Current Research Projects:
In this aspect a series of sequentially controllable polymers were synthesized and we innovated digital micelles from precise amphiphiles containing a sequence-defined hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) dendron. Meanwhile, we explored single-component EUV photoresists and propelled progress in securelnformation storage and transport. Related projects of this aspect include: (1) demonstrate high-throughput label-free quantification of cellular uptake extents, pharmacokinetics and biodistributions at both organ-extract and tissue-slice levels by MALDI–TOF MS and MALDI imaging for a mixture of four types of digital micelles in a single animal; (2) integrate a sequence-readable oligourethane segment with conventional small-molecule amphiphiles to lead to ‘digital lipids’, and explore their applications as siRNA delivery nanocarriers and label-free cellular MS quantification were further explored; (3) control molecular sequences, synthesize encrypted pigments, achieve the effect of encrypted printing, and realize information security and storage; (4) develop high performance photoresist with single component that not contain photoacid.
Recent Publications:
Q. Q. Shi, H. Yin, R. D. Song, J. Xu, J. J. Tan, X. Zhou, J. Cen, Z. Y. Deng, H. M. Tong, C. H. Cui, Y. F. Zhang, X. P. Li, Z. B. Zhang and S. Y. Liu*, "Digital Micelles of Encoded Polymeric Amphiphiles for Direct Sequence Reading and ex Vivo Label-Free Quantification", Nature Chemistry, 15, 257-270 (2023). [DOI]
Q. Q. Shi, C. Z. Song, M. L. Chen, J. Xu, S. Q. Zheng, J. J. Tan, J. L. Zhang, N. Wang, , J. M. Hu*, S. Y. Liu* "Label-Free Quantification of Digital Nanorods Assembled from Discrete Oligourethane Amphiphiles", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 145, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07577 (2023).
[DOI]
J. Xu, C. Z. Lv, Q. Q. Shi, J. L. Zhang, N. Wang, G. Y. Zhang, J. M. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Controlled Self-Assembly of Discrete Amphiphilic Oligourethanes with Cascade Self-Immolative Motif", Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62, e202306119 (2023). [DOI]
Q. Q. Shi, X. Zhou, J. Xu, J. L. Zhang, N. Wang, G. Y. Zhang, J. M. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Dendritic Quaternary-Encoded Oligourethanes for Data Encryption", Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62, e202214695 (2023). [DOI]
Q. Q. Shi, Z. B. Zhang*, S. Y. Liu* "Precision Sequence-Defined Polymers: from Sequencing to Biological Functions", Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62, DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313370 (2023). (Invited MiniReview)
Q. Q. Shi, X. Zhou, J. Xu, Ning Wang, J. L. Zhang, X. L. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Controlled Fabrication of Uniform Digital Nanorods from Precise Sequence-Defined Amphiphilic Polymers in Aqueous Media", Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 41, 768-777 (2023). [PDF]
2. Functional Molecules and Polymers with Controlled Chain Topologies for Advanced Functions
In this aspect, we synthesize precise polymers with defined sequences of single molecular weights and study their physicochemical properties and fates in living organisms. Related projects of this aspect include: (1) study the differences in physical properties between precision PEG and polydisperse liposomes on the way to form liposomes and carry drugs, as well as the efficiency of drug delivery and delivery; (2) compare the immunological effects and drug metabolic pathways of a vaccine formed from precision PEG and polydisperse PEG used in commercial RNA vaccines; (3) achieve precise synthesis of PEG at scale; (4) synthesize precise cyclic lipids, and explore their physicochemical properties and medical applications.
Recent Publications:
Q. Q. Shi, Z. B. Zhang*, S. Y. Liu* "Precision Sequence-Defined Polymers: from Sequencing to Biological Functions", Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62, DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313370 (2023). (Invited MiniReview)
Q. Q. Shi, Z. Y. Deng, M. X. Hou, X. L. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Engineering precise sequence-defined polymers for advanced functions", Progress in Polymer Science, 141, 101677 (2023).
[DOI]
J. Cen, M. X. Hou and S. Y. Liu*, "Discrete Polyethylene glycol Derivatives as a Potent Impetus for Next-Generation Biomedicines", Giant, 15, 100169 (2023).
[DOI]
A. Z. Shen, L. Zhang, Y. B. Xie, X. Y. Zhu, J. M. Hu*, S. Y. Liu* "Engineering Discrete Synthetic Macromolecules for Biomedical Applications", Nano Today, 48, 101728 (2023). [DOI]
J. M. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Emerging Trends of Discrete Poly(ethylene glycol) in Biomedical Applications", Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering, 24, 100419 (2022).
[DOI]
L. Li, J. Cen, W. J. Li, W. H. Pan, Y. B. Zhang, H. Yin, J. M. Hu*, S. Y. Liu* "A General Strategy Toward the Synthesis of Well-Defined Polypeptides with Complex Chain Topologies", CCS Chemistry, 4, 3864-3877 (2022). [DOI]
S. Y. Liu* "Challenges and Opportunities of Precision Polymer Chemistry", Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 40, 1129-1130 (2022). [DOI]
Z. S. Ge, Y. M. Zhou, J. Xu, H. W. Liu, D. Y. Chen*, S. Y. Liu* "High-Efficiency Preparation of Macrocyclic Diblock Copolymers via Selective Click Reaction in Micellar Media", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 131, 1628-1629 (2009). [DOI
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3. Active Regulation of Protein Coronas of Soft Matter NPs and Molecular Engineering of Clinically Used Fluorescent Dyes (Ring Strain Strategy towards J-Aggregates)
The goal of this research direction is to modulate the protein corona to achieve desired therapeutic feedback and explore near-infrared (NIR) J-aggregate fluorescent dyes for in vivo imaging and therapeutic functions. We focused on the following aspects: (1) prepare biologically ideal smartnanoparticles and effectively regulating the nanoparticle protein corona for efficientand precise delivery of nanoparticles; (2) improve the sensitivity of nanoparticlesto stimuli for efficient and rapid targeted release of loaded drugs; (3) design small molecule or polymer optical probes and multiple-triggered probes according to biological orthogonal chemistry; (4) synthesize NIR II J-aggregate to obtain low toxicity and deep tissue therapy in the biomedical field.
Recent Publications:
Q. Q. Shi, C. Z. Song, M. L. Chen, J. Xu, S. Q. Zheng, J. J. Tan, J. L. Zhang, N. Wang, , J. M. Hu*, S. Y. Liu* "Label-Free Quantification of Digital Nanorods Assembled from Discrete Oligourethane Amphiphiles", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 145, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07577 (2023).
[DOI] C. Z. Song, M. L. Chen, J. J. Tan, J. Xu, Y. B. Zhang, G. Y. Zhang, X. L. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Controlled Self-Assembly of Discrete Amphiphilic Oligourethanes with Cascade Self-Immolative Motif", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 142, 32, 17755–17766 (2023). [DOI] M. X. Hou and S. Y. Liu*, "Emerging Trends of J-Aggregate Formation within Polymeric Nanoassemblies", Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics,
224, 202200414 (2023). [DOI] J. Cen, X. J. Ye, X. Liu, W. H. Pan, L. Zhang, G. Y. Zhang, N. A. He*, A. Z. Shen*, J. M. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Fluorinated Copolypeptide-Stabilized Microbubbles with Maleimide-Decorated Surfaces as Long-Term Ultrasound Contrast Agents", Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
61, e202209610 (2022). [DOI] G. H. Liu, J. M. Hu and S. Y. Liu*, "Emerging Applications of Fluorogenic and Non-Fluorogenic Bifunctional Linkers", Chemistry–A European Journal, 24, 62, 16484-16505 (2018).
[DOI]
4. Amphiphilic Prodrugs and Polyprodrugs with Stimuli-Triggered Degradation and Release Features
C. Z. Song, M. L. Chen, J. J. Tan, J. Xu, Y. B. Zhang, G. Y. Zhang, X. L. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Controlled Self-Assembly of Discrete Amphiphilic Oligourethanes with Cascade Self-Immolative Motif", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 142, 32, 17755–17766 (2023). [DOI] J. Xu, J. J. Tan, C. Z. Song, G. Y. Zhang, X. L. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Self-Immolative Amphiphilic Poly(ferrocenes) for Synergistic Amplification of Oxidative Stress in Tumor Therapy", Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
62, e202303829 (2023). [DOI] G. H. Liu, J. J. Tan, J. Cen, G. Y. Zhang, J. M. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Oscillating the Local Milieu of Polymersome Interiors via Single Input-Regulated Bilayer Crosslinking and Permeability Tuning", Nature Communications,
13, 585 (2022). [DOI] J. J. Tan, Z. Y. Deng, C. Z. Song, J. Xu, Y. B. Zhang, Y. Yu, J. M. Hu* and S. Y. Liu*, "Coordinating External and Built-In Triggers for Tunable Degrada-tion of Polymeric Nanoparticles via Cycle Amplification", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 143, 13738–13748 (2021). [DOI] X. L. Hu, G. H. Liu, Y. Li, X. R. Wang and S. Y. Liu*, "Cell-Penetrating Hyperbranched Polyprodrug Amphiphiles for Synergistic Reductive Milieu-Triggered Drug Release and Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Signals", Journal of the American Chemical Society,
137, 362-368 (2015). [DOI] (Highlighted by JACS Spotlights; DOI: 10.1021/ja512889n) (ESI Highly Cited Papers, Web of Knowledge, as of May 2018)
X. L. Hu, J. M. Hu*, J. Tian, Z. S. Ge, G. Y. Zhang, K. F. Luo and S. Y. Liu*, "Polyprodrug Amphiphiles: Hierarchical Assemblies for Shape-Regulated Cellular Internalization, Trafficking and Drug Delivery", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 135, 17617-17629 (2013).
[DOI] (Highlighted by SciBX; DOI: 10.1038/scibx.2013.1366) (ESI Highly Cited Papers, Web of Knowledge, as of May 2018) (ESI Hot Papers, Web of Knowledge, as of Jan-March 2015)
6. Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers, and Bilayer Permeability Tuning of Polymersomes and Lipid Vesicles
X. R. Wang, J. M. Hu*, S. Y. Liu* "Overcoming the Dilemma of Permeability and Stability of Polymersomes Through Traceless Cross-Linking", Accounts of Chemical Research, 55, 3404-3416 (2022). [DOI]
J. Cen, X. J. Ye, X. Liu, W. H. Pan, L. Zhang, G. Y. Zhang, N. A. He*, A. Z. Shen*, J. M. Hu*, S. Y. Liu* "Fluorinated Copolypeptide-Stabilized Microbubbles with Maleimide-Decorated Surfaces as Long-Term Ultrasound Contrast Agents", Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 61, e202209610. [DOI]
X. R. Wang, C. Z. Yao, G. Y. Zhang, S. Y. Liu* "Regulating Vesicle Bilayer Permeability and Selectivity via Stimuli-Triggered Polymersome-to-PICsome Transition", Nature Communications, 11, 1524 (2020). [DOI]
X. L. Hu*, S. D. Zhai, G. H. Liu, D. Xing, H. J. Liang, S. Y. Liu* "Concurrent Drug Unplugging and Permeabilization of Polyprodrug-Gated Crosslinked Vesicles for Cancer Combination Chemotherapy", Advanced Materials, 30, 1706307 (2018). [DOI]
Z. Y. Deng, Y. F. Qian, Y. Q. Yu, G. H. Liu, J. M. Hu, G. Y. Zhang, S. Y. Liu* "Engineering Intracellular Delivery Nanocarriers and Nanoreactors from Oxidation-Responsive Polymersomes via Synchronized Bilayer Crosslinking and Permeabilizing inside Live Cells", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 138, 10452–10466 (2016). [DOI] (ESI Highly Cited Papers, Web of Knowledge, as of May 2018)
X. R. Wang, J. M. Hu, G. H. Liu, J. Tian, H. J. Wang, M. Gong, S. Y. Liu* "Reversibly Switching Bilayer Permeability and Release Modules of Photochromic Polymersomes Stabilized by Cooperative Noncovalent Interactions", Journal of the American Chemical Society, 137, 15262-15275 (2015). [DOI]
X. R. Wang, G. H. Liu, J. M. Hu, G. Y. Zhang, S. Y. Liu* "Concurrent Block Copolymer Polymersome Stabilization and Bilayer Permeabilization via Stimuli-Regulated 'Traceless' Crosslinking", Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 53, 3138-3142 (2014). [DOI] (Highlighted by Nature Chemistry; DOI: 10.1038/nchem.1915) (Highlighted by Materials Views China) (ESI Highly Cited Papers, Web of Knowledge, as of Sep 2015)
The Liu Research Group,
last modified
Oct 14 2023 15:00 PM Hit Count
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering @ University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China
This aspect focuses on the application of amphiphilic stimuli-responsive polymer assemblies in delivery and controlled release of anti-cancer drugs for clinical treatment or alleviating diseases.
In these projects, we design and develop stimuli-responsive polymers that can be used as prodrugs and polyprodrugs to control and trigger drug delivery, environmental repair and other functions in a precisely controllable manner. These researches demonstrate stimuli-responsive polymers existed in the form of solutions, gels, self-assembled nanoparticles, (multilayer)films, and bulk solids, and their efficacy under stimulion as pH, temperature, redox pressure in biological environment.
Recent Publications:
5. Molecular Parity Violation: Far-from-Equilibrium, Self-Replicating and Autocatalytic Reactions under Far-From-Equilibrium Conditions for Assayming Intrinsic Differences between L- and D-Type Amino Acids (Origin of Biological Homochirality)
The goal of this newly launched research direction is
to systematically investigate the difference of reaction rates between chiral molecules in self-replicating and autocatalytic reactions, and the symmetry breaking of helical polypeptides. We are now focusing on following tests: (1) explore far-from-equilibrium, self-replicating and self-catalysis reaction networks and comprehend origin of homochirality in biomacromolecules; (2) introduce Gd complex, into the helical polymer side group, and study the effect of the secondary structure transformation of polypeptides on magnetic signals, and explore their magnetic resonance imaging ability under low and high field conditions by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).
Recent Research Progress:
This aspect is engaged in the research of controlled synthesis, self-assembly regulation and biomedical function application of responsive polymer materials. We designed a series of new kind of photo-responsive polymers that can self-assemble into vesicular nanostructures and undergo tracelessly cross-linking reactions under light irradiation. The formation of cross-linked vesicles with a drastic increase in the permeability of bilayer membranes render it possible to construct novel theranostic nanovectors with controlled drug release profiles and enhance imaging performance. Recent research focuses on the controlled synthesis of polymer materials delivered by gas drugs (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide) and its application in inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, etc.), bacterial/viral infection and other related diseases.
Recent Publications: