Mr. Wen Li | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award
Mr. Wen Li , State key laboratory of supramolecular structure and materials, college of chemistry, Jilin University , China
Professor Wen Li is a leading scientist at the College of Chemistry, Jilin University, recognized for his contributions to peptide- and protein-based bioactive materials. Earning his Ph.D. from Jilin University in 2006, he rapidly advanced through academic ranks—from lecturer to full professor by 2013. His academic journey also includes postdoctoral research at Seoul National University, South Korea. Professor Li’s interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications, positioning him as a pioneering figure in supramolecular chemistry and bioinspired adhesives. With numerous high-impact publications and innovations in antimicrobial peptides, tissue sealants, and soft electronics, he has significantly contributed to both scientific knowledge and real-world biomedical applications. His commitment to translating fundamental research into functional materials continues to drive breakthroughs in sustainable, degradable, and biocompatible materials.
Publication Profile:
✅ Strengths for the Award:
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Outstanding Academic Progression
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From Ph.D. completion in 2006 to full professorship by 2013, Professor Wen Li has shown rapid and consistent academic advancement.
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He has international research exposure through his postdoctoral work at Seoul National University.
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High-Impact Research Contributions
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Published extensively in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Biomaterials, Advanced Healthcare Materials, Langmuir, and Journal of Materials Chemistry.
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His research is highly interdisciplinary, linking peptide self-assembly, biomaterials, antimicrobial systems, and energy devices.
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Real-World Impact & Innovation
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Developed cutting-edge bioadhesives, nano-antimicrobial systems, and biodegradable materials with significant medical and environmental relevance.
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Strong emphasis on sustainability, biocompatibility, and smart responsive materials like redox or photo-controlled systems.
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Leadership and Collaboration
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Leads a productive research group, mentoring young scientists and collaborating across multiple institutions.
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His publications include a large network of co-authors, showing evidence of team science and academic collaboration.
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Diverse Research Outputs
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Contributions span various formats: fundamental studies, applied innovations, material designs, and medical applications.
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From self-healing hydrogels to stretchable supercapacitors, his portfolio is both deep and diverse.
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⚠️ Areas for Improvement:
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Commercial and Clinical Translation
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While the foundational work is strong, more efforts toward industrial partnerships and clinical trials would increase real-world adoption.
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Filing patents or working with biotech/medical device companies could help scale his research outcomes.
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Global Visibility
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Greater involvement in international conferences, editorial boards, or global initiatives can further enhance his global academic footprint.
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Collaborative projects with top labs outside Asia could diversify perspectives and increase influence.
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📘 Education:
Wen Li received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Jilin University in 2006, a prestigious institution known for its advanced research in materials and chemical sciences. His doctoral studies focused on supramolecular structures, laying the foundation for his career in peptide and polymer-based materials. The rigorous academic environment at Jilin University equipped him with deep insights into molecular interactions, material fabrication, and biomedical chemistry. After completing his Ph.D., he expanded his academic perspective by pursuing postdoctoral research at Seoul National University (2010–2011), one of South Korea’s top-tier research universities. There, he collaborated on interdisciplinary projects that fused chemistry with nanotechnology and biomaterials. This international experience enriched his scientific worldview and further refined his expertise in designing functional peptide-based assemblies. His academic training bridges the gap between molecular chemistry and real-world applications, particularly in the biomedical and environmental sectors.
👨🔬 Experience:
Professor Wen Li began his academic career as a lecturer at the State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structures and Materials, Jilin University, immediately after receiving his Ph.D. in 2006. By 2008, he was promoted to Associate Professor due to his early contributions to peptide-based material science. Between 2010 and 2011, he broadened his research capabilities as a postdoctoral fellow at Seoul National University, where he engaged in collaborative research on supramolecular assemblies and nano-biotechnology. Returning to Jilin University, he became a full professor in September 2013, leading a dynamic research group dedicated to cutting-edge biomaterials and soft electronics. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Professor Li has mentored numerous graduate students, secured significant research grants, and maintained a strong publication record. His career trajectory reflects continuous advancement in leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in bioinspired materials.
🔬 Research Focus:
Professor Wen Li’s research centers on the design and fabrication of peptide- and protein-based bioactive materials with applications in healthcare and sustainability. His work explores self-assembling nano-antimicrobial peptides, biomimetic underwater adhesives, tissue sealants, and flexible hydrogel electronics, integrating supramolecular chemistry with biomedical engineering. A notable strength of his research lies in creating multifunctional materials that are not only biocompatible and degradable but also smart and responsive, such as photo-switchable or redox-reactive assemblies. His group develops materials that perform complex biological tasks—like sealing tissues, healing wounds, or delivering antimicrobial activity—while maintaining eco-friendly characteristics. Recent efforts also include bio-plastics and adhesive tapes for surgical and environmental use. Professor Li’s innovations address pressing challenges in medical technology and sustainability, aiming for materials that are both high-performing and environmentally conscious. His work bridges disciplines and has wide-ranging impact across chemistry, medicine, and green materials science.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
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🧬 Polyoxometalate-Driven Self-Assembly of Short Peptides into Multivalent Nanofibers with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity – Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2016)
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🔦 Host–Guest Interaction Driven Peptide Assembly into Photoresponsive 2D Nanosheets with Switchable Antibacterial Activity – CCS Chem. (2021)
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🧪 Nano-Antimicrobial Peptides Based on Constitutional Isomerism-Dictated Self-Assembly – Biomacromolecules (2022)
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🧲 Exploiting Redox-Complementary Peptide/Polyoxometalate Coacervates for Spontaneously Curing into Antimicrobial Adhesives – Biomacromolecules (2022)
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💧 Wet and Functional Adhesives from One-Step Self-Assembly of Amino Acids and Polyoxometalates – Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2017)
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🩹 Peptide/Glycyrrhizic Acid Supramolecular Polymer: A Medical Adhesive for Dural Sealing – Biomaterials (2023)
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🌿 Plant Protein-Peptide Supramolecular Polymers for Surgical Sealing – Adv. Healthcare Mater. (2023)
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⚙️ Protein-Based Supramolecular Adhesive with On-Demand Adhesion for Preventing Tissue Adhesion – Chem. Eng. J. (2025)
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🔋 Embedding Hydrogel Electrodes for Stretchable High-Performance Supercapacitors – Chem. Eng. J. (2024)
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🧼 Advances in Peptide/Polymer Antimicrobial Assemblies – J. Mater. Chem. B (2025)
🧾 Conclusion:
Professor Wen Li is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research addresses critical scientific and societal challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, surgical innovation, and eco-friendly material development. He combines rigorous chemistry with creative engineering, producing solutions that are both scientifically novel and practically viable.