Dr. Lanry Yung’s Research Team wins S$900K Research Grant from MOE

ChBE faculty members Assistant Prof. Lanry Yung, Assoc. Prof. Chen Shing-Bor and Prof. Bay Boon Huat (Dept. of Anatomy, YLLSOM) have been awarded a S$900,000 research grant by the Ministry of Education, Singapore (Academic Research Fund Tier 2).

Nano-size engineered materials have unique properties which make them useful in many ways - they now feature in commercial products such as sunscreens, composites, medical devices, and chemical catalysts. More than USD 13 billion is expected to be spent on production of nanomaterials in the year 2010. However, substantial concerns have been expressed regarding the potential adverse health effects and environmental problems triggered by nanomaterials. Governments, research labs and commercial organizations are initiating scientific investigations into the safety and health impact of engineered nanomaterials. The proposed fund-winning project aims to enhance our understanding about the cellular interaction and potential toxicity of nanomaterials. Specifically, the research team will investigate how nanoparticles bind with blood proteins, and subsequently how these nanoparticles transport into cells and cause cytotoxicity. The fundamental knowledge obtained from this project will be used to design safer nanomaterials-based products in fields such as medical imaging, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.