Professor at Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Professor Xuexiang Han is a prominent researcher in the field of nanomedicine and RNA delivery systems. Currently serving as a Professor at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has significantly contributed to the development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for RNA-based therapeutics. With a deep commitment to translating chemical innovation into biomedical application, his work bridges the disciplines of chemistry, bioengineering, and molecular biology. Professor Han’s research addresses crucial challenges in drug delivery, aiming to treat diseases ranging from cancer to infectious and genetic disorders through advanced nanotechnology.
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Education
Professor Han’s academic foundation was built at Shanghai University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering in 2014. He then pursued doctoral studies at Tsinghua University, one of China’s premier institutions, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2019. His doctoral work was conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology in Beijing under the co-supervision of Professors Yuliang Zhao and Yadong Li. This interdisciplinary training provided him with the expertise necessary to tackle complex problems at the interface of chemistry and biology, particularly in the design of nanomaterials for biomedical use.
Experience
Following his Ph.D., Professor Han joined the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania as a postdoctoral researcher from January 2020 to January 2024. Under the mentorship of Professor Michael J. Mitchell, he focused on the optimization of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery. His work during this period was instrumental in advancing the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents. Since February 2024, he has held a faculty position as a Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he leads a research group focused on innovative RNA delivery strategies.
Research Interests
Professor Han’s research is centered on the design and synthesis of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. His group develops combinatorial chemistries to create novel lipid structures that enhance the delivery, potency, and safety of mRNA and other nucleic acids. Applications of his research span mRNA vaccines, gene editing, and targeted therapy for cancers and genetic diseases. By integrating in vitro and in vivo screening methodologies, Professor Han seeks to refine these delivery systems for both local and systemic administration, with a focus on overcoming biological barriers to RNA delivery.
Award
Professor Han’s scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. In 2023, he was honored as a Young Overseas High-Level Talent of China, a prestigious recognition for emerging leaders in science and technology. Earlier, he received the President Prize of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for Excellent Ph.D. Graduates in 2019 and the National Scholarship of China in 2018. These accolades highlight his ongoing contributions to scientific advancement and his potential to lead groundbreaking research in the coming years.
Publication
Among Professor Han’s extensive publication record, several standout articles have garnered significant citations and recognition. Notable works include:
Han X. et al., “Optimization of the activity and biodegradability of ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery via directed chemical evolution,” Nat. Biomed. Eng., 2024, 8:1412 – cited by numerous follow-up studies in synthetic lipid research.
Han X. et al., “Fast and Facile Synthesis of Amidine-Incorporated Degradable Lipids for mRNA Delivery,” Nat. Chem., 2024, 16:1687 – influential in the field of degradable lipid design.
Han X. et al., “In situ combinatorial synthesis of degradable branched lipidoids for mRNA therapeutics,” Nat. Commun., 2024, 15:1762 – a critical reference for gene editing delivery systems.
Han X. et al., “Adjuvant lipidoid-substituted lipid nanoparticles augment SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines,” Nat. Nanotechnol., 2023, 18:1105 – widely cited in vaccine development.
Han X. et al., “Ligand-Tethered Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted RNA Delivery,” Nat. Commun., 2023, 14:75 – cited for its innovation in liver fibrosis treatment.
Han X. et al., “An Ionizable Lipid Toolbox for RNA Delivery,” Nat. Commun., 2021, 12:7233 – among the top 25 most read articles in Nat. Commun. in 2021.
Han X. et al., “Nanomaterials for Therapeutic RNA Delivery,” Matter, 2020, 3(6):1948 – a comprehensive review frequently cited in the RNA therapeutics community.
Conclusion
In summary, Professor Xuexiang Han exemplifies the attributes of a Best Researcher Award recipient: a visionary scientist, prolific author, dedicated innovator, and impactful academic leader. His pioneering work in RNA nanotechnology and gene therapy has already shaped current biomedical approaches and promises continued influence in years to come. Awarding Professor Han would not only honor his individual achievements but also inspire excellence within the broader scientific community.