Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Series: Dr Youfu Wang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

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Abstract

Our Emerging Investigator Series features exceptional work by early-career researchers working in the field of materials science.

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Youfu Wang (ORCID: 0009-0006-3537-2906) is an assistant professor in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and an Expert Consultant at the State Key Laboratory of Polyolefins and Catalysis. He earned his BS (2011) and PhD (2016) in materials science from the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), and enriched his expertise through joint doctoral research at the University of Chicago (2014–2016). As a National Innovative Postdoctoral Researcher at SJTU (2016–2018), he advanced his work on the precise modification of functional nanoobjects.

Since establishing his independent research group in 2018, Wang has focused on the rational design and synthesis of functional nanocages—notably metal–organic cages (MOCs) and covalent organic cages. His research exploits their well-defined cavities, structural tunability, and host–guest behavior to develop advanced materials for biomedical and optoelectronic applications. In biomedicine, his group creates smart nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery, bioimaging, and integrated theranostics. In optoelectronics, they explore these nanocages for sensing, catalysis, and energy conversion, leveraging their unique photophysical and surface properties. By combining molecular-level precision with macroscopic functionality, his work aims to translate nanocage architectures into practical solutions for global challenges in health and energy.

Read Youfu Wang's Emerging Investigator Series article ‘Bimetallic organic cages as precise theranostic nanoplatforms for self-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and chemodynamic therapy’ ( https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01167A ) and read more about him in the interview below:

MH: Your recent Materials Horizons Communication reports the design of a ferrocene-decorated metal–organic cage through coordination self-assembly to address chemodynamic therapy challenges. How has your research evolved from your first article to this most recent article and where do you see your research going in future?

YW: My research journey began with fundamental studies in materials science, focusing initially on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. During my doctoral and postdoctoral training, I delved deeper into the precise functionalization and design of nanoobjects. Upon establishing my independent group, I shifted my focus to well-defined nanocage systems, particularly the construction of metal–organic cages and covalent organic cages. This most recent article represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of “all-in-one” theranostic platforms, where we successfully integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functions through a bimetallic synergy within a single, atomically precise nanocage. Looking forward, I aim to further explore the potential of nanocages in multifunctional integrated systems, especially in areas like dynamic responsiveness, intelligent drug delivery, and cross-scale regulation, to push the boundaries toward clinical translation and practical applications.

MH: What aspect of your work are you most excited about at the moment?

YW: I am most excited by the ability of our designed nanocage structures to achieve precise targeting and stimuli-responsive behaviors in vivo. For instance, by tuning the pore geometry and surface chemistry of the cages, we can control drug release, enhance imaging signals, and even mimic the functions of biomacromolecules. This philosophy of “structure-determines-function” provides a powerful and novel approach to tackling complex challenges in biomedicine and energy materials.

MH: In your opinion, what are the most important questions to be asked/answered in this field of research?

YW: In my view, the most pressing questions are: How can we ensure the long-term stability and biocompatibility of nanocage structures within complex biological environments? How can we rationally design nanocages to integrate multiple functionalities—such as imaging, therapy, and sensing—while maintaining precise structural control? How can we effectively bridge the gap between laboratory-scale synthesis of nanocage systems and their real-world application, particularly in personalized medicine and green energy devices?

MH: What do you find most challenging about your research?

YW: The foremost challenge lies in achieving precise control over the structure, composition, and function of materials at the nanoscale, especially within a biological context. The synthesis and characterization of nanocages require a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining synthetic chemistry, advanced materials characterization, and biological evaluation. Furthermore, translating fundamental discoveries into technologies with practical value presents additional hurdles, including process scaling, stability assessment, and standardized manufacturing.

MH: In which upcoming conferences or events may our readers meet you?

YW: I will be attending the 35th Chinese Chemical Society Congress.

MH: How do you spend your spare time?

YW: I like to go hiking and listen to classical music to quiet my mind. These activities not only help me recharge but often unexpectedly spark creativity in my research.

MH: Can you share one piece of career-related advice or wisdom with other early career scientists?

YW: “Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.” This belief has been a guiding principle in my own scientific journey. For me, true understanding has never come from literature alone, but from marrying deep reading with the tactile mastery of core techniques through relentless practice. Some of my most pivotal moments emerged when I stepped beyond my comfort zone—seeking diverse collaborations and daring to ask questions others hadn't. I've found that an open dialogue with the scientific community is invaluable for sharpening one's research vision. Ultimately, I learned that genuine breakthroughs live at the intersection of meticulous attention to detail and the courage to venture into the unknown.

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