Zhao Pengchao Professor (PI)
E-mail：scutzpc1993@scut.edu.cn
2023—present South China University of Technology, Professor
2019—2022 The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Postdoc
2015—2019 The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
2011—2015 Shandong University, B.Sc. in Chemistry
Our research focuses on the interdisciplinary field of liquid–liquidphase separation (LLPS)-derived coacervate biomaterials and the treatment ofmajor diseases.
Our major research directions include:
(1) Design and assembly mechanisms of coacervate biomaterials: We developphysiologically stable coacervates driven by diverse multivalent weakinteractions, advancing coacervates from fragile in vitro scientific modelstoward engineered biomaterials that can function reliably in complex in vivoenvironments.
(2) Applications of coacervates and coacervate-derived materials, such ashydrogels, in biomimetic construction of membraneless organelles, cells, andtissues; drug delivery; immunotherapy for major diseases; tissue engineering;and regenerative medicine.
Liquid–liquid phase separation is a fundamental mechanism by which living systems organize molecules, compartmentalize biochemical reactions, regulatecellular functions, and establish heterogeneous tissue architectures.
Our research aims to address the key scientific question of how to transform LLPS-derived coacervates, which are ubiquitous in living systems yet intrinsically difficult to engineer, into designable, structurally stableliquid biomaterials with distinctive biomedical functions through polymerchemistry, materials science, and synthetic biology.
Dr. Zhao have published more than 20 papers as corresponding or first author in leading journals, including Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature Chemistry, Nature Reviews Materials, National Science Review, Science Advances,Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, AngewandteChemie International Edition, and Advanced Materials. Dr. Zhao have led multiple research projects funded by national and provincial-level programs,including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Excellent YoungScientists Fund (Overseas), projects under the National Key Research andDevelopment Program of China, and the National Natural Science Foundation ofChina General Program.
1.Sirong Chen, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. Cartilage-binding coacervate withtherapeutic payload delivery and biomimetic lubrication alleviatesosteoarthritis by reducing joint friction and inflammation. NatureBiomedical Engineering, 2026, Accepted.
2. Bo Yi, *Kunyu Zhang, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. Superspreadingand ultra-infiltrative coacervate mediates strong underwater adhesion onhydrated and lipidic substrates. Nature Chemistry, 2026, 18, 790–799.
3. Bo Yi, *Yan Qiao, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. Engineered coacervates as emergingliquid biomaterials. Nature Reviews Materials, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-026-00950-2.
4.Xian Xie, *YiWang, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. A designerminimalistic model parallels the phase separation-mediated assembly andbiophysical cues of extracellular matrix. Nature Chemistry,2025, 17, 1216.
5.Fengming Tan, *Xiayi Xu, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. Muco-Infiltrating Prodrug Coacervateswith Prolonged Colonic Retention Enhance IBD-Associated DepressionTherapy. National Science Review, 2026, nwag487.
6.Qian Chen, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. TargetingNon-Classical Monocytes via Artificial Cell-Microneedles for PrecisionPsoriasis Therapy. Advanced Materials, 2026, e74726.
7.Jianyang Zhao, *Xaixi Xu, *Miao Cui, *Pengchao Zhao, *LimingBian, et al. Tissue-conformingorganoselenium hydrogel with microphase-controlled acylhydrazone crosslinkingkinetics expedites diabetic wound healing by inhibiting AGE-RAGEpathways. Advanced Materials, 2026, e72776.
8.Ruinan Wang, *Xuefeng Yang, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al.Enhanced biofilm infiltration by drug-laden coacervate for treating refractoryinfections. Advanced Materials, 2026, e21500.
9. Qingqiao Xie, *Yong Li, *Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian, et al. Fluidic microgel assemblies withenhanced oral delivery of biologics alleviate colonic inflammation in murineand canine models. Science Advances, 2025,eadv6994.
10.Tianshen Jiang, *LimingBian, *Pengchao Zhao, *Fuxin Wei, etal. Superporous sponge prepared by secondary networkcompaction with enhanced permeability and mechanical properties fornon-compressible hemostasis in pigs. NatureCommunications, 2024, 15, 5460.
11.Xuefeng Yang,*Pengchao Zhao, *Liming Bian,et al. Coacervation-mediatedcytocompatible formation of supramolecular hydrogels with self-evolving macropores for 3D multicellular spheroidculture. Advanced Materials, 2023, 202300636.