Biochemical Reaction Engineering Research Team

Principal Investigator

Prof. Cheng Zhong – Tianjin Youth Science and Technology Innovation Talent

Team Members

Professors: Changsheng Qiao, Jiandong Cui, Zhilei Tan, Peipei Han, Weifeng Cao

Associate Professors: Hexin Lü, Ying Hou, Yanyan Xie, Wenchao Li, Baosong Chen;

PhD Holders: Ziyuan Wang, Bo Xin, Ruiying Zhu, Yali Bi, Kejing Song, and Tian Tian.

Research Directions

(1) Microbial fermentation technologies and product innovation

(2) Biosynthesis and applications of biopolymers (bio-based materials, active polysaccharides)

(3) Microbial production and green extraction of bioactive substances

(4) Design and application of nano-biocatalysts and immobilized enzyme systems

Teaching and Academic Achievements

 Developed national-level quality shared courses, including the national first-class undergraduate course Biochemical Reaction Engineering, and the national high-quality open online course The Wonderful World of Microorganisms

 Authored over 10 books, including Principles of Biochemical Reaction Engineering, Biopreservatives, The Wonderful World of Microorganisms, Map of Traditional Chinese Fermented Foods, and Microalgae Cultivation Technology

 Received more than 10 teaching achievement awards, including the National Teaching Achievement Award (Second Prize) and Tianjin’s Excellence in Engineering Education Award (First Prize)

 Mentored students to win a Gold and Silver Medal in the iGEM competition

 Supervised more than 500 doctoral and master’s students

Research Output

 Led 20+ national-level and 10+ provincial/ministerial projects

 Published 200+ academic papers and granted 40+ invention patents

 Received multiple honors, including the Tianjin Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Prize) and the China National Food Industry Association S&T Award (First Prize)

Technology Transfer and Application

Key innovations—such as ε-polylysine hydrochloride, food preservation techniques, bacterial cellulose dressings, polyglutamic acid, pullulan, and euglena glucan—have been successfully commercialized through partnerships with enterprises like Zhejiang New Silver Elephant Bioengineering and Shandong Nameide Biotechnology, generating substantial economic and social impact.