Neuropeptide-based molecular probes development and application in cancers and neurosciences.

Nov. 2008 - Sep. 2012 Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Germany

Ph. D in Neurochemical Analysis by research in the Department of Physiology of Cognitive Processes.   

Sep. 2004 - Jul. 2007 Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China

Master in Pharmaceutical Analysis by research in in the Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy.

Sep. 2000 - Jul. 2004 Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China

Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry by study in the Department of Chemical Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering.

   

Jan. 2019 – present Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Professor in Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering

Dec. 2014 – Dec. 2018 Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Associate Professor in Nano Biomaterials Group in the Department of Functional Materials and NanoDevices

Sep. 2012 – Nov.2014 Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assistant Professor in Nano Biomaterials Group in the Department of Functional Materials and NanoDevices

1.       Hongying Bao, Manxiang Wu, Jie Xing, Zihou Li, Yuenan Zhang, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Enzyme-like nanoparticle-engineered mesenchymal stem cell secreting HGF promotes visualized therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in vivo, Science Advances 2024, eadq0703.

2.       Xiaolin Duan, Pin Wang, Lulu He, Zhen He, Shiwei Wang, Fang Yang, Changyong Gao, Wenzhi Ren, Jie Lin, Tianxiang Chen, Chen Xu, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Peptide-Functionalized Inorganic Oxide Nanomaterials for Solid Cancer Imaging and Therapy, Advanced Materials 2024, 2311548.

3.       Zhusheng Liu, Chengyuan Hong, Chunshu Pan, Yanzi Sun, Yagui Lv, Yuanyuan Wei, XinfangziWang, WenZang, QuanliangMao, XiaoxiaDeng, PengyuWang, WeihaoZhu, Tianxiang Chen(*), Manxiang Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Synergistically Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy Induced by NIR-II Photothermal Therapy with MRI/CT Imaging Guidance for Colorectal Cancer, ACS Materials Lett. 2024, 6, 5, 1593–1605.

4.       Yuanyuan Wei, Hongying Bao, Le Wang, Yi Cao, Zhusheng Liu, Xueli Zhu, Tianxiang Chen(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Cell-Penetrating Peptides-Mediated Therapeutic Agents Delivery into the Central Nervous System, ACS Materials Lett. 2024, 6, 6, 2239–2258.

5.       Bingru Xiao, Jie Wang, Jie Xing, Lulu He, Chen Xu*, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Unlocking the Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides: Cutting-Edge Advances and Therapeutic Potential in Combating Bacterial Keratitis, Bioconjugate Chem. 2025, 36, 3, 311–331.

6.       Shiwei Wang, Zhen He, Xiaolin Duan, Lulu He, Jie Xing, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Chiral helical peptide nanomaterials: Construction strategies and applications, Nano Today, 2025, 62, 102703.

7.       Wen Zang, Minjie Peng, Yiyu Yang, Chenguang Zhang, Zhusheng Liu, Le Wang, Chaozhen Wang, Jie Lin, Tianxiang Chen, Yujie Zhang(*), Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Colorimetric detection of neomycin sulfate in serum based on ultra-small gold nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 2024, 15, 124686.

8.       Liheng Lu, Nengwen Chen, Bo Yuan, Jie Wang, Lulu He, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Illuminating the invisible: Advancing bio-imaging and diagnosis with modified near-infraredfluorescents, Applied Materials Today, 2024, 38, 102210.

9.       Lulu He, Le Wang, Zhen He, Yiqian Yang, Cheng Heng Pang, Aiguo Wu(*), Bencan Tang(*), Juan Li(*), An Imine-linked Covalent Organic Framework with Intrinsic Photo-induced Mitochondrial Regulation for Breast Cancer Therapy, Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 110717.

10.    Xueli Zhu, Shengmin Zhang, Yi Cao, Xiaojiao Ge, Yi Huang, Feng Mao, Bo Chen, Juan Li(*), Youfeng Xu(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Black phosphorus nanosheets-based tumor microenvironment responsive multifunctional nanosystem for highly efficient photo-/sono-synergistic therapy of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Chinese Chemical Letters, 2023, 108234.

11.    Linzi Chen, Zhenqi Jiang, Lifei Yang, Ye Fang, Shuwei Lu, Ozioma U. Akakuru, Shuaishuai Huang, Juan Li(*), Suya Ma(*), Aiguo Wu(*), HPDA/Zn as a CREB Inhibitor for Ultrasound Imaging and Stabilization of Atherosclerosis Plaque, Chinese Journal of Chemistry 2023, 199-206.

12.    Yi Cao, Xiaojiao Ge, Xueli Zhu, Yingying Han, Pin Wang, Ozioma Udochukwu  Akakuru, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Transformable neuropeptide prodrug with tumor microenvironment responsiveness for tumor growth and metastasis inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer, Advanced Science, 2023, 2300545.

13.    Yuanbo Pan, Yang Zhu, Canxin Xu, Chunshu Pan, Yu Shi, Jianhua Zou, Yanying Li, Xueyin Hu, Bo Zhou, Chenyang Zhao, Qianqian Gao, Jianmin Zhang(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Xiaoyuan Chen(*), and Juan Li(*), Biomimetic Yolk–Shell Nanocatalysts for Activatable Dual-Modal-Image-Guided Triple-Augmented Chemodynamic Therapy of Cancer, ACS Nano 2022, 16：19038-19052.

14.    Yanying Li, Yuanbo Pan, Yinjie Wang, Zhenqi Jiang, Ozioma U. Akakuru, Mingli Li, Xianyun Zhang, Bo Yuan, Jie Xing, Lijia Luo, Dan Larhammar, Aiguo Wu, Juan Li(*); A D-peptide ligand of neuropeptide Y receptor Y₁ serves as nanocarrier traversing of the blood brain barrier and targets glioma, Nano Today, 2022, 44: 101465.

15.    Yanying Li, Xuelu He, Pin Wang, Bo Yuan, Yuanbo Pan, Xueyin Hu, Liheng Lu, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), A D-Y Shaped Neuropeptide Y Mimetic Peptide-Dye Self-Assembly with Maximal Emission Beyond 1300 nm and Glioma Mitochondrial Activity Modulation, Small, 2023, 2308621：1-7.

16.    Yuanbo Pan (#), Canxin Xu (#), Hongzhang Deng, Qing You, Chenyang Zhao, Yanying Li, Qianqian Gao, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Juan Li (*), Jianmin Zhang(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Xiaoyuan Chen(*); Localized NIR-II laser mediated chemodynamic therapy of glioblastoma, Nano Today, 2022, 43: 101435.

17.    Zhenqi Jiang(#), Xiao Han(#), Yang Du(#), Yanying Li, Yong Li, Juan Li (*), Jie Tian, (*) Aiguo Wu (*), Mixed Metal Metal–Organic Frameworks Derived Carbon Supporting ZnFe2O4/C for High-Performance Magnetic Particle Imaging, Nano Letters, 2021, 21, 2730-2737.

18.    Lulu He, Le Wang, Zhen He, Cheng Heng Pang, Bencan Tang, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Strategies for utilizing covalent organic frameworks as host materials for the integration and delivery of bioactives, Materials Horizons, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039 /D3MH01492D.

19.    Xuelu He, Yuan Luo, Yanying Li, Yuanbo Pan, Ryan T. K. Kwok, Lulu He, Xiaolin Duan, Pengfei Zhang(*), AiguoWu(*), Ben Zhong Tan(*), Juan Li(*), D-type neuropeptide decorated AIEgen/RENP hybrid nanoprobes with light-driven ROS generation ability for NIR-II fluorescence imaging-guided through-skull photodynamic therapy of gliomas, Aggregate, 2023, e396：1-11.

20.    Xiaojiao Ge, Yi Cao, Xueli Zhu, Bo Yuan, Lulu He, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Self-Assembly of Organelle-Localized Neuropeptides Triggers Intrinsic Apoptosis Against Breast Cancer, Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2023, 12：2300265.

21.    Canxin Xu, Yuanbo Pan, Hongchi Zhang, Yuhao Sun, Yi Cao, Pengfei Qi, Mingli Li, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Lulu He, Chen Xiao, Bomin Sun, Liuguan Bian(*), Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Platelet-Membrane-Coated Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Neuroprotection by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Repairing Damaged Vessels in Intracerebral Hemorrhag, Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2023, 12：2300797.

22.    Zhenqi Jiang, Bo Yuan, Yinjie Wang, Zhenni Wei, Shan Sun, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Yong Li, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Near-infrared heptamethine cyanine dye-based nanoscale coordination polymers with intrinsic nucleus-targeting for low temperature photothermal therapy, Nano Today, 2020, 34: 100910.

23.    Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Chuang Liu, M. Zubair Iqbal (*), Gohar Ijaz Dar, Gao Yang, Kun Qian, Elvis Ikechukwu Nosike, Jie Xing, Zhoujing Zhang, Yanying Li, Juan Li(*) and Aiguo Wu(*), A Hybrid Organo-Nanotheranostic Platform of Superlative Biocompatibility for Near-Infrared-Triggered Fluorescence Imaging and Synergistically Enhanced Ablation of Tumors, Small, 2020, 2002445.

24.    Wenhao Lv (#), Chen Xu (#), Hao Wu, Yangyang Zhu, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Hui Du, Fang Nie(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*); Ultrasound-visualized nanocarriers with siRNA for targeted inhibition of M2-like TAM polarization to enhance photothermal therapy in NSCLC, Nano Research, 2023, 16: 882-893.

25.    Yinjie Wang (#), Yi Cao (#), Zhenqi Jiang, Yanying Li, Bo Yuan, Jie Xing, Mingli Li, Qianqian Gao, Kaiwei Xu, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*); The neuropeptide Y1 receptor ligand-modified cell membrane promotes targeted photodynamic therapy of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks for breast cancer, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2021, 46: 11280-11287.

26.    Yi Cao, Xiaojiao Ge, Yuanyuan Wei, Lulu He, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Tumor microenvironment-activatable neuropeptide-drug conjugates enhanced tumor penetration and inhibition via multiple delivery pathways and calcium deposition, Chinese Chemical Letters, 2023, 108672：1-10.

27.    Yue Qiu, BoYuan, Yi Cao, Xuelu He, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Liheng Lu, Nengwen Chen, Mengting Xu, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Recent progress on near-infrared fluorescence heptamethine cyanine dye-based molecules and nanoparticles for tumor imaging and treatment, WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology, 2023, 15(e1910)：1-31.

28.    Qianqian Gao, Xuelu He, Lulu He, Jie Lin, Le Wang, Yujiao Xie, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Hollow Cu2xSe-based nanocatalysts for combined photothermal and chemodynamic therapy in the second near-infrared window, Nanoscale, 2023, 15：17987-17995.

29.    Mengting Xu, Jie Xing, Bo Yuan, Lulu He, Liheng Lu, Nengwen Chen, Peijun Cai, Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), Organic small-molecule fluorescent probe-based detection for alkali and alkaline earth metal ions in biological systems, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2023, 11：3295-3306.

30.    Haiyan Gu, Rui Shi, Chen Xu, Wenhao Lv, Xueyin Hu, Canxin Xu, Yuanbo Pan, Xiahong He(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Juan Li(*), EGFR-Targeted Liposomes Combined with Ginsenoside Rh2 Inhibit Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth and Metastasis, Bioconjugate Chemistry, 2023, 34(6)：1157-1165.

31.    Xuelu He (#), Zhenqi Jiang (#), Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*); Nanoscale covalent organic frameworks: from controlled synthesis to cancer therapy, Chemical Communications, 2021, 57: 12417-12435.

32.    Zhenqi Jiang, Yanying Li, Zhenni Wei, Bo Yuan, Yinjie Wang, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Yong Li, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*). Pressure-induced amorphous zeolitic imidazole frameworks with reduced toxicity and increased tumor accumulation improves therapeutic efficacy In vivo. Bioactive Materials, 2021, 6: 740-748.

33.    Linzi Chen (#), Zhenqi Jiang (#), Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Lifei Yang, Juan Li(*), Suya Ma(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Recent progress in the detection and treatment of atherosclerosis by nanoparticles, Materials Today Chemistry 2020, 17: 100280.

34.    Yan Xing , Zhenqi Jiang, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru , Yan He , Aiguo Li , Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Mitochondria-targeting zeolitic imidazole frameworks to overcome platinum-resistant ovarian cancer Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2020, 110837.

35.    Ling Ma, Yinjie Wang, Shengmin Zhang, Xuechen Qian, Nianyu Xue, Zhenqi Jiang, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Juan Li(*), Youfeng Xu(*), Aiguo Wu(*),Deep Penetration of Targeted Nanobubbles Enhanced Cavitation Effect on Thrombolytic Capacity Bioconjugate Chem. 2020, 31, 2, 369–374.

36.    Xuechen Qian, Yinjie Wang, Youfeng Xu, Ling Ma, Nianyu Xue, Zhenqi Jiang, Yi Cao, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Juan Li(*), Shengmin Zhang(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Active targeting nano-scale bubbles enhanced ultrasound cavitation chemotherapy in Y₁ receptor-overexpressed breast cancer J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020,8, 6837-6844.

37.    Yi Cao, Zhenqi Jiang, Yanying Li, Yinjie Wang, Yong Yang, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Tandem post-synthetic modification of a zeolitic imidazolate framework for CXCR4-overexpressed esophageal squamous cell cancer imaging and therapy, Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 12779-12789.

38.    Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Chuang Liu, M. Zubair Iqbal, Gohar Ijaz Dar, Gao Yang, Kun Qian, Elvis Ikechukwu Nosike, Jie Xing, Zhoujing Zhang, Yanying Li, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), A hybrid organo-nanotheranostic platform of superlative biocompatibility for near-infrared-triggered fluorescence imaging and synergistically enhanced ablation of tumor, Small, 2020, 2002445.

39.    Zhenqi Jiang, Bo Yuan, Yinjie Wang, Zhenni Wei, Shan Sun, Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru, Yong Li, Juan Li(*), Aiguo Wu(*), Near-infrared heptamethine cyanine dye-based nanoscale coordination polymers with intrinsic nucleus-targeting for low temperature photothermal therapy, Nano Today, 2020, 100910.

1.Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Application No.:201310407938.0 2.Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Application No.:PCT/CN2014/075727 3. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu, Yuchen Tian. Application No.:201510535764.5 4. Juan Li, Yuchen Tian, Aiguo Wu. Application No.:201610235965.8 5. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Application No. 14/917,256 (US Patent) 6. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Application No. 112014004133.5 (Swiss Patent) 7. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Application No. 00295-16 (German Patent)

Neuropeptide-based molecular probe development and application in cancers and neuroscience field.

1. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y-nanoprobe for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. The Westlake International Forum on Ultrasound in Biomedicine and Biology, Hangzhou, China, 2019. 03.08, Invited Talk

2. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y-nanosystem for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. Zhenzhou, China, 2018.10.27, Talk

3. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y₁ ligands-based nanomedicine for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. Frist Electroanalytical Chemistry Symposium & One Belt and One Road International Collaboration Workshop of CAS, Ningbo, China, 2018.05.02-04, Talk

4. Juan Li. Neuropeptide Y₁R ligands-based nanomedicine for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. ChinaNanomedicine 2018, Shanghai, China, 2018.10.15-17, Invited Talk

5. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y-nanoprobe for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. The 10th National Low-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology and Application Seminar, Ningbo, China, 2018.11.06, Talk

6. Juan Li, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y1 receptor ligands-based nanomedicine for targeted tumor imaging and therapy. XIV International Conference on Nanostructured Materials, Hongkong, China, 2018.06.24-29, Talk.

7. Juan Li, Yuchen Tian, Dingying Shan, Jian Yang, Aiguo Wu. Y₁ receptor-mediated biodegradable photoluminescent nanobubbles as ultrasound contrast agents for targeted breast cancer imaging. 2017 CASNN Annual Meeting, Suzhou, China, 2017.07.29-31, Poster

8. Juan Li, Yuchen Tian, Dingying Shan, An Gong, Leyong Zeng, Wenzhi Ren, Lingchao Xiang, Ethan Gerhard, Jinshun Zhao, Jian Yang, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y Y₁ receptor-mediated biodegradable photoluminescent nanobubbles as ultrasound contrast agents for targeted breast cancer imaging, The 2nd International Symposium on Translational Nanomedicine, Guangzhou, China, 2017.01.05-07, Poster

9. Juan Li, Yuchen Tian, Aiguo Wu. Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors-based nanoparticulate delivery system for targeted imaging and therapy of breast cancer. 10th World Biomaterials Congress (WBC2016), Montreal, Canada, 2016.05.17-22, Poster

10. Juan Li, Yuchen Tian, Dingying Shan, Mengying Hu, Lingchao Xiang, Jian Yang, Aiguo Wu. Y1 receptor-mediated nanoparticles for targeted breast cancer imaging and therapy. Precision Nanomedicine Symposium 2016, Beijing, China, 2016.07.08-11, Poster

11. Juan Li, Neuropeptide Y receptors: a promising target for breat cancer imaging and therapy. 2nd China-Germany Nanobiomaterials Symposium, Ningbo, China, 2016.11.13-14, Talk

12. Juan Li, Zheyu Shen, Xuehua Ma, Wenzhi Ren, Lingchao Xiang, An Gong, Tian Xia, Junming Guo, Aiguo Wu*. Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors mediate targeted delivery of anticancer drug encapsulating nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy. 5th China Europe Symposium on Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine (CESB2015), Hangzhou, China, 2015.04.04-10, Talk

13. Juan Li, Daniel Zaldivar, Veronika von Pföstl, Xiaozhe Zhang, Nikos Logothetis and Alexander Rauch. Targeted tissue sampling and imaging in non-human primates brain with microdialysis and fMRI. European Summit for Clinical Nanomedicine (CLINAM 2012), Basel, Switzerland

14. Daniel Zaldivar, Juan Li, Veronika von Pföstl, Kevin Whittingstall, Jozien Goense, Alexander Rauch and Nikos Logothetis. The modulatory role of dopamine in the early visual system of macaques investigated by fMRI, neurochemistry and neurophysiology. 8th Forum of European Neuroscience (FENS 2012), Barcelona, Spain

15. Veronika von Pföstl, Daniel Zaldivar, Juan Li, Sneha Viswanath, Xiaozhe Zhang, Nikos Logothetis and Alexander Rauch. Electrophysiological effects of lactate on primary visual cortex of non-human primates. 8th Forum of European Neuroscience (FENS 2012), Barcelona, Spain.

16. Juan Li, Daniel Zaldivar, Veronika von Pföstl, Nadine Serr, Xiaozhe Zhang, Nikos Logothetis and Alexander Rauch. Nicotinic modulation of the early visual system and its underlying neuronal and metabolic changes. 41st Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Neuroscience 2011), Washington DC, USA

17. Daniel Zaldivar, Juan Li, Veronika von Pföstl, Xiaozhe Zhang, Nikos Logothetis and Alexander Rauch. Dopaminergic modulation of the early visual system of non-human primates and its underlying neuronal and hemodynamic changes. 41st Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Neuroscience 2011), Washington DC, USA

18. Juan Li, Veronika von Pföstl, Daniel Zaldivar, Xiaozhe Zhang, Nikos Logothetis and Alexander Rauch. Comparing concentration levels of multiple neurochemically active compounds in blood and brain tissue of non-human primates by using dual microdialysis sampling and capillary hydrophilic interaction chromatography-mass spectrometry. 40th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Neuroscience 2010), San Diego, USA

19. Veronika von Pföstl, Juan Li, Daniel Zaldivar, Jozien Goense, Xiaozhe Zhang, Nikos Logothetis and Alexander Rauch. Effects of Lactate on primary visual cortex of non-human primates investigated by pharmaco MRI and Neurochemical Analysis. 40th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Neuroscience 2010), San Diego, USA

20. Xiaozhe Zhang, Alexander Rauch, Anwesha Bhattacharyya, Juan Li, Gregor Rainer and Nikos Logothetis. Determining neurochemicals from the non-human primate brain by using capillary hydrophilic interaction chromatography-mass spectrometry. International Mass Spectrometry Conference (IMSC 2009), Bremen, Germany

Best Young Scientist for CESB 2015

Max Plank Scholarship during PhD study

Best Master Thesis during graduate study

Xinyi Scholarship during graduate study

People Scholarship during undergraduate study

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