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
Fields of research
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
2014
Journal Article
Host tissue integration process in abdominal wall defect repair: a comparison of two porcine-derived grafts in a long-term study
Liu, Zhengni, Yang, Zhi, Zhou, Zhiyuan, Song, Zhicheng, Wang, Huichun, Yang, JianJun, Tang, Rui, Tan, Qiang and Gu, Yan (2014). Host tissue integration process in abdominal wall defect repair: a comparison of two porcine-derived grafts in a long-term study. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 14 (7), 883-892. doi: 10.1517/14712598.2014.907783
2014
Journal Article
Carbon nanotubes as VEGF carriers to improve the early vascularization of porcine small intestinal submucosa in abdominal wall defect repair
Liu, Zhengni, Feng, Xueyi, Wang, Huichun, Ma, Jun, Liu, Wei, Cui, Daxiang, Gu, Yan and Tang, Rui (2014). Carbon nanotubes as VEGF carriers to improve the early vascularization of porcine small intestinal submucosa in abdominal wall defect repair. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 9, 1275-1286. doi: 10.2147/ijn.s58626
2013
Journal Article
Reconstruction of abdominal wall musculofascial defects with small intestinal submucosa scaffolds seeded with tenocytes in rats
Song, Zhicheng, Peng, Zhiyou, Liu, Zhengni, Yang, Jianjun, Tang, Rui and Gu, Yan (2013). Reconstruction of abdominal wall musculofascial defects with small intestinal submucosa scaffolds seeded with tenocytes in rats. Tissue Engineering. Part A, 19 (13-14), 1543-1553. doi: 10.1089/ten.tea.2011.0748
2013
Journal Article
Repair of abdominal wall defects in vitro and in vivo using vegf sustained-release Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) composite scaffolds
Song, Zhicheng, Yang, Zhi, Yang, Jianjun, Liu, Zhengni, Peng, Zhiyou, Tang, Rui and Gu, Yan (2013). Repair of abdominal wall defects in vitro and in vivo using vegf sustained-release Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) composite scaffolds. PLoS One, 8 (5) e64358. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064358
2013
Journal Article
Constructing a vascular endothelial growth factor sustained-released multi-wall carbon nanotube composite scaffold
Feng, Xue-Yi, Liu, Zheng-Ni, Tang, Rui and Hu, Heng-Yao (2013). Constructing a vascular endothelial growth factor sustained-released multi-wall carbon nanotube composite scaffold. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 17 (3), 433-439. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.03.009
2011
Journal Article
Comparison of two porcine-derived materials for repairing abdominal wall defects in rats
Liu, Zhengni, Tang, Rui, Zhou, Zhiyuan, Song, Zhicheng, Wang, Huichun and Gu, Yan (2011). Comparison of two porcine-derived materials for repairing abdominal wall defects in rats. PLoS One, 6 (5) e20520. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020520
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Zhengni Liu is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
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
For media enquiries about Dr Zhengni Liu's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: