Our group investigates the programmable interactions of light with matter and living systems. We are particularly interested in the absorption, local enhancement, conversion, and transport of optical energy at the micro- and nanoscale, as well as how these processes can be coupled with molecular recognition, gene regulation, and cellular-state transitions. Building on materials physics and chemistry, optics, and optical engineering, our research connects material construction, light–matter interactions, biological information processing, and functional outputs to develop new principles, methods, and devices for disease detection and precision intervention.

Our current research interests include:

• Programmable micro- and nano-optical biosensing: We integrate surface plasmonics, optical fiber waveguides, optical microcavities, and integrated photonic structures with CRISPR systems, functional nucleic acids, and molecular logic circuits. We investigate the physical mechanisms through which molecular recognition events are converted into quantitative optical signals and develop multiplexed, in situ, and dynamic analytical methods for complex biological samples.

• Light-driven gene regulation and adaptive therapy: We couple photothermal, photochemical, and localized optical-field effects with genome editing, thermoresponsive molecular switches, and cellular stress-response networks. Our research seeks to elucidate the relationships among optical energy input, molecular feedback regulation, and cell-fate determination, with the aim of achieving spatially and temporally controlled therapeutic intervention at reduced optical and thermal doses.

• Biomanufactured photonic materials and living hybrid systems: We employ microorganisms or cells as active chassis for the synthesis and assembly of functional materials. Particular emphasis is placed on metal-ion uptake, reduction, nucleation, and intracellular biomineralization, as well as the relationships among material structure, optoelectronic properties, and biological effects. These studies aim to establish living hybrid systems that integrate in situ material production, photonic energy conversion, biological targeting, and cellular-state regulation.

• Integrated optical devices and systems for diagnosis and therapy: For applications involving complex biological samples and living systems, we combine fiber-optic sensing, integrated photonic chips, microfluidics, photoelectrochemical interfaces, optical imaging, and precision measurement. Our goal is to develop integrated technological platforms spanning molecular detection, information analysis, and localized intervention.

We welcome students with backgrounds in materials science, chemistry, physics, optics, electronics, biology, or biomedical engineering. Student projects will be designed around new scientific questions and methodological advances, with an emphasis on mechanistic discovery, technological innovation, and experimentally verifiable functional systems. Previously published materials, molecular targets, and disease models will serve as methodological foundations rather than templates for routine replication.

• 2016–2020: Ph.D. in Medical Science, Shimane University, Japan
• 2012–2015: M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Ningxia Medical University, China
• 2008–2012: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, China

   

1. Bismuthene-Based Nanoplatform for Synergistic Thermogenetic CRISPR and Photothermal Cancer Therapy. Nano Letters, 2026. (First author & corresponding author)
2. Ultra-sensitive detection of microRNA in intraocular fluid using optical fiber sensing technology for central nervous system lymphoma diagnosis. Reports on Progress in Physics, 2025. (Corresponding author)
3. Ultrasensitive DNA Origami Plasmon Sensor for Accurate Detection in Circulating Tumor DNAs. Laser & Photonics Reviews, 2024. (First author)
4. Light-guided Genetic Scissors Based on Phosphorene Quantum Dot. Laser & Photonics Reviews, 2024. (First author)
5. CRISPR-Cas13a-powered electrochemical biosensor for the detection of the L452R mutation in clinical samples of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2023. (First author)
6. CRISPR-powered optothermal nanotweezers: Diverse bio-nanoparticle manipulation and single nucleotide identification. Light: Science and Applications, 2023. (Co-author)
7. Ultrasensitive and Specific Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Empowered a Plasmonic Fiber Tip System for Amplification-Free Monkeypox Virus Detection and Genotyping. ACS Nano, 2023. (Co-author)
8. A CRISPR/Cas12a empowered Surface Plasmon Resonance Platform for Rapid and Specific Diagnosis of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2. National Science Review, 2022. (First author)
9. A Highly Sensitive CRISPR-Empowered Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Diagnosis of Inherited Diseases with Femtomolar-Level Real-Time Quantification. Advanced Science, 2022. (Co-author)
10. CRISPR-Cas12a-Empowered Electrochemical Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant. Nano-Micro Letters, 2022. (Co-author & corresponding author)

1. Biosensor and its preparation method and application. Patent No.: ZL 2022 1 0790194.4 (2026, co-inventor)
2. SPR biosensor chip, chip modification method, SARS-CoV-2 detection kit and detection method. Patent No.: ZL 2021 1 0204875.3 (2023, co-inventor)
3. A CRISPR-SPR biosensor chip and its preparation method and application. Patent No.: ZL 2022 1 0232411.8 (2023, co-inventor)

1 Low-dimensional and biomanufactured photonic materials; structure–property–biological-effect relationships of photoresponsive materials

2 Biophotonics, surface plasmonics, and micro- and nanoscale optical-field control; light-driven regulation of molecular and cellular functions

3 Programmable optical biosensing; fiber-optic and integrated photonic devices; integrated optical systems for diagnosis and therapy

• (2025) First Prize of Provincial Technological Invention Award – "Key technology and application of tumor therapy equipment based on ultrafast laser and high-performance black phosphorus photosensitive materials"

National Natural Science Foundation of China, General Program, "Mechanisms of Real-time Photodynamic Therapy Monitoring Based on Allosteric CRISPR In Situ RNA Orthogonal Imaging" Grant No. 62675058, Principal Investigator, 2027.1-2030.12.