoemulsions for poorly soluble curcumin: From production to digestion response in vitro', Journal of Molecular Liquids, 394, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2023.123720
    Journal articles | 2024
    Zhang H; Ge A; Wang Y; Xia B; Wang X; Zheng Z; Wei C; Ma B; Zhu L; Amal R; Yun SLJ; Gu Z, 2024, 'Intracellular Delivery of Therapeutic Protein via Ultrathin Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets', Pharmaceutics, 16, pp. 422 - 422, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16030422
    Journal articles | 2024
    Zhang M; Gao Z; Hakobyan K; Li W; Gu Z; Peng S; Liang K; Xu J, 2024, 'Rapid, Tough, and Trigger-Detachable Hydrogel Adhesion Enabled by Formation of Nanoparticles In Situ', Small, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.202310572
    Journal articles | 2023
    Afshari MJ; Cheng X; Duan G; Duan R; Wu S; Zeng J; Gu Z; Gao M, 2023, 'Vision for Ratiometric Nanoprobes: In Vivo Noninvasive Visualization and Readout of Physiological Hallmarks', ACS Nano, 17, pp. 7109 - 7134, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c01641
    Journal articles | 2023
    Li J; Centurion F; Chen R; Gu Z, 2023, 'Intravascular Imaging of Atherosclerosis by Using Engineered Nanoparticles', Biosensors, 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/bios13030319
    Journal articles | 2023
    Lyu N; Sun B; Tukova A; Zhang Q; Gu Z; Wang Y, 2023, 'In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles on layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for multiplexing molecular imaging of single cells', Materials Today Chemistry, 33, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2023.101698
    Journal articles | 2023
    Peguda HK; Lakshminarayanan R; Carnt NA; Gu Z; Willcox MDP, 2023, 'Correction to: The Activity of Polyhomoarginine against Acanthamoeba castellanii (Biology, (2022), 11, 12, (1726), 10.3390/biology11121726)', Biology, 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology12030470
    Journal articles | 2023
    Tan TH; Zhang H; Xie B; Mann R; Peng L; Yun SLJ; Amal R; Gu Z; Gunawan C, 2023, 'Hydroxyl Radical Generating Monovalent Copper Particles for Antimicrobial Application', Journal of Nanomaterials, 2023, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8812824
    Journal articles | 2023
    Zhang Q; Liang J; Bongers A; Richardson JJ; Liang K; Gu Z, 2023, 'Site-Specific Antibody Assembly on Nanoparticles via a Versatile Coating Method for Improved Cell Targeting', Advanced Science, 10, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.202206546
    Journal articles | 2023
    Zhang X; Centurion F; Misra A; Patel S; Gu Z, 2023, 'Molecularly targeted nanomedicine enabled by inorganic nanoparticles for atherosclerosis diagnosis and treatment', Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 194, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2023.114709
    Journal articles | 2023
    Zong L; Yu Y; Wang J; Liu P; Feng W; Dai X; Chen L; Gunawan C; Jimmy Yun SL; Amal R; Cheong S; Gu Z; Chen Y, 2023, 'Oxygen-vacancy-rich molybdenum carbide MXene nanonetworks for ultrasound-triggered and capturing-enhanced sonocatalytic bacteria eradication', Biomaterials, 296, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122074
    Journal articles | 2022
    Guo Z; Xie W; Zhang Q; Lu J; Ye J; Gao X; Xu W; Fahad A; Xie Y; Wei Y; Wu H; Boyer C; Zhao L; Gu Z, 2022, 'Photoactivation-triggered in situ self-supplied H2O2 for boosting chemodynamic therapy via layered double Hydroxide-mediated catalytic cascade reaction', Chemical Engineering Journal, 446, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.137310
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hu T; Gu Z; Williams GR; Strimaite M; Zha J; Zhou Z; Zhang X; Tan C; Liang R, 2022, 'Layered double hydroxide-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications', Chemical Society Reviews, 51, pp. 6126 - 6176, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d2cs00236a
    Journal articles | 2022
    Liu R; Yang C; Huang Z; French R; Gu Z; Cheng J; Guo K; Xu J, 2022, 'Unraveling Sequence Effect on Glass Transition Temperatures of Discrete Unconjugated Oligomers', Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 43, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/marc.202100666
    Journal articles | 2022
    Meng J; Zhang P; Chen Q; Wang Z; Gu Y; Ma J; Li W; Yang C; Qiao Y; Hou Y; Jing L; Wang Y; Gu Z; Zhu L; Xu H; Lu X; Gao M, 2022, 'Two-Pronged Intracellular Co-Delivery of Antigen and Adjuvant for Synergistic Cancer Immunotherapy', Advanced Materials, 34, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202202168
    Journal articles | 2022
    Peguda HK; Carnt NA; Gu Z; Kumar N; Willcox MDP; Kuppusamy R, 2022, 'The Anti-Amoebic Activity of a Peptidomimetic against Acanthamoeba castellanii', Microorganisms, 10, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122377
    Journal articles | 2022
    Peguda HK; Lakshminarayanan R; Carnt NA; Gu Z; Willcox MDP, 2022, 'The Activity of Polyhomoarginine against Acanthamoeba castellanii', Biology, 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology11121726
    Journal articles | 2022
    Wang X; Zhu L; Gu Z; Dai L, 2022, 'Carbon nanomaterials for phototherapy', Nanophotonics, 11, pp. 4955 - 4976, http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/nanoph-2022-0574
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yao C; Qi H; Jia X; Xu Y; Tong Z; Gu Z; Yang D, 2022, 'A DNA Nanocomplex Containing Cascade DNAzymes and Promoter-Like Zn-Mn-Ferrite for Combined Gene/Chemo-dynamic Therapy', Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 61, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.202113619
    Journal articles | 2022
    Zhang H; Zhang L; Cao Z; Cheong S; Boyer C; Wang Z; Yun SLJ; Amal R; Gu Z, 2022, 'Two-Dimensional Ultra-Thin Nanosheets with Extraordinarily High Drug Loading and Long Blood Circulation for Cancer Therapy', Small, 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.202200299
    Journal articles | 2022
    Zhang H; Zhang Q; Guo Z; Liang K; Boyer C; Liu J; Zheng Z; Amal R; Yun SLJ; Gu Z, 2022, 'Disulfiram-loaded metal organic framework for precision cancer treatment via ultrasensitive tumor microenvironment-responsive copper chelation and radical generation', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 615, pp. 517 - 526, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2022.01.187
    Journal articles | 2022
    Zhang Q; Zhou D; Fang G; Lu H; Zeng J; Gu Z, 2022, 'Cell-Derived Biomimetic 2D Nanoparticles to Improve Cell-Specific Targeting and Tissue Penetration for Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging', Advanced Materials Interfaces, 9, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101914
    Journal articles | 2021
    Cao Z; Zhang L; Liu J; Wang D; Liang K; Chen Y; Gu Z, 2021, 'A dual enzyme-mimicking radical generator for enhanced photodynamic therapy: Via series-parallel catalysis', Nanoscale, 13, pp. 17386 - 17395, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d1nr04104e
    Journal articles | 2021
    Guo Z; Xie W; Lu J; Guo X; Chi Y; Wang D; Takuya N; Xu W; Ye J; Liu X; Gu Z; Xu B; Wu H; Zhao L, 2021, 'Ferrous ions doped layered double hydroxide: Smart 2D nanotheranostic platform with imaging-guided synergistic chemo/photothermal therapy for breast cancer', Biomaterials Science, 9, pp. 5928 - 5938, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d1bm00765c
    Journal articles | 2021
    Han J; Cui Y; Gu Z; Yang D, 2021, 'Controllable assembly/disassembly of polyphenol-DNA nanocomplex for cascade-responsive drug release in cancer cells', Biomaterials, 273, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120846
    Journal articles | 2021
    Han J; Cui Y; Li F; Gu Z; Yang D, 2021, 'Responsive disassembly of nucleic acid nanocomplex in cells for precision medicine', Nano Today, 39, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2021.101160
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li F; Yu W; Zhang J; Dong Y; Ding X; Ruan X; Gu Z; Yang D, 2021, 'Spatiotemporally programmable cascade hybridization of hairpin DNA in polymeric nanoframework for precise siRNA delivery', Nature Communications, 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21442-7
    Journal articles | 2021
    Peguda HK; Mahbub SB; Sherpa TD; Subedi D; Habibalahi A; Anwer AG; Gu Z; Willcox MDP; Goldys EM; Carnt NA, 2021, 'The autofluorescence patterns of acanthamoeba castellanii, pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus: Effects of antibiotics and tetracaine', Pathogens, 10, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10070894
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wang X; Hu C; Gu Z; Dai L, 2021, 'Understanding of catalytic ROS generation from defect-rich graphene quantum-dots for therapeutic effects in tumor microenvironment', Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 19, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12951-021-01053-6
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wang X; Yan M; Zhou J; Song W; Xiao Y; Cui C; Gao W; Ke F; Zhu J; Gu Z; Hou R, 2021, 'Delivery of acetamiprid to tea leaves enabled by porous silica nanoparticles: efficiency, distribution and metabolism of acetamiprid in tea plants', BMC Plant Biology, 21, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12870-021-03120-4
    Journal articles | 2021
    Zhao H; Li T; Yao C; Gu Z; Liu C; Li J; Yang D, 2021, 'Dual Roles of Metal-Organic Frameworks as Nanocarriers for miRNA Delivery and Adjuvants for Chemodynamic Therapy', ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 13, pp. 6034 - 6042, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c21006
    Journal articles | 2021
    Zhao H; Lv J; Li F; Zhang Z; Zhang C; Gu Z; Yang D, 2021, 'Enzymatical biomineralization of DNA nanoflowers mediated by manganese ions for tumor site activated magnetic resonance imaging', Biomaterials, 268, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120591
    Journal articles | 2020
    Cao Z; Li B; Sun L; Li L; Xu ZP; Gu Z, 2020, '2D Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles: Recent Progress toward Preclinical/Clinical Nanomedicine', Small Methods, 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smtd.201900343
    Journal articles | 2020
    Ge J; Zhang Q; Zeng J; Gu Z; Gao M, 2020, 'Radiolabeling nanomaterials for multimodality imaging: New insights into nuclear medicine and cancer diagnosis', Biomaterials, 228, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119553
    Journal articles | 2020
    Guo X; Li F; Liu C; Zhu Y; Xiao N; Gu Z; Luo D; Jiang J; Yang D, 2020, 'Construction of Organelle-Like Architecture by Dynamic DNA Assembly in Living Cells', Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 59, pp. 20651 - 20658, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.202009387
    Journal articles | 2020
    Guo X; Li F; Liu C; Zhu Y; Xiao N; Gu Z; Luo D; Jiang J; Yang D, 2020, 'Construction of Organelle-Like Architecture by Dynamic DNA Assembly in Living Cells', Angewandte Chemie, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ange.202009387
    Journal articles | 2020
    Guo Z; Liu J; Li Y; McDonald JA; Bin Zulkifli MY; Khan SJ; Xie L; Gu Z; Kong B; Liang K, 2020, 'Biocatalytic metal-organic framework nanomotors for active water decontamination', Chemical Communications, 56, pp. 14837 - 14840, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0cc06429g
    Journal articles | 2020
    Li B; Hao G; Sun B; Gu Z; Xu ZP, 2020, 'Engineering a Therapy-Induced “Immunogenic Cancer Cell Death” Amplifier to Boost Systemic Tumor Elimination', Advanced Functional Materials, 30, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201909745
    Journal articles | 2020
    Liu J; Guo Z; Kordanovski M; Kaltbeitzel J; Zhang H; Cao Z; Gu Z; Wich PR; Lord M; Liang K, 2020, 'Metal-organic frameworks as protective matrices for peptide therapeutics', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 576, pp. 356 - 363, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2020.05.057
    Journal articles | 2020
    Lu J; Guo Z; Che S; Gao F; Gu Z; Xu J; Chi Y; Xu W; Zhang J; Takuya N; Yu J; Zhao L, 2020, 'Dihydroartemisinin loaded layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for tumor specific photothermal-chemodynamic therapy', Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 8, pp. 11082 - 11089, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0tb01964j
    Journal articles | 2020
    Lv J; Dong Y; Gu Z; Yang D, 2020, 'Programmable DNA Nanoflowers for Biosensing, Bioimaging, and Therapeutics', Chemistry - A European Journal, 26, pp. 14512 - 14524, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.202002242
    Journal articles | 2020
    Tang J; Yao C; Gu Z; Jung S; Luo D; Yang D, 2020, 'Super-Soft and Super-Elastic DNA Robot with Magnetically Driven Navigational Locomotion for Cell Delivery in Confined Space', Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 59, pp. 2490 - 2495, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201913549
    Journal articles | 2020
    Xie W; Guo Z; Gao Q; Wang D; Liang K; Gu Z; Zhao LY, 2020, 'Manganese-Doped Layered Double Hydroxide: A Biodegradable Theranostic Nanoplatform with Tumor Microenvironment Response for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy', ACS Applied Bio Materials, 3, pp. 5845 - 5855, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.0c00564
    Journal articles | 2020
    Zhang H; Cao Z; Zhang Q; Xu J; Yun SLJ; Liang K; Gu Z, 2020, 'Chemotaxis-Driven 2D Nanosheet for Directional Drug Delivery toward the Tumor Microenvironment', Small, 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.202002732
    Journal articles | 2020
    Zhang Q; Liang J; Yun SLJ; Liang K; Yang D; Gu Z, 2020, 'Recent advances in improving tumor-targeted delivery of imaging nanoprobes', Biomaterials Science, 8, pp. 4108 - 4125, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0bm00761g
    Journal articles | 2020
    Zhao H; Liu C; Gu Z; Dong L; Li F; Yao C; Yang D, 2020, 'Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles Containing Hydrogels for Targeted, Sustained, and Autofluorescence-Free Tumor Metastasis Imaging', Nano Letters, 20, pp. 252 - 260, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03755
    Journal articles | 2020
    Zhao H; Zhao H; Jiao Y; Zhu Y; Liu C; Li F; Wang Y; Gu Z; Yang D, 2020, 'Biosynthetic molecular imaging probe for tumor-targeted dual-modal fluorescence/magnetic resonance imaging', Biomaterials, 256, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120220
    Journal articles | 2019
    Gao S; Hou J; Zeng J; Richardson JJ; Gu Z; Gao X; Li D; Gao M; Wang DW; Chen P; Chen V; Liang K; Zhao D; Kong B, 2019, 'Superassembled Biocatalytic Porous Framework Micromotors with Reversible and Sensitive pH-Speed Regulation at Ultralow Physiological H 2 O 2 Concentration', Advanced Functional Materials, 29, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201808900
    Journal articles | 2019
    Guo Z; Wang T; Rawal A; Hou J; Cao Z; Zhang H; Xu J; Gu Z; Chen V; Liang K, 2019, 'Biocatalytic self-propelled submarine-like metal-organic framework microparticles with pH-triggered buoyancy control for directional vertical motion', Materials Today, 28, pp. 10 - 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2019.04.022
    Journal articles | 2019
    Qian X; Zhang J; Gu Z; Chen Y, 2019, 'Nanocatalysts-augmented Fenton chemical reaction for nanocatalytic tumor therapy', Biomaterials, 211, pp. 1 - 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.04.023
    Journal articles | 2019
    Xie W; Guo Z; Cao Z; Gao Q; Wang D; Boyer C; Kavallaris M; Sun X; Wang X; Zhao L; Gu Z, 2019, 'Manganese-Based Magnetic Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticle: A pH-Sensitive and Concurrently Enhanced T1/ T2-Weighted Dual-Mode Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent', ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 5, pp. 2555 - 2562, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01618
    Journal articles | 2019
    Yuan Y; Gu Z; Yao C; Luo D; Yang D, 2019, 'Nucleic Acid–Based Functional Nanomaterials as Advanced Cancer Therapeutics', Small, 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.201900172
    Journal articles | 2019
    Zhang P; Ouyang S; Li P; Gu Z; Huang Y; Deng S, 2019, 'Effect of anion co-existence on ionic organic pollutants removal over Ca based layered double hydroxide', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 534, pp. 440 - 446, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2018.09.019
    Journal articles | 2019
    Zhang P; Zeng X; Wen X; Yang C; Ouyang S; Li P; Gu Z; Wu D; Frost RL, 2019, 'Insights into efficient removal and mechanism for ammonium from aqueous solution on tricalcium aluminate', Chemical Engineering Journal, 366, pp. 11 - 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.02.010
    Journal articles | 2019
    Zhao H; Shu G; Zhu J; Fu Y; Gu Z; Yang D, 2019, 'Persistent luminescent metal-organic frameworks with long-lasting near infrared emission for tumor site activated imaging and drug delivery', Biomaterials, 217, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119332
    Journal articles | 2018
    Cao Z; Adnan NNM; Wang G; Rawal A; Shi B; Liu R; Liang K; Zhao L; Gooding JJ; Boyer C; Gu Z, 2018, 'Enhanced colloidal stability and protein resistance of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with phosphonic acid-terminated PEG coating for drug delivery', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 521, pp. 242 - 251, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2018.03.006
    Journal articles | 2018
    Cao Z; Zhang L; Liang K; Cheong S; Boyer C; Gooding JJ; Chen Y; Gu Z, 2018, 'Biodegradable 2D Fe–Al Hydroxide for Nanocatalytic Tumor-Dynamic Therapy with Tumor Specificity', Advanced Science, 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.201801155
    Journal articles | 2018
    Chua S; Fang R; Sun Z; Wu M; Gu Z; Wang Y; Hart JN; Sharma N; Li F; Wang DW, 2018, 'Hybrid Solid Polymer Electrolytes with Two-Dimensional Inorganic Nanofillers', Chemistry - A European Journal, 24, pp. 18180 - 18203, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201804781
    Journal articles | 2018
    Gu Z; Yan S; Cheong S; Cao Z; Zuo H; Thomas AC; Rolfe BE; Xu ZP, 2018, 'Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles: Impact on vascular cells, blood cells and the complement system', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2017.10.069
    Journal articles | 2018
    Li B; Tang J; Chen W; Hao G; Kurniawan N; Gu Z; Xu ZP, 2018, 'Novel theranostic nanoplatform for complete mice tumor elimination via MR imaging-guided acid-enhanced photothermo-/chemo-therapy', Biomaterials, 177, pp. 40 - 51, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.055
    Journal articles | 2017
    Gu Z; Yang B; Yu C, 2017, 'Nanomedicine-Augmented Cancer-Localized Treatment by 3D Theranostic Implants', Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, 13, pp. 871 - 890, http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/jbn.2017.2401
    Journal articles | 2017
    Harrison R; Li L; Gu Z; Xu ZP, 2017, 'Controlling mesoporous silica-coating of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles for drug control release', Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 238, pp. 97 - 104, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2016.04.031
    Journal articles | 2017
    Li B; Gu Z; Kurniawan N; Chen W; Xu ZP, 2017, 'Manganese-Based Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles as a T1-MRI Contrast Agent with Ultrasensitive pH Response and High Relaxivity', Advanced Materials, 29, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.201700373
    Journal articles | 2017
    Qian X; Gu Z; Chen Y, 2017, 'Two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets for theranostic nanomedicine', Materials Horizons, 4, pp. 800 - 816, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c7mh00305f
    Journal articles | 2017
    Zuo H; Chen W; Li B; Xu K; Cooper H; Gu Z; Xu ZP, 2017, 'MnAl Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles as a Dual-Functional Platform for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and siRNA Delivery', Chemistry - A European Journal, 23, pp. 14299 - 14306, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201702835
    Journal articles | 2016
    Li L; Gu Z; Gu W; Liu J; Xu ZP, 2016, 'Efficient drug delivery using SiO2-layered double hydroxide nanocomposites', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 470, pp. 47 - 55, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2016.02.042
    Journal articles | 2016
    Li L; Gu Z; Gu WY; Xu ZP, 2016, 'Direct synthesis of layered double hydroxide nanosheets for efficient siRNA delivery', RSC Advances, 6, pp. 95518 - 95526, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c6ra19225d
    Journal articles | 2016
    Pavlovic M; Li L; Dits F; Gu Z; Adok-Sipiczki M; Szilagyi I, 2016, 'Aggregation of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles in the presence of heparin: Towards highly stable delivery systems', RSC Advances, 6, pp. 16159 - 16167, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c5ra26072h
    Journal articles | 2015
    Gu Z; Atherton JJ; Xu ZP, 2015, 'Hierarchical layered double hydroxide nanocomposites: Structure, synthesis and applications', Chemical Communications, 51, pp. 3024 - 3036, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c4cc07715f
    Journal articles | 2015
    Gu Z; Zuo H; Li L; Wu A; Xu ZP, 2015, 'Pre-coating layered double hydroxide nanoparticles with albumin to improve colloidal stability and cellular uptake', Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 3, pp. 3331 - 3339, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c5tb00248f
    Journal articles | 2015
    Gu Z; Zuo H; Wu A; Xu ZP, 2015, 'Stabilization of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles by bovine serum albumin pre-coating for drug/gene delivery', JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE, 213, pp. E150 - E151, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.05.255
    Journal articles | 2015
    Shi S; Fliss BC; Gu Z; Zhu Y; Hong H; Valdovinos HF; Hernandez R; Goel S; Luo H; Chen F; Barnhart TE; Nickles RJ; Xu ZP; Cai W, 2015, 'Chelator-Free Labeling of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles for in Vivo PET Imaging', Scientific Reports, 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep16930
    Journal articles | 2015
    Zuo H; Gu Z; Cooper H; Xu ZP, 2015, 'Crosslinking to enhance colloidal stability and redispersity of layered double hydroxide nanoparticles', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 459, pp. 10 - 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.063
    Journal articles | 2014
    Gu Z; Wu A; Li L; Xu ZP, 2014, 'Influence of hydrothermal treatment on physicochemical properties and drug release of anti-inflammatory drugs of intercalated layered double hydroxide nanoparticles', Pharmaceutics, 6, pp. 235 - 248, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics6020235
    Journal articles | 2013
    Gu Z; Rolfe BE; Thomas AC; Xu ZP, 2013, 'Restenosis treatments using nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems', Current Pharmaceutical Design, 19, pp. 6330 - 6339, http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612811319350009
    Journal articles | 2013
    Yang D; Peng S; Hartman MR; Gupton-Campolongo T; Rice EJ; Chang AK; Gu Z; Lu GQ; Luo D, 2013, 'Enhanced transcription and translation in clay hydrogel and implications for early life evolution', Scientific Reports, 3, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep03165
    Journal articles | 2012
    Gu Z; Rolfe BE; Xu ZP; Campbell JH; Lu GQM; Thomas AC, 2012, 'Antibody-targeted drug delivery to injured arteries using layered double hydroxide nanoparticles', Advanced Healthcare Materials, 1, pp. 669 - 673, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adhm.201200069
    Journal articles | 2011
    Gu Z; Rolfe BE; Thomas AC; Campbell JH; Lu GQM; Xu ZP, 2011, 'Cellular trafficking of low molecular weight heparin incorporated in layered double hydroxide nanoparticles in rat vascular smooth muscle cells', Biomaterials, 32, pp. 7234 - 7240, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.05.083
    Journal articles | 2011
    Xu ZP; Gu Z; Cheng X; Rasoul F; Whittaker AK; Lu GQM, 2011, 'Controlled release of ketorolac through nanocomposite films of hydrogel and LDH nanoparticles', Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 13, pp. 1253 - 1264, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11051-010-0118-9
    Journal articles | 2010
    Gu Z; Rolfe BE; Xu ZP; Thomas AC; Campbell JH; Lu GQM, 2010, 'Enhanced effects of low molecular weight heparin intercalated with layered double hydroxide nanoparticles on rat vascular smooth muscle cells', Biomaterials, 31, pp. 5455 - 5462, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.03.050
    Journal articles | 2008
    Gu Z; Thomas AC; Xu ZP; Campbell JH; Lu GQ, 2008, 'In vitro sustained release of LMWH from MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanohybrids', Chemistry of Materials, 20, pp. 3715 - 3722, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cm703602t
    Journal articles | 2008
    Pang Z; Tan X; Ding R; Gu Z; Liu S, 2008, 'Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance of SrTi0.9Li0.1O3 ultrafine powders', Ceramics International, 34, pp. 1805 - 1810, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2007.06.012
    Journal articles | 2007
    Tan X; Pang Z; Gu Z; Liu S, 2007, 'Catalytic perovskite hollow fibre membrane reactors for methane oxidative coupling', Journal of Membrane Science, 302, pp. 109 - 114, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2007.06.033
  • Preprints | 2021
    Wang X; Hu C; Gu ZS; Dai L, 2021, Understanding of Catalytic ROS Generation From Defect-Rich Graphene Quantum-Dots for Therapeutic Effects in Tumor Microenvironment, , http://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-657051/v1
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Li L; Gu Z; Gu W; Xu ZP, 2015, 'Efficient drug delivery for cancer treatment using SiO2-LDH nanocomposites', in Efficient drug delivery for cancer treatment using SiO2-LDH nanocomposites, Washington D.C., presented at 10th Annual TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo, Washington D.C., 25 June 2015 - 27 June 2015
    Preprints |
    Guo Z; Xie W; Zhang Q; Lu J; Ye J; Gao X; Xu W; Fahad A; Xie Y; Wei Y; Wu H; Boyer C; Zhao L; Gu Z, Photoactivation-Triggered in Situ Self-Supplied H2o2 for Boosting Chemodynamic Therapy Via Nanosheet-Mediated Catalytic Cascade Reaction, , http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4013484

 

National Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant (2023)

ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) (2023)

NSW Health Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program (2022)

UNSW RNA Institute Seed Grant (2022)

ARC Discovery Project (DP) (2020)

UNSW-CAS Joint Research Fund (2019)

Industrial Contract Research Fund (2019)

Australian Centre for NanoMedicine Seed Research Fund (2017)

UNSW-Tsinghua Joint Research Fund (2016)

NHMRC Fellowship (Peter Doherty Biomedical EC Fellowship) (2014)

Ian Potter Foundation Travel Award (2014)

2022 Nanoscale Emerging Investigator Award

2021 Outstanding Reviewer Award, Nanoscale

2020, 2021 Outstanding Editor Award, Journal of Nanobiotechnology

2019, Academic & Professional Women in Leadership Program, UNSW

2018, Research Excellence Award, Australian Association of Chinese Biomedical Scientists

2018, Rising Star Award, Australian Association of Chinese Biomedical Scientists

2017, Monash Engineering Women's Leadership Award

2014-2018, NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical EC Fellowship

2014, Ian Potter Foundation Travel Award

2013, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Award, The University of Queensland

2010, Graduate School International Travel Award, The University of Queensland

2008-2010, Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship

2007, Best Student Poster Award at 4th ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials Annual Conference

Research Projects

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for precision diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases. My research group utilises interdisciplinary approaches that bring together material chemistry, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology to synthesise functional nanoparticles, optimise their biomedical properties, and develop smart nanoparticles and advanced delivery strategies. Major interests of our research:

Research interest 1: Targeted, controlled and selective drug delivery system. 

Research interest 2: Bioimaging probe/contrast agent design for disease diagnosis. 

Research interest 3: Multifunctional bioactive nanoparticles, biomimetic nanoparticles, catalytic nanomedicine 

 

My Expertise


Drug delivery | Bio-imaging nanoprobe construction and application | Theranostic nanomedicine | Bio-nano interface | Nanozyme | Catalytic nanomedicine | Nanoparticles for cancer therapy, cardiovascular disease | Nanoparticle synthesis and modification | Two-dimensional nanomaterials

 

 

Ten Most Significant Career Publications

  1. Cao Z; Zhang L; Liang K; Cheong S; Boyer C; Gooding JJ; Chen Y;* Gu Z,* 2018, 'Biodegradable 2D Fe–Al Hydroxide for Nanocatalytic Tumor-Dynamic Therapy with Tumor Specificity', Advanced Science, vol. 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.201801155, (IF 16.8)
  2. Li B; Gu Z;* Kurniawan N; Chen W; Xu ZP,* 2017, 'Manganese-Based Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles as a T 1 -MRI Contrast Agent with Ultrasensitive pH Response and High Relaxivity', Advanced Materials, vol. 29, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.201700373 (IF 30.85)
  3. Li B; Hao G; Sun B; Gu Z;* Xu ZP,* 2020, 'Engineering a Therapy-Induced “Immunogenic Cancer Cell Death” Amplifier to Boost Systemic Tumor Elimination', Advanced Functional Materials, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201909745 (IF 18.81)
  4. Zhang H; Zhang L; Cao Z; Cheong S; Boyer C; Wang Z; Yun S.L.J; Amal R; Gu Z,* 2022, Two-dimensional ultrathin nanosheets with extraordinarily high drug loading and long blood circulation for cancer therapy Small DOI:10.1002/smll.202200299, accepted in March 2022. (IF 13.28)
  5. Zhang H; Cao Z; Zhang Q; Xu J; Yun SLJ; Liang K;* Gu Z,* 2020, 'Chemotaxis-Driven 2D Nanosheet for Directional Drug Delivery toward the Tumor Microenvironment', Small, vol. 16, pp. e2002732, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smll.202002732 (IF 13.28)
  6. Cao Z; Li B; Sun L; Li L; Xu ZP;* Gu Z,* 2020, '2D Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles: Recent Progress toward Preclinical/Clinical Nanomedicine', Small Methods, vol. 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smtd.201900343 (IF 14.188)
  7. Li B; Tang J; Chen W; Hao G; Kurniawan N; Gu Z;* Xu ZP*, 2018, 'Novel theranostic nanoplatform for complete mice tumor elimination via MR imaging-guided acid-enhanced photothermo-/chemo-therapy', Biomaterials, vol. 177, pp. 40 - 51, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.055, (IF 12.48)
  8. Guo Z; Wang T; Rawal A; Hou J; Cao Z; Zhang H; Xu J; Gu Z;* Chen V; Liang K,* 2019, 'Biocatalytic self-propelled submarine-like metal-organic framework microparticles with pH-triggered buoyancy control for directional vertical motion', Materials Today, vol. 28, pp. 10 - 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mattod.2019.04.022. (IF 31.04)
  9. Gu Z; Rolfe BE; Thomas AC; Campbell JH; Lu GQM; Xu ZP, 2011, 'Cellular trafficking of low molecular weight heparin incorporated in layered double hydroxide nanoparticles in rat vascular smooth muscle cells', Biomaterials, vol. 32, pp. 7234 - 7240, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.05.083 (IF 12.48)
  10. Gu Z; Thomas AC; Xu ZP; Campbell JH; Lu GQ,* 2008, 'In vitro sustained release of LMWH from MgAl-layered double hydroxide nanohybrids', Chemistry of Materials, vol. 20, pp. 3715 - 3722, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cm703602t (IF 10.159)

(*Corresponding author)

 

We are looking for highly motivated, intelligent and team-playing students to do their PhD, Master by Philosophy, or Honours proje in our group. 
Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Domestic Research Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/domestic-research-scholarships
International Research Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/international-research-scholarships
UNSW-China Scholarship Council (CSC) Joint Scholarship program. For more details, click here. To apply CSC, click here. Top-up scholarship (7k pa) will be provided to CSC awardees.
UNSW / HEC Pakistan Joint Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/unsw-home-country-joint-scholarships;
UNSW / CONICYT Chile Joint Scholarship: https://research.unsw.edu.au/unsw-home-country-joint-scholarships;
Postdoc and Research Assistant positions are available at specific time.