Professor Leong's research interest focuses on biomaterials design, particularly for synthesis of nanoparticles for gene and immunotherapy, and nanofibers for regenerative medicine applications.
Biomaterials Design:
- design of self-assembled fibers for tissue engineering
- synthesis of new biodegradable polymers and new polyelectrolytes for drug and gene delivery applied to tissue engineering
- synthesis of thermosensitive hydrogels for tissue engineering
Controlled Drug and Gene Delivery:
- oral gene delivery for hemophilia A and B
- non-viral gene delivery to the GI tract, bladder, and CNS
- oral delivery of antigen genes for vaccination
Tissue Engineering:
- study of interaction of stem cells with biofunctional polymeric surface
- expansion of hematopoietic stem cells
- nerve guidance channels with drug and gene delivery functions
- microencapsulation of stem cells and genetically-engineered cells
- development of bioartificial nucleus pulposus device
- study of interaction of SMC and neuronal stem cells with synthetic nanostructured biomaterials
