(33) Xin Yang, Linzixuan Zhang, Fangzheng Chen, Wenhao, Zhiling Zheng, Tian Wang, Erika Yan Wang, Behnaz Eshaghi, Sydney MacDonald, Robert Langer, Ana Jaklenec. (2025). Ferrous nutritional metal-organic framework as food fortificant. Matter. (DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2025.102372)

• Designed and synthesized a ferrous nutritional MOF (NuMOF) with high stability and bioavailability.

• Demonstrated effective co-fortification of iron and iodine while maintaining sensory quality of food.

• Provided a scalable and low-cost strategy to address global micronutrient deficiencies.

(32) Xin Yang, Linzixuan Zhang, Zhiling Zheng, Robert Langer*, Ana Jaklenec*. (2025). Advanced Oral Delivery Systems for Nutraceuticals. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2500271. (DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202500271)

• Reviewed cutting-edge oral delivery platforms including MOFs, polymers, and biocompatible carriers.

• Highlighted challenges in enhancing stability and absorption of nutraceuticals.

• Proposed future directions integrating smart materials and precision nutrition approaches.

(31) Xin Yang, Linzixuan Zhang, Kaloyan Staykov, Zongting Wu, Ana Jaklenec*. (2025). Transforming drug and vaccine delivery for equitable access in global health. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 152415. (DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.152415)

• Addressed the need for low-cost, scalable drug and vaccine delivery systems for global health.

• Showcased next-generation carriers capable of withstanding diverse environmental conditions.

• Emphasized equitable access and sustainability in delivery technologies.

(30) Shahad K. Alsaiari, Linzixuan Zhang, Xin Yang, Aranda R. Duan, John L. Daristotle, Aurelien vander Straeten, Shelley B. Weinstock, Robert Langer, Ana Jaklenec. (2025). Stable Natural Iron Complex Micronutrient Powder for Enhanced Cellular Uptake. Food Frontiers. (DOI: 10.1002/fft2.70086)

• Developed a food-grade natural iron complex with improved stability and solubility.

• Demonstrated significantly enhanced cellular uptake compared to conventional iron fortificants.

• Showcased its potential for safe and effective nutritional supplementation.

(29) Chunyuhang Xu, Qingtong Xie, Chien-Liang Kuo, Xin Yang,* Dejian Huang.* (2025). Evidence-Based Nutraceuticals Derived from Antrodia cinnamomea. Foods, 14(7), 1212. (DOI: 10.3390/foods14071212)

• Summarized bioactive triterpenoids and polysaccharides from Antrodia cinnamomea.

• Reviewed preclinical and clinical evidence supporting its health benefits.

• Provided a framework for developing standardized and evidence-based nutraceutical products.

(28) Chunyuhang Xu, Siyu Chen, Tiange Liu, Haowen Zhu, Chien-Liang Kuo, Zhuoyu Zhou, Guo Chen, Fion Wei Lin Chin, Xin Yang,* Dejian Huang.* (2025). Antrodia cinnamomea Residual Biomass-Based Hydrogel as a Novel UV-Protective and Antimicrobial Wound-Healing Dressing for Biomedical Use. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4496. (DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104496)

• Developed a biopolymer hydrogel from Antrodia cinnamomea biomass, turning food byproducts into value-added biomedical materials.

• Demonstrated dual functionality: UV-protection and antimicrobial activity.

• Validated its application as a wound-healing dressing with potential biomedical impact.

(27) Uma Jingxin Tay, Joanne Yi Hui Toy, Chengxin He, Marco Vignuzzi, Xin Yang, Gomathy Sandhya Subramanian, Maria Antipina, Paolo Alberto Lorenzini, Weibiao Zhou, Dejian Huang. (2025). Soy lecithin strengthens amaranth protein-based omelettes through protein complexation which alters protein interactions. Food Structure, 100432. (DOI: 10.1016/j.foostr.2025.100432)

• Investigated protein–lecithin interactions in plant-based omelettes.

• Showed soy lecithin enhances texture and mechanical strength via protein complexation.

• Provided insights for improving sensory quality of plant-based foods

(26) Linzixuan Zhang, Ruiqing Xiao, Wenhao Gao, Johnny Garcia, Xinyan Pan, John L. Daristotle, Timothy Forster, Jooli Han, Mehr Chaddah, Dhruv Varshney, Nandita Menon, Kevin J. McHugh, Benjamin J. Pedretti, Jing Ying Yeo, Xin Yang, Sydney MacDonald, Robert Langer*, Ana Jaklenec*. (2025). Polyanhydride‐Based Microparticles for Programmable Pulsatile Release of Diphtheria Toxoid (DT) for Single‐Injection Self‐Boosting Vaccines. Advanced Materials, 2501168. (DOI: 10.1002/adma.202501168)

• Designed degradable polyanhydride microparticles enabling pulsatile vaccine release.

• Achieved single-injection, self-boosting diphtheria toxoid vaccination.

• Highlighted potential for reducing multi-dose vaccine regimens globally.

(25) Hongling Zheng, Xin Yang, Qiuyu Zhang, Joanne Yi Hui Toy,* Dejian Huang*. (2025). Food Grade Synthesis of Hetero-Coupled Biflavones and 3D-Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) Modeling of Antioxidant Activity. Antioxidants, 14(6), 742. (DOI: 10.3390/antiox14060742) 

• Developed a food-safe synthetic method for novel biflavones.

• Conducted 3D-QSAR modeling to predict and optimize antioxidant activity.

• Provided structure–activity relationship insights for functional food design.

(24) Linzixuan Zhang, Ruiqing Xiao, Tianyi Jin, Xinyan Pan, Katharina A. Fransen, Shahad K. Alsaiari, Alicia Lau, Ruizhe He, Jooli Han, Benjamin J. Pedretti, Jing Ying Yeo, Xin Yang, Bradley D. Olsen, Alfredo Alexander-Katz, Zachary P. Smith, Robert Langer*, Ana Jaklenec*. (2025). Degradable poly (β-amino ester) microparticles for cleansing products and food fortification. Nature Chemical Engineering, 2(1), 77-89. 

• Designed biodegradable PAE microparticles degradable to amino acid/sugar derivatives.

• Demonstrated applications in both personal care and nutrient fortification.

• Provided a sustainable alternative to microplastics in consumer products.

(23) Shahad K. Alsaiari, Behnaz Eshaghi, Bujie Du, Maria Kanelli, Gary Li, Xunhui Wu, Linzixuan Zhang, Mehr Chaddah, Alicia Lau, Xin Yang, Robert Langer*, Ana Jaklenec*. (2024). CRISPR–Cas9 delivery strategies for the modulation of immune and non-immune cells. Nature Reviews Materials, pp.1-18. 

• Comprehensive review of CRISPR–Cas9 delivery systems.

• Compared viral and non-viral vectors with emphasis on safety and efficacy.

• Outlined challenges and future directions for gene editing in therapy.

(22) Xu, Chunyuhang, Xin Yang*, Xiang Wang, Linzhi Jing, Zhuoyu Zhou, Yujia Cao, Hongling Zheng, Chien-Liang Kuo, and Dejian Huang*. (2024) "Authentication of ten distinctive triterpenoids in Antrodia cinnamomea serves as a crucial aspect for ensuring the quality control of associated nutraceutical products." Current Research in Food Science, 100721.

• Identified and authenticated ten signature triterpenoids for quality control.

• Established analytical methods ensuring reproducibility of nutraceuticals.

• Enhanced traceability and standardization of A. cinnamomea–based products.

(21) Joanne Yi Hui Toy, Fion Wei Lin Chin, Linzixuan Zhang, Linzhi Jing, Xin Yang*, Dejian Huang*. (2024). Novel food processing technologies for retaining nutrition of horticultural food products. Future Postharvest and Food. 2837-6846. (DOI: 10.1002/fpf2.12014) 

• Reviewed innovative food processing technologies for nutrition preservation.

• Discussed non-thermal methods (e.g., pulsed electric fields, HPP).

• Highlighted strategies for minimizing nutrient loss postharvest.

(20) Xiang Wang, Yujia Cao, Siyu Chen, Xin Yang, Jiawei Bian, Dejian Huang*. (2023). Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 6, 3´, 4´-and 7, 3´, 4´-Trihydroxyflavone on 2D and 3D RAW264. 7 Models. Antioxidants, (2023) 12(1), p.204. (DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010204) 

• Evaluated two trihydroxyflavones in 2D and 3D RAW264.7 models.

• Demonstrated dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Suggested therapeutic potential against oxidative stress-related diseases.

(19) Xin Yang, Tian Wang, Petar Zuvela, Mingtai Sun, Chunyuhang Xu, Hongling Zheng, Xiang Wang, Linzhi Jing, Ke Du, Suhua Wang, Ming Wah Wong, Dejian Huang (2022). Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure and Activity Relationship of Flavones on Their Hypochlorite Scavenging Capacity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 70(28), 8799-8807. (DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03860)

• Applied 3D-QSAR modeling to flavones for hypochlorite scavenging.

• Identified structural determinants enhancing antioxidant potential.

• Provided predictive insights for designing stronger antioxidant compounds.

(18) Xin Yang, Sophie Lim, Jiachen Lin, Jiahui Wu, Hao Tang, Fangyuan Zhao, Feng Liu, Chen Sun, Xin Shi, Yanan Kuang, Joanne Toy, Ke Du, Yu Zhang, Xi Wang, Ming Sun, ZhiXuan Song, Tian Wang, Jing Wu, Kendall Houk*, Dejian Huang* (2022). Oxygen Mediated Oxidative Couplings of Flavones in Alkaline Water. Nature Communications, 13(1), 1-13. (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34123-w) (Highlighted by editors as featured articles) 

• Discovered novel oxidative coupling reactions of flavones under mild conditions.

• Elucidated mechanisms using computational and experimental analysis.

• Featured as editor’s highlight for broad impact in food chemistry.

(17) Xin Yang, Justin Lee Kee Leong, Mingtai Sun, Linzhi Jing, Yuannian Zhang, Tian Wang, Suhua Wang, Dejian Huang*. (2022). Quantitative Determination of Ethylene Using a Smartphone-Based Optical Fiber Sensor (SOFS) Coupled with Pyrene-Tagged Grubbs Catalyst. Biosensors, 12(5), p.316. (DOI: 10.3390/bios12050316)

• Designed portable optical fiber sensor for ethylene quantification.

• Integrated smartphone platform for real-time signal detection.

• Enabled monitoring of fruit ripening with high sensitivity.

(16) Xin Yang, Xiang Wang, Jiachen Lin, Sophie Lim, Yujia Cao, Siyu Chen, Pingkang Xu, Chunyuhang Xu, Hongling Zheng, Kuo-Chang Fu, Chien-Liang Kuo, Dejian Huang*. (2022). Structure and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Relationship of Ergostanes and Lanostanes in Antrodia cinnamomea. Foods, 11(13), p.1831. (DOI: 10.3390/foods11131831) 

• Isolated and characterized ergostane and lanostane compounds.

• Determined structure–activity relationships for anti-inflammatory effects.

• Validated A. cinnamomea as a bioactive source for functional foods.

(15) Linsan Su, Linzhi Jing, Xiaoyu Zeng, Ting Chen, Huan Liu, Yukun Kong, Xiang Wang, Xin Yang, Chao Fu, Jun Sun, Dejian Huang*. (2022). 3D-Printed Prolamin Scaffolds for Cell-based Meat Culture. Advanced Materials. (2022): 2207397. (DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207397) 

• Developed 3D-printed scaffolds using plant-derived prolamins.

• Supported muscle cell adhesion and proliferation for cultured meat.

• Opened sustainable pathways for alternative protein production.

(14) Pingkang Xu, Qimin Chen, Xiaoman Chen, Hao Qi, Yuyan Yang, Weiqi Li, Xin Yang, Amelia Gunawan, Shuoyu Chen, Huimin Zhang, Han-Ming Shen, Dejian Huang*, Brian Kennedy*, Li Xu*, Ziyun Wu*. (2022). Morusin and mulberrin extend the lifespans of yeast and C. elegans via suppressing nutrient-sensing pathways. GeroScience, pp.1-16. (DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00693-2)

• Discovered natural compounds morusin and mulberrin as lifespan-extending agents.

• Demonstrated modulation of nutrient-sensing pathways in model organisms.

• Highlighted potential nutraceutical interventions for healthy aging.

(13) Xiang Wang, Yujia Cao, Siyu Chen, Jiachen Lin, Xin Yang, Dejian Huang*. (2022). Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) of Flavones on Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Murine Macrophages in Culture through the NF-κB Pathway and c-Src Kinase Receptor. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. (DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03050) 

• Explored SAR of flavones in NF-κB and c-Src kinase pathways.

• Identified structural motifs critical for anti-inflammatory activity.

• Provided mechanistic insights for designing anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals.

(12) Mingtai Sun, Tian Wang, Xin Yang, Hong Yu, Suhua Wang, Dejian Huang*. (2021). Facile mitochondria localized fluorescent probe for viscosity detection in living cells. Talanta, 225, 121996. (DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121996)

• Synthesized a novel viscosity-sensitive fluorescent probe.

• Achieved selective mitochondrial localization in live cells.

• Enabled monitoring of microenvironment changes in cell biology.

(11) Xiang Wang, Yujia Cao, Linzhi Jing, Siyu Chen, Bo Leng, Xin Yang, Dejian Huang*. (2021). Three-Dimensional RAW264. 7 Cell Model on Electrohydrodynamic Printed Poly (ε-Caprolactone) Scaffolds for In Vitro Study of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 4(11), 7967-7978. (DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00889) 

• Established 3D macrophage model using electrohydrodynamic printed scaffolds.

• Demonstrated improved physiological relevance over 2D cultures.

• Applied to study anti-inflammatory effects of compounds.

(10) Yuannian Zhang, Xin Yang, Jiahui Wu, Dejian Huang*. (2020). Aerobic C–H Functionalization Using Pyrenedione as the Photocatalyst. Synthesis, 52(17), 2512-2520. (DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1707135)

• Introduced pyrenedione as a novel photocatalyst for aerobic C–H functionalization.

• Achieved efficient transformations under mild conditions.

• Expanded toolbox of green synthetic methods.

(9) Yuannian Zhang, Xin Yang, Haidi Tang, Dong Liang, Jie Wu, Dejian Huang*. (2020). Pyrenediones as versatile photocatalysts for oxygenation reactions with in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide under visible light. Green Chemistry. 22, 22-27. (DOI: 10.1039/C9GC03152A) 

• Demonstrated pyrenediones as photocatalysts for oxygenation reactions.

• Enabled in situ generation of H₂O₂ under visible light.

• Advanced sustainable oxidation chemistry.

(8) Xin Yang, Tian Wang, Jinlong Guo, Mingtai Sun, Ming Wah Wong, Dejian Huang*. (2019). Dietary flavonoids scavenge hypochlorous acid via chlorination on A-and C-rings as primary reaction sites: Structure and reactivity relationship. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67(15), 4346-4354. (DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b06689) 

• Mapped chlorination sites of flavonoids reacting with hypochlorous acid.

• Established structure–reactivity relationships for antioxidant activity.

• Provided mechanistic evidence for dietary flavonoids in health protection.

(7) Xin Yang, Mingtai Sun, Tian Wang, Ming Wah Wong, Dejian Huang*. (2019). A smartphone-based portable analytical system for on-site quantification of hypochlorite and its scavenging capacity of antioxidants. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 283, 524-531. (DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2018.11.131) 

• Built portable smartphone-based analytical device for hypochlorite.

• Enabled on-site measurement of antioxidant scavenging capacity.

• Showcased low-cost approach for food and environmental monitoring.

(6) Yi Lin, Xin Yang, Yuyun Lu, Dong Liang, Dejian Huang*. (2019). Isothiocyanates as H2S donors triggered by cysteine: Reaction mechanism and structure and activity relationship. Organic letters, 21(15), 5977-5980. (DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b02117) 

• Revealed reaction mechanism of isothiocyanates with cysteine releasing H₂S.

• Identified structural factors affecting donor efficiency.

• Provided basis for designing therapeutic H₂S donors.

(5) Petar Zuvela, Jakub David, Xin Yang, Dejian Huang, Ming Wah Wong*. (2019). Non-Linear Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships Modelling, Mechanistic Study and In-Silico Design of Flavonoids as Potent Antioxidants. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(9), 2328. (DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092328) 

• Applied non-linear QSAR models to flavonoid antioxidant activity.

• Integrated mechanistic and computational approaches.

• Proposed in silico design strategies for potent antioxidants.

(4) Dong Liang, Yu Zhang, Zhen Wu, Y. John Chen, Xin Yang, Mingtai Sun, Dejian Huang*. (2018). A near infrared singlet oxygen probe and its applications in in vivo imaging and measurement of singlet oxygen quenching activity of flavonoids. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 266, 645-654. (DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2018.03.024) 

• Designed a NIR probe for singlet oxygen detection in vivo.

• Applied probe to quantify antioxidant quenching of flavonoids.

• Enabled real-time imaging of oxidative processes.

(3) Mingtai Sun, S. Krishnakumar, Yu Zhang, Dong Liang, Xin Yang, Ming Wah Wong, Dejian Huang*. "Singlet oxygen probes made simple: Anthracenylmethyl substituted fluorophores as reaction-based probes for detection and imaging of cellular 1O2." Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 271 (2018): 346-352.(DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2018.05.063)

• Developed anthracenylmethyl fluorophores as simple singlet oxygen probes.

• Demonstrated high sensitivity in cellular imaging.

• Provided accessible tools for oxidative stress studies.

(2) Mingtai Sun, Xin Yang, Yu Zhang, Suhua Wang, Ming Wah Wong, R. Ni, Dejian Huang*. (2018). Rapid and visual detection and quantitation of ethylene released from ripening fruits: the new use of Grubbs catalyst. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 67(1), 507-513. (DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05874) 

• Repurposed Grubbs catalyst for ethylene sensing in ripening fruits.

• Developed visual and quantitative detection method.

• Offered practical tool for postharvest monitoring.

(1) Xin Yang, Yanru Wang, Wei Liu, Yuhuan Zhang, Fangqing Zheng, Shuaixing Wang, Daohong Zhang, Jianlong Wang.  (2016). A portable system for on-site quantification of formaldehyde in air based on G-quadruplex halves coupled with a smartphone reader. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 75, 48-54. (DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.08.020)

• Created smartphone-coupled biosensor for formaldehyde detection.

• Used G-quadruplex DNA halves as highly sensitive sensing elements.

• Enabled portable environmental monitoring of indoor air quality.

Evidence-based Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods. Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025.

Edited by Dejian Huang; Liangli (Lucy) Yu

Contributed Chapters

Yang, X., Toy, J. Y. H., Song, Z., & Huang, D. (2025). Digestive Enzyme Inhibitors for Weight Management: Resin Glycosides/Lipase Inhibitors and Flavone Oligomers/Alpha-amylase Inhibitors.

Yang, X., JYH Toy, D Huang. (2025). Dietary Antioxidants. 

Toy, J. Y. H., Yang, X., & Huang, D. (2025). Terpenoids (Case Study: Ginsenosides).

Wang, X., Yang, X., Toy, J. Y. H., & Huang, D. (2025). Dietary Polyphenolics (Case Study: Flavan-3-ols and Resveratrol).