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Dr Zhengni Liu
Dr

Zhengni Liu

Email: 

Overview

Background

Dr. Liu specialises in extracellular vesicles, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, tissue engineering, immunomodulation and biomaterial functionalisation.

Dr. Liu is a clinician (surgeon)-scientist with clinical and preclinical expertise in tissue repair and immunomodulation. Dr. Liu obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Shanghai JiaoTong University (China); and a PhD degree from RWTH Aachen University (Germany).

Dr. Liu works with extracellular vesicles, including newly discovered matrix-bound nanovesicles. Dr. Liu’s current projects involve assessing the role of extracellular vesicle glycans on immunomodulation in metastatic breast cancer and metastatic pediatric cancers, such as osteosarcoma. Dr. Liu also has a background in biological scaffold functionalisation with the goal of developing innovative approaches that bring advanced benefits directly to clinical soft tissue repair.

Availability

Dr Zhengni Liu is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
  • Masters (Research), Shanghai Jiao Tong University
  • Doctoral (Research), Rheinisch Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen

Research interests

  • Biomaterials

    Biomaterials for soft tissue repair

  • Extracellular Vesicles

    Applications of Extracellular Vesicles in Tissue Engineering and tumor treatment

Research impacts

Advancing immunomodulation in metastatic cancers with Extracellular Vesicles

Dr. Liu's groundbreaking research focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs), including the newly discovered matrix-bound nanovesicles, which are emerging as pivotal players in cellular communication. Their current projects delve into the crucial role of extracellular vesicle glycans in immunomodulation, particularly in metastatic breast cancer and metastatic pediatric cancers like osteosarcoma. The implications of her research are substantial and multidimensional, reflecting a significant impact on both scientific understanding and clinical applications.

Dr. Liu’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of the biochemical mechanisms that underpin cancer metastasis and immune evasion. By exploring how glycans on extracellular vesicles influence immune responses, their research uncovers novel pathways through which cancer cells manipulate the immune system to spread and thrive in other body parts. This knowledge broadens the scientific community's understanding of cancer biology and highlights the intricate networks of cell communication mediated by EVs. Understanding the role of EV glycans in immunomodulation opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention in Targeted Therapies and Biomarkers for Cancer.

Advancing Abdominal Hernia Repair with Innovative Biomaterials

As a researcher specialising in biomaterials for abdominal hernia repair, Dr. Liu’s work focuses on developing and refining materials that enhance the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions for hernia patients. Hernias, which involve the protrusion of internal organs through the abdominal wall, are a prevalent issue impacting millions worldwide, necessitating durable and reliable treatments.Dr. Liu is now focusing on the newly developed EVs, namely matrix-bonded nanovesicles, and their potential application for tissue engineering, especially for abdominal wall repair, including Improved Surgical Outcomes and Enhanced Patient Recover.

Dr. Liu maintains active collaborations with hospital networks and surgical teams to ensure that the benefits of our research are directly conveyed to clinical practice. Dr. Liu’s team also engages with patient advocacy groups to educate hernia sufferers about the latest treatment options, empowering them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Works

Search Professor Zhengni Liu’s works on UQ eSpace

26 works between 2011 and 2024

1 - 20 of 26 works

2024

Journal Article

Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia

Zhu, X., Liu, J., Liu, Z., Tang, R. and Fu, C. (2024). Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia. Hernia. doi: 10.1007/s10029-024-03010-2

Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia

2024

Journal Article

Ibuprofen-loaded bilayer electrospun mesh modulates host response toward promoting full-thickness abdominal wall defect repair

Liu, Jiajie, Tang, Rui, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Ma, Qiaolin, Mo, Xiumei, Wu, Jinglei and Liu, Zhengni (2024). Ibuprofen-loaded bilayer electrospun mesh modulates host response toward promoting full-thickness abdominal wall defect repair. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A, 112 (6), 941-955. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37672

Ibuprofen-loaded bilayer electrospun mesh modulates host response toward promoting full-thickness abdominal wall defect repair

2023

Journal Article

Development of a silk fibroin-small intestinal submucosa small-diameter vascular graft with sequential VEGF and TGF-β1 inhibitor delivery for in situ tissue engineering

Liu, Zhengni, Ruetten, Stephan, Buhl, Eva Miriam, Zhang, Minjun and Liu, Jiajie (2023). Development of a silk fibroin-small intestinal submucosa small-diameter vascular graft with sequential VEGF and TGF-β1 inhibitor delivery for in situ tissue engineering. Macromolecular Bioscience, 23 (9) 2300184, e2300184. doi: 10.1002/mabi.202300184

Development of a silk fibroin-small intestinal submucosa small-diameter vascular graft with sequential VEGF and TGF-β1 inhibitor delivery for in situ tissue engineering

2023

Journal Article

Comparison of open and laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair in octogenarians

Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Zhengni, Shen, Jianfeng, Liu, Jiajie and Tang, Rui (2023). Comparison of open and laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair in octogenarians. Asian Journal of Surgery, 46 (2), 738-741. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.06.149

Comparison of open and laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair in octogenarians

2022

Journal Article

Development of a decellularized human amniotic membrane-based electrospun vascular graft capable of rapid remodeling for small-diameter vascular applications

Liu, Jiajie, Chen, Dian, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Nan, Zhang, Haibo, Tang, Rui and Liu, Zhengni (2022). Development of a decellularized human amniotic membrane-based electrospun vascular graft capable of rapid remodeling for small-diameter vascular applications. Acta Biomaterialia, 152, 144-156. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.009

Development of a decellularized human amniotic membrane-based electrospun vascular graft capable of rapid remodeling for small-diameter vascular applications

2022

Journal Article

Incorporation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles into electrospun membranes improves pro-angiogenic activity and promotes diabetic wound healing

Liu, Mingyue, Wang, Ruilan, Liu, Jiajie, Zhang, Weixing, Liu, Zhengni, Lou, Xiangxin, Nie, Huali, Wang, Hongsheng, Mo, Xiumei, Abd-Elhamid, Ahmed I., Zheng, Rui and Wu, Jinglei (2022). Incorporation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles into electrospun membranes improves pro-angiogenic activity and promotes diabetic wound healing. Biomaterials Advances, 133 112609. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112609

Incorporation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles into electrospun membranes improves pro-angiogenic activity and promotes diabetic wound healing

2021

Journal Article

Nanofiber configuration affects biological performance of decellularized meniscus extracellular matrix incorporated electrospun scaffolds

Li, Haiyan, Wang, Xiaoyu, Liu, Jiajie, Liu, Zhengni, Wang, Hongsheng, Mo, Xiumei and Wu, Jinglei (2021). Nanofiber configuration affects biological performance of decellularized meniscus extracellular matrix incorporated electrospun scaffolds. Biomedical Materials, 16 (6) 065013, 065013. doi: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac28a5

Nanofiber configuration affects biological performance of decellularized meniscus extracellular matrix incorporated electrospun scaffolds

2021

Journal Article

The evaluation of functional small intestinal submucosa for abdominal wall defect repair in a rat model: Potent effect of sequential release of VEGF and TGF-β1 on host integration

Liu, Zhengni, Liu, Xuezhe, Bao, Luhan, Liu, Jiajie, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Mo, Xiumei and Tang, Rui (2021). The evaluation of functional small intestinal submucosa for abdominal wall defect repair in a rat model: Potent effect of sequential release of VEGF and TGF-β1 on host integration. Biomaterials, 276 120999, 120999. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120999

The evaluation of functional small intestinal submucosa for abdominal wall defect repair in a rat model: Potent effect of sequential release of VEGF and TGF-β1 on host integration

2021

Journal Article

Tailoring electrospun mesh for a compliant remodeling in the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defect-The role of decellularized human amniotic membrane and silk fibroin

Liu, Zhengni, Liu, Jiajie, Liu, Nan, Zhu, Xiaoqiang and Tang, Rui (2021). Tailoring electrospun mesh for a compliant remodeling in the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defect-The role of decellularized human amniotic membrane and silk fibroin. Materials Science and Engineering C: Materials for Biological Applications, 127 112235. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112235

Tailoring electrospun mesh for a compliant remodeling in the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defect-The role of decellularized human amniotic membrane and silk fibroin

2021

Journal Article

Functionalized strategies and mechanisms of the emerging mesh for abdominal wall repair and regeneration

Liu, Zhengni, Wei, Nina and Tang, Rui (2021). Functionalized strategies and mechanisms of the emerging mesh for abdominal wall repair and regeneration. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 7 (6), 2064-2082. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00118

Functionalized strategies and mechanisms of the emerging mesh for abdominal wall repair and regeneration

2021

Journal Article

Magnesium oxide-incorporated electrospun membranes inhibit bacterial infections and promote the healing process of infected wounds

Liu, Mingyue, Wang, Xiaoyu, Li, Haiyan, Xia, Changlei, Liu, Zhengni, Liu, Jiajie, Yin, Anlin, Lou, Xiangxin, Wang, Hongsheng, Mo, Xiumei and Wu, Jinglei (2021). Magnesium oxide-incorporated electrospun membranes inhibit bacterial infections and promote the healing process of infected wounds. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 9 (17), 3727-3744. doi: 10.1039/d1tb00217a

Magnesium oxide-incorporated electrospun membranes inhibit bacterial infections and promote the healing process of infected wounds

2020

Journal Article

A study of the "Swiss-roll" folding method for placement of self-gripping mesh in TAPP

Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Jiajie, Wei, Nina, Liu, Zhengni and Tang, Rui (2020). A study of the "Swiss-roll" folding method for placement of self-gripping mesh in TAPP. Minimally Invasive Therapy and Allied Technologies, 31 (2), 262-268. doi: 10.1080/13645706.2020.1780452

A study of the "Swiss-roll" folding method for placement of self-gripping mesh in TAPP

2020

Journal Article

Evaluation of a biocomposite mesh modified with decellularized human amniotic membrane for intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair

Liu, Zhengni, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Zhu, Tonghe and Tang, Rui (2020). Evaluation of a biocomposite mesh modified with decellularized human amniotic membrane for intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. ACS Omega, 5 (7), 3550-3562. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03866

Evaluation of a biocomposite mesh modified with decellularized human amniotic membrane for intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair

2020

Journal Article

Electrospun scaffold with sustained antibacterial and tissue-matched mechanical properties for potential application as functional mesh

Liu, Zhengni, Zhu, Xiaoqiang and Tang, Rui (2020). Electrospun scaffold with sustained antibacterial and tissue-matched mechanical properties for potential application as functional mesh. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 15, 4991-5004. doi: 10.2147/ijn.s248970

Electrospun scaffold with sustained antibacterial and tissue-matched mechanical properties for potential application as functional mesh

2019

Journal Article

Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products

Shan, Liang, Liu, Zhenni, Ci, Leilei, Shuai, Chen, Lv, Xiongwen and Li, Jun (2019). Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products. International Immunopharmacology, 75 105765. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105765

Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products

2019

Journal Article

Tacrolimus exposure early after lung transplantation and exploratory associations with acute cellular rejection

Darley, D. R., Carlos, L., Hennig, S., Liu, Z., Day, R. and Glanville, A. R. (2019). Tacrolimus exposure early after lung transplantation and exploratory associations with acute cellular rejection. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75 (7), 879-888. doi: 10.1007/s00228-019-02658-5

Tacrolimus exposure early after lung transplantation and exploratory associations with acute cellular rejection

2019

Journal Article

Triangle trocar configuration in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study

Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Zhengni, Shen, Jianfeng and Tang, Rui (2019). Triangle trocar configuration in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study. Journal of Surgical Research, 239, 149-155. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.01.067

Triangle trocar configuration in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study

2018

Journal Article

Promoting early neovascularization of SIS-repaired abdominal wall by controlled release of bioactive VEGF

Tang, Rui, Wang, Xin, Zhang, Hanying, Liang, Xi, Feng, Xueyi, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Lu, Xinwu, Wu, Fei and Liu, Zhengni (2018). Promoting early neovascularization of SIS-repaired abdominal wall by controlled release of bioactive VEGF. RSC Advances, 8 (9), 4548-4560. doi: 10.1039/c7ra11954b

Promoting early neovascularization of SIS-repaired abdominal wall by controlled release of bioactive VEGF

2016

Journal Article

Hepatectomy for patients with alveolar echinococcosis: Long-term follow-up observations of 144 cases

Du, Chengsong, Liu, Zhengni, Yang, Xianwei, Yan, Lunan, Li, Bo, Wen, Tianfu, Yang, Jiangyin, Xu, Mingqing, Chen, Zheyu and Wang, Wentao (2016). Hepatectomy for patients with alveolar echinococcosis: Long-term follow-up observations of 144 cases. International Journal of Surgery, 35, 147-152. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.09.094

Hepatectomy for patients with alveolar echinococcosis: Long-term follow-up observations of 144 cases

2016

Journal Article

Hepatocellular carcinoma cases with high levels of c-Raf-1 expression may benefit from postoperative adjuvant sorafenib after hepatic resection even with high risk of recurrence

Lei, Jianyong, Zhong, Jinjing, Hao, Jingcheng, Liu, Zhengni, Zhang, Peng, Wu, Lixue, Yan, Lunan, Zhu, Jinqiang, Zeng, Yong, Li, Bo, Wen, Tianfu and Wang, Wentao (2016). Hepatocellular carcinoma cases with high levels of c-Raf-1 expression may benefit from postoperative adjuvant sorafenib after hepatic resection even with high risk of recurrence. OncoTarget, 7 (27), 42598-42607. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.3799

Hepatocellular carcinoma cases with high levels of c-Raf-1 expression may benefit from postoperative adjuvant sorafenib after hepatic resection even with high risk of recurrence

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Personalising Innate-immunotherapy for Superior Treatment Outcomes with Large anticancer applicability (PISTOL)
    NHMRC MRFF EMCR - Early to Mid-Career Researchers
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Zhengni Liu is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles

    This proposal aims to develop effective treatments for the deadliest subtype of breast cancer: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To accomplish this, we will focus on targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles (EVs) that promote TNBC cell survival and metastatic spread. Our approach involves identifying and implementing strategies to reactivate the immune system in patients with TNBC metastases. By enhancing the body’s ability to recognize and eliminate TNBC cells, the goal is to reduce the need for conventional therapeutics with harmful side effects.

Media

Enquiries

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communications@uq.edu.au