Prof. Tao Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tao Zhang, South China Normal University, China

Dr. Tao Zhang is a distinguished Professor at the College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, where he has been advancing the frontiers of chemical biology and phototheranostics. With a keen focus on developing innovative optical probes and imaging techniques for tumor diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Zhang has made significant contributions to the field of lanthanide chemistry and biomedical imaging. His academic journey spans from Ningbo University (MPhil) to earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Hong Kong Baptist University. As a corresponding author on numerous high-impact publications and a recipient of multiple prestigious provincial awards, Dr. Zhang has earned recognition for both research excellence and academic leadership. He is actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations, producing over 40 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Nature Communications, PNAS, JACS, and Advanced Science. His ongoing work addresses critical challenges in imaging-guided therapies for cancer under hypoxic and complex microenvironment conditions.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. 📈 Outstanding Research Output
   Dr. Zhang has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Science, JACS, ACS Nano, and PNAS. These works cover cutting-edge topics in photodynamic therapy, tumor imaging, and nanotechnology—key areas in modern biomedical research.

2. 🧪 Innovation in Biomedical Chemistry
   He has demonstrated consistent originality by designing oxygen-independent Type I pro-photosensitizers, reversible ratiometric photoacoustic probes, and multimodal imaging nanoplatforms, all of which target real-world challenges in hypoxic tumor environments.

3. 🌏 National Recognition
   His research excellence has been recognized by prestigious awards such as the Special Support Program for Young Top-notch Talents of Guangdong Province and the Pearl River Science and Technology Rising Star of Guangzhou, both in 2018.

4. 🎯 Multidisciplinary Expertise
   With a strong background in lanthanide chemistry, chemical biology, and optical imaging, Dr. Zhang successfully bridges multiple fields, demonstrating a holistic approach to solving biomedical challenges.

5. 📚 Leadership Role
   As a corresponding author on many publications, he plays a leading role in both research direction and execution. His progression from Assistant to Full Professor between 2014 and 2021 further reflects his capability as a research leader.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

1. 🌐 International Collaborations & Visibility
   While Dr. Zhang has co-authored with international researchers, expanding his global collaborative network through joint grants, keynote talks, or leadership in international consortia could further enhance his profile.

2. 👨‍🏫 Public Outreach & Technology Transfer
   Increasing efforts in public science communication, patenting innovations, or transitioning lab technologies into clinical trials could strengthen his case for broader societal impact.

3. 📢 Social & Digital Engagement
   A higher digital or social media presence (e.g., ResearchGate, Google Scholar metrics, professional website updates) would make his research more visible to the global community and potential collaborators.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Tao Zhang embarked on his academic career with an MPhil in Inorganic Chemistry from Ningbo University (2006–2009), where he conducted research under Professor Hongze Liang. He furthered his education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University (2009–2013), mentored by Professors Wai-Kwok Wong and Ka-Leung Wong. His doctoral research focused on lanthanide coordination chemistry and bioimaging, setting a strong foundation for his future innovations in photodynamic therapy and tumor diagnostics. These formative years not only shaped his technical expertise in spectroscopy and nanomaterials but also cultivated a rigorous research ethic that has carried through his academic trajectory. His education was marked by cross-disciplinary training in synthetic chemistry, photophysics, and biological applications, providing him with a broad and robust skill set that continues to support his ongoing exploration in chemical biology and optical probes for clinical imaging and therapeutic interventions.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Zhang’s academic career at South China Normal University’s College of Biophotonics began in 2014 as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017 and then to full Professor in 2021. Throughout his academic appointments, Dr. Zhang has led innovative research in tumor imaging, photothermal therapy, and optical diagnostics, establishing a productive research group known for creative nanoprobe design and translational research. His lab has secured multiple research grants and frequently collaborates with international researchers, combining chemical innovation with biomedical applications. Dr. Zhang has mentored graduate students and postdocs, many of whom have gone on to prestigious research positions. His steady academic progression reflects both his research productivity and leadership in the field of phototheranostics. Over the years, his expertise has positioned him at the forefront of integrating nanotechnology and chemistry into next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic platforms for treating cancer and understanding tumor microenvironments.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Tao Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards that underscore his exceptional research contributions and scientific leadership. In 2018, he was honored with the Special Support Program for Young Top-notch Talents of Guangdong Province, recognizing his pioneering work in optical molecular probes for cancer imaging. That same year, he also received the Pearl River Science and Technology Rising Star of Guangzhou, further validating the impact and innovation of his interdisciplinary research in chemical biology. These accolades highlight his rising prominence as a researcher capable of translating basic chemical discoveries into practical medical technologies. He is consistently invited to contribute as a corresponding author in top-tier journals, reflecting the high regard his peers have for his scientific insight and rigor. These honors not only reflect personal achievement but also enhance the prestige of the College of Biophotonics at South China Normal University, where he continues to lead cutting-edge research.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Tao Zhang’s research focuses on the convergence of Chemical Biology, Lanthanide Chemistry, and Optical Imaging Technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment. His main interest lies in developing smart, light-activated nanomaterials and photosensitizers that enable precise imaging and phototherapy, particularly in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. His team is advancing Type I photodynamic therapy agents and oxygen-independent systems, addressing critical limitations in current cancer treatment modalities. Another core area of his research is the creation of upconversion nanoparticles and ratiometric probes for real-time, non-invasive imaging—capable of dual-modality functionality (fluorescence and photoacoustic). Leveraging lanthanide chemistry, Dr. Zhang also contributes to MRI contrast agent innovation and multimodal diagnostics. His cross-disciplinary work integrates synthetic chemistry, molecular design, and biological application, offering new avenues for theranostics. His cutting-edge research is published in leading journals, pushing the boundaries of tumor imaging, molecular sensing, and personalized cancer therapy with minimal invasiveness and enhanced specificity.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

1. 🧬 Totally Caged Type I Pro-Photosensitizer for Oxygen-Independent Synergistic Phototherapy of Hypoxic Tumors – Advanced Science, 2024

2. 🔁 Switching the NIR Upconversion of Nanoparticles for Orthogonal Activation of Photoacoustic Imaging and Phototherapy – Nature Communications, 2022

3. 🧪 Dynamic-Reversible Photoacoustic Probe for Continuous Ratiometric Sensing and Imaging of Redox Status In Vivo – JACS, 2019

4. 🎯 In Vivo Imaging-Guided Photothermal/Photoacoustic Synergistic Therapy with Tumor-Targeting Nanoparticles – ACS Nano, 2017

5. 💥 In Vivo Selective Cancer-Tracking Gadolinium Eradicator as New-Generation Photodynamic Therapy Agent – PNAS, 2014

6. 🧫 ROS-Catalytic Self-Amplifying Benzothiophenazine-Based Photosensitive Conjugates for Photodynamic-Immuno Therapy – Biomaterials, 2025

7. 🧬 A Self-Catalytic UCNP-Based Nanomachine for Highly Sensitive Detection of CTCs – Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2025

8. 🔍 An AND-Gate Photoacoustic Probe for Cys and H2S Precise Photoacoustic Sensing in Tumors – Anal. Chem., 2024

9. 🎨 Single Side-Chain-Modulatory of Hemicyanine for Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Dual-Modality Imaging – Small Methods, 2024

10. 🌫️ High-Contrast Photoacoustic Imaging of Localized Cysteine in Breast Cancer – Chem. Eur. J., 2024

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Tao Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional scholarly output, innovative biomedical applications, and proven academic leadership. His work addresses some of the most critical challenges in cancer diagnostics and therapy using chemical tools and photonic technology.