Research Interests

Welcome to the Laboratory for Multifunctional Nanocomposites (LMN) at Western University, led by Professor Jin Zhang. We design tailor-made hetero-nanostructures with unique optical, magnetic, electronic, and mechanical properties that power next-generation sensing, health diagnostics, theranostics, and advanced devices.

By integrating machine learning (ML) and data-driven approaches across the entire research pipeline, from nanomaterial design to device and system optimization, the Zhang Group accelerates innovation at the intersection of nanotechnology, biointegration, and intelligent systems.

Major Research Themes

  • Machine Learning–Enhanced Materials-to-Device Design

 

ML-powered LMN

By coupling advanced nanofabrication with ML-assisted modeling, pattern recognition, and signal analysis, the Zhang Group accelerates the discovery of structure-property-function relationships in complex nanosystems. 

       Ml-powered LMN

Selected Publications:

An J, Chen T, Pouri H, Liu T, Zhang J. Machine Learning-Assisted Development of Conductive Polymers. Polymer. 2025 Jun 13:128684.

 

  • Biointegrated & Non‑Invasive Sensor Systems
Biointegrated, wearable, non‑Invasive sensing systems

The Zhang Group has pioneered nanostructured sensors and molecular transduction mechanisms, including FRET and BRET, laying the foundation for next‑generation biointegrated sensors for real‑time monitoring

 Lens sensor

Selected Publications:

  • Tang H, Pouri H, Lu C, Zhang J. Rapid detection of spermine by using a cost-effective carbon nanostructured aptasensor. Nano TransMed. 2024 Dec 1;3:100037.
  • Zhang Y, Yan P, Tang H, Zhang J. Rapid detection of tear lactoferrin for diagnosis of dry eyes by using fluorescence polarization-based aptasensor. Scientific Reports. 2023 Sep 13;13(1):15179.
  • Chen L, Dotzert M, Melling CJ, Zhang J. Tunable photoluminescence of carbon dots used for homogeneous glucose sensing assay. Biochemical Engineering Journal. 2020 Jul 15;159:107580.
  • Chen L, Tse WH, Chen Y, McDonald MW, Melling J, Zhang J. Nanostructured biosensor for detecting glucose in tear by applying fluorescence resonance energy transfer quenching mechanism. Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 2017 May 15;91:393-9.
  • Chen L, Bao Y, Denstedt J, Zhang J. Nanostructured bioluminescent sensor for rapidly detecting thrombin. Biosensors & bioelectronics. 2016 Mar 15;77:83-9.
  • Zhang J, Hodge W, Hutnick C, Wang X. Noninvasive diagnostic devices for diabetes through measuring tear glucose. Journal of diabetes science and technology. 2011 Jan;5(1):166-72.

“Luminescent Resonance Engergy Transfer Sensors For Non-Invasively and Continuously Monitoring Glucose For Diabetes”,   US20240044907A1

Non-invasive glucose monitoring for diabetes management

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGpsve_fV5w&feature=youtu.be

  •  Theranostic systems at Nanoscale-Integrated Diagnosis & Therapy

 

Theranostics

Dr. Jin Zhang’s lab develops biocompatible, multifunctional nanocarriers that cross biological barriers to enable targeted, minimally invasive theranostic delivery with sensitive real-time tracking of biological processes

 Theranostics

Selected Publications:

  • Lu C, Ouyang J, Zhang J. Core–shell upconversion nanoparticles with suitable surface modification to overcome endothelial barrier. Discover Nano. 2024 Nov 12;19(1):181.
  • Lu C, Tang H, Zhang J. Graphene oxide nanosheets enhancing the photothermal response of a cellular barrier exposed to near infrared light. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2024 Jun;102(6):2151-9.
  • Tse WH, Yang S, Zhang J. Cubic upconversion nanoparticles used as the theranostic system for the treatment and diagnosis of angiogenesis-related diseases. Materials Today Advances. 2022 Dec 1;16:100285.
  • Song J, Lu C, Leszek J, Zhang J. Design and development of nanomaterial-based drug carriers to overcome the blood–brain barrier by using different transport mechanisms. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021 Sep 19;22(18):10118.
  • Tse WH, Chen L, McCurdy CM, Tarapacki CM, Chronik BA, Zhang J. Development of biocompatible NaGdF 4: Er 3+, Yb 3+ upconversion nanoparticles used as contrast agents for bio‐imaging. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2019 Oct 1;97(10).

“CATIONIC BIOPOLYMER-MODIFIED MAGNETIC NANOSTRUCTURES FOR NUCLEIC ACID AND PROTEIN DELIVERY”, US 63/892,492

  • Spintronics & Magnetic Sensing Technologies

 

Spintronics

Dr. Jin Zhang’s lab explores magnetic nanostructures relevant to spintronics and magnetic sensors, offering new pathways for low‑power and high‑sensitivity detection.

 

       spintronics

Selected Publications:

  • Chen L, Yang S, Dotzert M, Melling CJ, Zhang J. Hybrid reduced graphene oxide nanosheets with negative magnetoresistance for the diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Journal of Materials Chemistry B. 2023;11(5):998-1007.
  • Yang S, Zhang J. Enhanced room-temperature magnetoresistance of hybrid graphene nanosheets produced by a laser-assisted process. Journal of Materials Science. 2022 Mar;57(10):5885-93.
  • Yang S, Tan M, Yu T, Li X, Wang X, Zhang J. Hybrid reduced graphene oxide with special magnetoresistance for wireless magnetic field sensor. Nano-Micro Letters. 2020 Dec;12(1):69.

 

“GIANT MAGNETORESISTANCE-BASED BIOSENSORS”, US11294004B2, patent granted

  • Functional Nanostructures & Quantum Materials

 

Nanofabrication: (a) Laser-assisted process. (b) Wet chemical reaction

Across all research themes, the group leverages advanced nanomaterials through the rational design of tailor-made hetero-nanostructures, integrating multiple components at the nanoscale to achieve unique multifunctional properties that underpin next-generation sensor and device platforms

     nanopillar

 

Selected Publications:

  • Wuppaladhodi V, Yang S, Pouri H, Zhang J. Laser-assisted process for the deposition of nanostructured anti-microbial coatings on hydrogels. Optics & Laser Technology. 2023 Sep 1;164:109485.
  • Wuppaladhodi V, Yang S, Pouri H, Zhang J. Enhanced mechanical properties of silicone hydrogels coated with metallic nanoparticles by using the laser-assisted process. Journal of Applied Physics. 2023 Apr 28;133(16).
  • Yang S, Zhang J. Deposition of YBCO nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets by using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation. Optics & Laser Technology. 2019 Jan 1;109:465-9.
  • Song J, Zhang J. Self-illumination of carbon dots by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. Scientific Reports. 2019 Sep 24;9(1):13796.
  • Yang S, Tse WH, Zhang J. Deposition of antibody modified upconversion nanoparticles on glass by a laser-assisted method to improve the performance of cell culture. Nanoscale research letters. 2019 Dec;14(1):101.
  • Chen Y, Chen L, Chen L, Zhang J. Deposition of ZnO nanocrystals on Fe3O4 nanocubes and their special luminescent and magnetic properties. Particle & Particle Systems Characterization. 2015 Sep;32(9):893-8.

Research Funding

Funding agents

Collaborations/Links