Industrial Biotechnology
The Wu Group’s research in industrial biotechnology focuses on engineering enzymes and whole-cell biocatalysts for sustainable chemical production. We apply chemical strategies to make natural enzymes more robust, reusable, and versatile under challenging industrial conditions. A key approach involves attaching polymers or supramolecular structures to enzymes or even living cells, forming protective and functional "coatings." These modifications enable enzymes to remain active in non-traditional environments—such as organic solvents—and perform complex, multi-step reactions that natural enzymes alone cannot handle. By tailoring enzyme–polymer conjugates and coating whole cells with custom-designed materials, we create “super enzymes” and “super bacteria” with enhanced stability, new functions, and improved efficiency for greener industrial processes.
Medical Biotechnology
In the field of medical biotechnology, the Wu Group develops nanoscale delivery systems and therapeutic platforms that combine biomolecules with nanotechnology. Since 2018, our work has focused on creating advanced nanoplatforms—such as polymer-coated nanoparticles and PEGylated liposomes—for targeted delivery of therapeutic proteins and drugs, including across biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier. We are also developing the next generation of protein delivery systems to enhance precision, stability, and therapeutic outcomes in biomedical applications.
