Postdoc Zhang honored among ‘35 Innovators Under 35’
Fangyu Zhang, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Siegwart Lab, was named to MIT Technology Review’s list of “35 Innovators Under 35” for his work creating microrobots to deliver medicine more effectively. The annual global listing draws more than 500 nominations from a wide range of fields. The magazine’s editors select the most promising 100 for the semifinalist round, where they are ranked by a panel of judges with expertise in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, software, energy, and materials. Based on those insights, the editors compile the list of 35 winners, who are highlighted in the July/August magazine and online.
“This achievement represents not only a highlight of my work but also a reflection of the support and collaboration from my mentors and colleagues,” Dr. Zhang said. “It motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of research, particularly in the area of microrobots and related bio-inspired technologies, with a focus on advancing broad applications in translational medicine.”
Dr. Zhang created the tiny robots from microalgae.
“These microalgae naturally move, so I combined them with medicine to form what we call biohybrid microrobots. These microrobots can swim to specific areas in the body, like the lungs, to treat diseases more directly,” he said.
Dr. Zhang used the tiny robots to treat severe lung infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, in mice.
“The results were impressive,” he said. “The treatment worked just as well as regular intravenous antibiotic injection methods but with 3,000 times less medicine. This makes the treatment much safer and more efficient. Additionally, in treating lung metastasis, these microrobots improved median survival by 40% compared with conventional drug treatment methods.”
Another version of microrobots created by Dr. Zhang can be swallowed in a capsule, allowing them to selectively deliver medicine to the stomach and intestines, which could potentially be used for treating digestive issues.
The microrobots don’t remain in the body long term. “The microalgae and the drug-carrying nanoparticles in the lungs are typically broken down by immune cells, such as macrophages, and eventually disintegrate,” Dr. Zhang explained. “For gastrointestinal tract applications, the microrobots are more likely to be expelled from the body naturally.”
Overall, this work could enhance the efficiency and precision of therapeutic interventions.
“The primary problem it tackles is the limited effectiveness of conventional drug delivery systems, especially in reaching and treating specific target areas within the body, such as deep lung tissues and the gastrointestinal tract,” Dr. Zhang said. “Clinically, the drug-loaded biohybrid microrobots can be used to target bacterial lung infections, with future inhalable versions designed to address a broader range of lung diseases. Furthermore, the versatility of these microrobots allows for applications in various therapeutic areas, including gastrointestinal diseases, where swallowable versions can effectively target conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.”
“Dr. Zhang is a rising star in biomedical research whose work is characterized by impressive creativity,” said Daniel Siegwart, Ph.D., Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Biochemistry and in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The award is a testament to both his past success and his bright future ahead.”
Dr. Zhang earned a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a master’s degree in biological and environmental engineering from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in nanoengineering from the University of California, San Diego. He joined the Siegwart Lab in 2023.
“I was drawn to UT Southwestern due to its prestigious reputation in cutting-edge biomedical research and strong focus on translational medicine,” Dr. Zhang said. “The collaborative environment, world-class facilities, and emphasis on interdisciplinary research align perfectly with my goals.”