Overview
Background
Dr Yinghong Zhou leads the ImmunoEngineering for Regenerative Dentistry research team at the School of Dentistry. Her research interests extend across several transdisciplinary research projects, all with the central theme of biomedical engineering and bone/periodontal tissue regeneration. Her high-quality research leads the field in (a) hypoxia-mimicking bioscaffolds for bone regeneration (field-weighted citation impact=13.15), (b) trace element-mediated biomineralization (recognised by the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) Young Investigator Award, given only to two emerging researchers in the whole Asia-Pacific region in 2021), and (c) immunoengineering approaches for periodontal regeneration (introduced into the tertiary learning sector as the world-first Master of Philosophy (Materiobiology) Program at QUT). Dr Zhou has been awarded prestigious fellowships including the Endeavour Research Fellowship (2017), NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (2016-2020), and the BridgeTech Industry Fellowship (2021).
Availability
- Dr Yinghong Zhou is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy of Biomedical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology
Research interests
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Immunoengineered titanium implants towards soft tissue integration
Peri-implantitis is a site-specific infectious disease that causes an inflammatory process in soft tissues, and bone loss surrounding dental implants. The long-term success of titanium (Ti) dental implants therefore relies on a superior transmucosal “seal” to prevent bacteria invasion and subsequent inflammation. It is known that the Ti implant surface topography and chemistry play a key role in controlling the long-standing connective tissue seal. Yet, none of the existing surface coating systems takes into consideration of the initial blood clot formation and immune cell-material interactions. This project, therefore, aims to develop a new generation of multifunctional surface coatings on Ti implants that can fight off bacteria, orchestrate blood clot formation and regulate immune responses to achieve optimal soft tissue integration.
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In vitro modelling to mimic cellular crosstalk in periodontitis
The prevalence of periodontitis (infection-induced inflammatory gum disease) remains relatively high today, reaching to over 50% of the global population. If left untreated, the disease can trigger systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Till date, the exact interplay between the oral microbiome, immune cells and the surrounding microenvironment remains unclear in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. In vitro platforms can be ideal to systematically pair up key factors in periodontal pathophysiology which is helpful in further understanding of the disease progression and their associated systemic influences. However, the re-creation of heterogenous microenvironments that can support cultures of both oral microbiome (in lower oxygen tension) and the neighbouring macrophages/periodontal ligament cells (in normal oxygen tension) within the same platform without relying on highly specialised equipment remains a key engineering challenge today. Our team has previously formulated functionalise-able hydrogels to locally control the oxygen level which could be used as a medium to support co-culture of bacteria and macrophages/periodontal ligament cells whilst mimicking the heterogenous oxygen level within the oral cavity. This project aims to establish the framework on tuning and characterising the hydrogels’ capability to support the culture of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria critical to periodontal pathogenesis such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg).
Works
Search Professor Yinghong Zhou’s works on UQ eSpace
2009
Journal Article
Root caries patterns and risk factors of middle-aged and elderly people in China
Du, MinQuan, Jiang, Han, Tai, BaoJun, Zhou, Yinghong, Wu, Bei and Bian, Zhuan (2009). Root caries patterns and risk factors of middle-aged and elderly people in China. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 37 (3), 260-266. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2009.00461.x
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Yinghong Zhou is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of an oral biofilm-oral epithelial cells co-culture model based on jammed-packed microgel
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Jaya Seneviratne
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Doctor Philosophy
Treg-derived small extracellular vesicles reprogram local immune responses for enhanced periodontal regeneration.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Saso Ivanovski, Dr Pingping Han
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Doctor Philosophy
Treatment of Periodontitis Using PDLSCs Functionalized with AuNPs Loaded on Microspheres
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Saso Ivanovski
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the Role of Tumour MicroenvironmentBiomechanics in the Invasive Progression and DrugResistance of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Novel Nanomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Saso Ivanovski, Professor Peter Reher
Completed supervision
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Novel nanomaterials of cerium-doped ZIF-62 for periodontal tissue regeneration
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Saso Ivanovski
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Yinghong Zhou directly for media enquiries about:
- biomaterials
- bone tissue engineering
- regenerative dentistry
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