Associate Professor Li Li, Charles Sturt University, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Australian

Host: Professor Mingdong Dong

Abstract:

Efficient delivery of therapeutics and agrochemicals remains a critical challenge due to instability, rapid degradation, off-target effects, and environmental concerns. Conventional delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), often suffer from poor bioavailability, uncontrolled release kinetics, and potential toxicity, limiting their effectiveness in both medical and agricultural applications. To address these challenges, our group has developed functional biomineral nanoparticles with tailored properties (including pH responsiveness, tuneable size and charge, and controlled morphologies) as innovative delivery systems for targeted and sustained release of bioactive materials. By incorporating biominerals with various polymers and proteins, we have engineered hierarchical nanocomposites that enable precision delivery and controlled release. In this seminar, I will present our recent progress on the development of advanced biominerals, focusing on their design, functionalization, and translational potential. Key examples will include polysaccharide-calcium phosphate nanocomposites and nanoclay composites, with applications in oral vaccine delivery, combination cancer therapies, RNAi technology, and precision diagnostics. These advances offer scalable, biocompatible, and sustainable solutions for nanomedicine and agriculture, driving innovation at the interface of materials science and biotechnology.

Bio:

Dr. Li Li is an Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University (CSU), holding an Honorary Associate Professor and a group leader position at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland (UQ). She received her PhD in Chemical Engineering from China University of Petroleum and subsequently worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UQ and UNSW. Since 2016, she has led a research group at AIBN focused on developing functional biominerals for precision nanomedicine, combinational phototherapy, and oral vaccines to enhance cancer treatment and animal healthcare. More recently, she has expanded her research into developing responsive biomineral materials for crop protection, slow-release fertilizers, and vaccines, addressing critical challenges in animal health management, pest control, and plant growth. In 2024, she was awarded the ARC Industry Mid-career Fellowship to transform biowaste to soil products and slow-release fertilisers. At Gulbali Institute, she will focus on programmable biomineral development for precision delivery and controlled release in one health. Her research has been recognised with numerous prestigious fellowships and awards, including the ARC Industry Mid-career Fellowship, Advanced Queensland Industry Fellowship, Winston Churchill Fellowship, QLD International Fellowship, and ATSE Early Career Fellowship.