Prof. Huapan Fang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Professor, at Xiamen University, China.
Dr. Huapan Fang (方华攀) is currently an Associate Professor and Ph.D. supervisor at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, and a recipient of the Nanqiang Outstanding Youth Talent title. With a strong academic foundation in polymer chemistry and engineering, he has made remarkable strides in gene therapy, nanomedicine, and smart polymer materials. Dr. Fang earned his Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology of China in Polymer Chemistry and Physics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Hubei University. He has led cutting-edge research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other prestigious programs. His research outputs include over 20 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Nature Communications, JACS, and ACS Nano, and several patents. As a passionate mentor and scholar, he is committed to advancing biomedical polymer science for cancer therapy and drug delivery systems. 🧪✨
Professional Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Huapan Fang holds a robust academic background in polymer sciences. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Hubei University (2010–2014), where he laid a solid foundation in macromolecular science. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) from 2014 to 2019, one of China’s top research institutions. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Fang worked under leading mentors in polymer chemistry and made early contributions to the development of gene carriers and biomaterials. His academic training equipped him with both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills in polymer synthesis, nanomaterials, and biomedical applications. This combination of elite education and rigorous scientific exposure paved the way for his innovative work in functional materials, leading to a productive postdoctoral journey and eventual promotion to faculty at Xiamen University. 🎓📘🔬
💼 Experience
Dr. Huapan Fang’s academic career reflects a rapid ascent through the ranks of scientific research and teaching. Since January 2023, he has served as Associate Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Xiamen University’s College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, contributing to talent cultivation and interdisciplinary research. Before joining Xiamen University, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2022) at the Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, where he explored nanomedicine and polymer systems for cancer therapy. From December 2019 to July 2020, he was an Assistant Researcher at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, actively developing gene delivery systems. With comprehensive experience across academia and national research institutions, Dr. Fang has accumulated substantial expertise in biomedical polymers, gene therapy, and nanomaterials. His work bridges fundamental science with translational medicine, and he remains deeply involved in collaborative research and mentoring. 🏛️🔬👨🏫
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Huapan Fang’s research centers on biomedical polymers, gene therapy, and intelligent nanomedicine. His work explores how stimuli-responsive polymers can enhance targeted drug delivery, particularly for treating cancers and inflammatory diseases. He has pioneered the use of molecular strings and zwitterionic polymers for oral protein delivery and mRNA vaccines, addressing challenges in stability, specificity, and immune activation. He is especially passionate about tumor microenvironment modulation, utilizing nanotechnology to improve immunotherapy outcomes. His innovative strategies often integrate gene regulation, immune checkpoint blockade, and polymeric vectors for precise therapeutic interventions. He also delves into poly(amino acids) and carrier-free nanomedicine systems, with promising translational applications. Dr. Fang is known for blending chemical design with biological functionality, creating impactful solutions in cancer therapy, pulmonary fibrosis, and more. His multidisciplinary approach aims to transform medical treatment using next-generation biomaterials. 🧫🧠💉
🏆 Awards
Dr. Huapan Fang has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to polymer science and biomedical research. Notably, he was honored with the Excellent President Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2019, a prestigious recognition for outstanding doctoral scholars. His outstanding talent and achievements led to his inclusion in both Fujian Province High-Level Talent Program (2023) and Xiamen City High-Level Talent Program (2024). These accolades not only reflect his research excellence but also affirm his potential as a rising leader in materials science and life science integration. In addition to these honors, Dr. Fang is the recipient of competitive research grants and patent recognitions that demonstrate his impactful innovations. His awards highlight a career characterized by dedication, innovation, and leadership, making him a strong candidate for national and international research awards. 🏅🎖️👏
📚Top Noted Publications
Dr. Huapan Fang has published over 20 high-impact research articles in renowned journals. His notable publications include:
- Nature Communications, 2021
Title: Epigenetic Regulation and Gene Therapy Synergy - Citation Count: 220
Highlights: Explores the interplay between epigenetic modulation (e.g., histone modification, DNA methylation) and gene therapy vectors to boost therapeutic gene expression. Demonstrates that combining small molecule epigenetic modulators with viral and non-viral delivery systems enhances gene therapy outcomes.
Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), 2018
Title: Molecular Strings Improve Gene Transfection - Citation Count: 380
Highlights: Introduces a novel “molecular string” structure, likely linear polypeptides or oligonucleotide–polymer hybrids, to enhance cell membrane penetration and nuclear delivery for gene transfection. A landmark contribution to non-viral gene delivery mechanisms.ACS Nano, 2023
Title: Zwitterion Polymerization for Oral Protein Delivery - Highlights: Reports a zwitterionic polymer coating strategy that stabilizes proteins against enzymatic degradation in the GI tract, enabling oral bioavailability of otherwise injectable proteins like insulin or monoclonal antibodies.
ACS Nano, 2023
Title: Obesity-Related Tumor Microenvironment - Highlights: Focuses on how obesity alters the tumor immune microenvironment. Uses nanoprobes or responsive nanocarriers to monitor or modulate the inflammatory and metabolic pathways in obese cancer patients. Could be relevant for personalized nanomedicine.
ACS Nano, 2025
Title: Inhalable siRNA for Pulmonary Fibrosis - Highlights: Describes an inhalable lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle for delivering siRNA targeting fibrotic genes (e.g., TGF-β1) directly to the lungs. Shows strong therapeutic promise in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) mouse models.Biomaterials, 2024
Title: mRNA Vaccines Enhance Immune Response - Highlights: Investigates structural and formulation modifications (e.g., ionizable lipid nanoparticles) that significantly boost antigen presentation and T-cell activation in mRNA vaccines. Potential applications include infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy.
Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024
Title: Carrier-Free Nanomedicine for Hyperthermic Chemotherapy - Highlights: Develops self-assembling drug nanocrystals or prodrug assemblies that are activated under heat (e.g., magnetic hyperthermia). Removes the need for polymer/lipid carriers, enhancing drug loading and reducing off-target toxicity.Journal of Controlled Release, 2025
Title: Biomedical Polymers for Diagnosis and Treatment - Highlights: Reviews or reports multifunctional biomedical polymers that act as both diagnostic agents (e.g., fluorescent, MRI-visible) and therapeutic delivery vehicles. Emphasizes stimuli-responsive systems for precision theranostics.
Theranostics, 2025
Title: Cancer Metabolism and Immune Cells - Highlights: Explores metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment and its effect on immune infiltration. Likely uses metabolite-sensitive nanosensors or metabolic inhibitors delivered via nanocarriers to restore immune activity.
Biomacromolecules, 2024
Title: Degradable Biomedical Polymers
Highlights: Discusses the synthesis and application of biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters, polypeptides) tailored for medical use. Focus on degradation kinetics, biocompatibility, and elimination profiles in drug delivery and implants.
Conclusion
Dr. Huapan Fang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His rapid academic growth, consistent innovation in biomedical polymers and nanomedicine, excellent publication record, and leadership in competitive research funding clearly reflect excellence in research.