Zhen Gu named to MIT Technology Review’s top innovators under 35

Zhen Gu, an assistant professor in North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s joint biomedical engineering program, has been named one of MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35” for his work on developing novel drug-delivery systems for treating cancer and diabetes.

The annual list, which Tech Review has issued since 1999, was created to highlight exceptionally talented young innovators from around the world in a variety of fields. Previous winners include Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

“It is very exciting to be recognized for my innovation and passion for using science and technology to help people and – hopefully, eventually – both improve peoples’ quality of life and save lives,” Gu said.

Gu joined NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill in 2012, and has since created dozens of technologies and techniques aimed at delivering the right drug to the right place at the right time to maximize the impact of therapeutic medications. Gu’s work is truly interdisciplinary, drawing on biomolecular engineering, materials chemistry, nanotechnology and other fields in his efforts to develop more effective drug delivery tools and techniques.

Gu’s research on regulating insulin in diabetic patients was recognized by the American Diabetes Association earlier this year with $1.6 million in funding under its Pathway to Stop Diabetes initiative. Gu’s work on diabetes includes the development of a “smart insulin patch” and multiple injectable nanoscale systems that can help to regulate insulin. Gu is currently working with pharmaceutical companies to move these inventions into clinical trials.

Gu has also developed a suite of new approaches for targeting the delivery of anticancer drugs directly to tumors.

Gu has created nanoscale “daisies” and graphene “flying carpets” that deliver anti-cancer drug cocktails directly to cancer cells. The graphene flying carpets also have mechanisms that deliver each drug to the specific part of the cancer cell where it will do the most damage – as does another technique he developed that uses so-called gel liposomes.

Gu’s lab has also come up with “nano-cocoons,” nanocapsules and a delivery system activated by the presence of the “energy molecule” ATP, all of which have ways of tricking a cancer cell into absorbing them before triggering the release of the anti-cancer drugs – like tiny, anti-cancer smartbombs. While these techniques are not ready for clinical application, Gu plans to launch a start-up company to commercialize his technology.

“This award is extremely encouraging, and energizes me to continue my enthusiasm to find new ways to help people live longer, healthier lives,” Gu said.

Zhen Gu is an NC TraCS Pilot Program 5K-50K award winner.

Article originally published at UNC Campus Updates.