School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

Research

Research at the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology spans a wide spectrum of topics, with special strengths in the following areas:

Chemistry

Synthetic chemistry, biological and medicinal chemistry, imaging and sensing, main group chemistry, and femtochemistry.

Chemical Engineering

Catalysis and reaction engineering, colloids and interface sciences, energy technologies, and process systems engineering.

Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Bioprocess, biocatalysis, bacteriology, protein engineering and systems biology.

Food Science & Technology

Sustainable food production, processing technology, food safety, and functional food.

Translational Healthcare and Biomedical Technology

Biomaterials, biomedical device, bioimaging, monitoring technologies, and medical diagnostic, therapeutic, and prosthetic devices.


Research Highlights

choonhonggroup

New Synthesis Method for Sulphur-Based Drugs

A breakthrough in the synthesis of sulphur-based pharmacophores may enable the creation of new medicines.
15 Feb 2022
nanophosphor

Boosting Photosynthesis with Nanoparticles

Phosphorescent nanoparticles can enhance photosynthesis in microalgae, with exciting implications for the food and bioenergy industries.
12 Oct 2021
durian

Antibacterial Bandages from Durian Husk

A low-cost green process can extract cellulose from durian husks, for use in antibacterial gel bandages.
25 Mar 2021
pollen

Creating Pollen-Based Microrobots

In a feat of nanotechnology, researchers have developed self-propelling microrobots made of pollen grains.
18 Nov 2020
carborane-small

Discovery of a Two-Dimensional Carborane Cluster

Chemists have isolated a new form of carborane, a flat cluster of carbon and boron atoms, overturning established theoretical rules of cluster chemistry.
20 Jul 2020
birdsnest-calcite

Uncovering the Properties of Wild Edible Bird’s Nest

Chemistry researchers discover why edible bird's nest harvested in the wild differs from farmed bird's nest.
9 Jul 2020
pollenteam

Eco-Friendly Materials from Plant Pollen

Pollen, one of the hardest materials in the plant kingdom, can be turned into a soft and flexible microgel material.
23 Mar 2020
H2O-radiolysis

First Ultrafast Observation of Water Radical Ions

One of the fastest chemical processes known to mankind has been observed for the first time.
15 Jan 2020
photocatalyst

Novel Photocatalyst Breaks Down Plastic Waste

A newly-developed method harnesses sunlight to turn plastic waste into useful chemicals.
12 Dec 2019