Zhengrong Gu

Biography

He started his research career as a MS student focusing on nanomaterial, carbon adsorbents and catalysts in 1997, when he was a major pioneer of photocatalysis technology in China. After 2001, his PhD research focused on bio-separation technology, especially recombinant protein purification. In 2004-2006, he developed the first three-dimensional protein (size, surface charge and hydrophobicity) characterization methods and applied this innovative method to a complex Corn extract protein. After completing his PhD study, he joined GE-Lifescience Fast Trak as lead applicant scientist, managed typical training courses about biopharmaceutical processing development, as well as lead customized biopharm downstream processes development service team in Shanghai. In 2008 March, he moved back to academic for more research freedom and innovative, and joined Microbiology department at University of Illinois as a Postdoc. In this short postdoc period, he solved multiple critical challenges in expression and purification of the new botulinum neurotoxin therapeutical delivery vehicle.

Research Interest

Renewable graphene & advanced carbon materials, Bioseparation technology (biomedical engineering, biopharma and biorefinery), Tailored materials for biomedical engineering, Catalysts of biorefinery, Water purification and recovery, Bio-dust fire monitoring and prevention, Transmission electron microscope techniques for materials characterization and biomedical diagnosis, Bioinspired silicon-carbon and silica materials