Health nanotechnology projects get $4.5 million Investigator boost
Published on: 20 May 2024
Song Group
Nucleic Acid Nanomedicine
The Song Group, led by Dr Hao Song, focuses on the design and engineering of next-generation nanotechnologies for nucleic acid therapeutics and vaccine delivery. The Group’s research is centred on patient-oriented translational nanomedicine, aiming to improve treatment compliance, accessibility, and precision through advanced nanotechnology.
By integrating engineering principles with fundamental sciences, the Group leads the NEXT program (Nano-Engineering of Vaccines and Therapeutics), which advances innovations in materials engineering, formulation engineering, and biomedical engineering. This program develops engineered nano-delivery systems for DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and biologic therapeutics, addressing key challenges towards both clinical and commercial translations such as stability, scale-up, targeting, precision, etc.
The Group’s research synergises nano-delivery systems with immuno-modulation and metabolic engineering approaches that build custom-design for therapeutic and vaccine development. Packing the formulations for applications, the Song Group develops smart devices and enabling technologies for controlled and precision delivery. Guided by unmet clinical needs, the Group places strong emphasis on translational impact, bridging fundamental research with practical biomedical solutions. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the Group aims to advance nucleic acid nanomedicine and precision therapeutics that improve treatment outcomes, patient acceptability, and global accessibility of advanced medicines.
Research Areas
- Biomimetic nanoparticles
- Micro/nanostructures at biointerfaces
- Long-lasting drug formulations/device
- Vaccine nanotechnology and immuno-engineering
- Oral vaccine and mucosal immunity modulation
- OMVs-based vaccine and adjuvant development
- Targeting gene delivery and editing
- AI-assisted LNP design for mRNA delivery
- In vivo CAR-T therapy for solid tumor
- Precision Nanomedicine
Research Approach
Our group is positioned at the multidisciplinary interface of nanobiotechnology, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine, focusing on next-generation delivery technologies for nucleic acid therapeutics, vaccines, and biologics. A defining strength of our research is the development of a versatile nanoparticle toolkit, a large library of nano-delivery systems that can be rationally designed, tailored, and biologically functionalised to fit diverse therapeutic applications. In line with this, we have recently established a streamlined high-throughput LNP fabrication and screening platform that enables the development of precision mRNA therapeutics.
Beyond delivery vehicle design, our research integrates immunomodulation, metabolic engineering, and formulation strategies to actively facilitate and regulate drug delivery processes and biological responses. Through close collaboration with national/international scientists, clinicians, and industry partners, our technologies are developed with strong translational intent. By linking fundamental nanoscale engineering with application-driven technologies, the group aims to advance precision nanomedicine and generate patient-oriented therapeutic solutions that can bring tangible benefits in the real world.
Research Highlights
Funding
- NHMRC Investigator Grant_EL2 (2026) Harnessing Nanotechnology to Develop Next-Generation mRNA Oral Vaccines
- ARC Linkage Project (2023) Designer Nanoparticles Enable mRNA Protein Factories
- Australian Center for HIV and Hepatitis Virology Research (ACH4) Grant (2023) Nanotechnology-Enabled Long-Acting Antiretroviral Therapy for Improved HIV Treatment Adherence
- UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award (2023) Bioinspired Nanoparticles for Next-Generation Shelf-Stable mRNA Vaccines
- UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund (2021) Developing a Thermal-Stable Nanoparticle-based Oral Vaccine: Towards Commercial Reality
- ARC DECRA (2021) Engineering Nanoparticles with Enhanced Adhesion at the Nano-Bio-Interfaces
- NHMRC Investigator Grant_EL1 (2021) A Long-Lasting Oral Drug Delivery System Using Spiky Silica Nanoparticles
- ARC Linkage Project (2021) Development of a Market-Relevant DNA Nano-Vaccine Platform
Publications
Click here to view Song group publications
