Ji-Xin Cheng
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
- Title Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
- Email jxcheng@bu.edu
- Education Ph.D., University of Science and Technology of
China
Research in the Cheng group is focused on a central theme: How do biomolecules and/or molecular assemblies function in space and time to drive life? For example, how does the membrane respond to the action potential in neurons? How is the metabolism reprogrammed during cell development? What happens at molecular level inside a bug exposed to a treatment? To address these basic questions, we develop and apply highly sensitive chemical imaging technologies that are able to unveil hidden signatures in various living systems. Our eventual goal is molecule-based precision diagnosis and/or treatment of human diseases. We further harness the unique properties of photons to modulate the behavior of cells. Examples include photolysis of chromophores to eradicate drug-resistant bacteria and cancer cells, and high-precision photoacoustic modulation of neurons.
- Research Areas
- Biomolecular Engineering, Systems & Synthetic Biology
- Affiliation
- Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Faculty