Photocrosslinkable Polymers for Tissue Regeneration by Professor Xin Zhao

NTU MSE Seminar Hosted by Professor Ng Kee Woei

Abstract

Photocrosslinkable polymers have emerged as versatile biomaterials for regenerative medicine, offering precise spatiotemporal control of gelation and tunable mechanical and biochemical properties. Recent advances demonstrate their utility in diverse applications, including microfluidic fabrication of stem cell-laden microspheres for osteogenesis, bioactive nanocomposite inks for 3D printing biodegradable bone grafts, and injectable adhesives capable of modulating osteochondral microenvironments. These systems also enable dynamic extracellular matrix mimics, regulate cell fate through curvature-guided scaffolds, and incorporate bio-clickable functionalities for vascular or tendon repair. Collectively, photocrosslinkable polymers provide strong, biodegradable, and bioactive platforms that address critical clinical needs in bone, cartilage, tendon, and vascular tissue regeneration.

Biography


Professor Xin Zhao
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Dr. Xin Zhao is Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Limin Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, and Young Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering. Her research focuses on Translational Regenerative Medicine, integrating material science, cell biology, engineering, and medicine to develop tissue-engineered organs and address clinical challenges. Dr. Zhao has published over 100 articles (h-index 70) in leading journals and is recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher (Clarivate Analytics, 2022) and among the World’s Top 2% Scientists (Stanford University, 2023–2025). She has received several awards, including the National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars (2021), Biomaterials Award for Young Investigator (Elsevier Ltd, 2024), the Outstanding Scientist Award of TERMISAP (2025).