The research work in Zhong’s group has two main focuses. One is the development of novel bio-analytical techniques with unique specificity and sensitivity for high-throughput detection of biomolecules; the other is to investigate host-pathogen interaction using proteomic approaches, both relying on various techniques like chromatography, mass spectrometry, microscopy imaging, and flow cytometry.

Develop sensitive immunoassays for biomolecule detection: Biomolecules in interest usually exist at very low levels in biological samples, and sensitive and high-throughput biosening assays are highly demanded in the field of biomedical research. Our effort will be centered on three aspects for the developments of such tools. One is to enhance sensitivity by adopting DNA amplification techniques in immunoassays. Another is to explore new detection platform of immunoassays by making use of the separation techniques such as capillary electrophoresis and field flow fractionation. The last is to combine nanotechnology to enhance sensitivity and feasibility of the assay.

Study host-pathogen interaction: Identification of the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenic infection processes helps to assess virulence of pathogens and define pathogenic infectivity for the purpose of epidemic or pandemic control. Such study can also assist the development of new drugs or treatments by better understanding disease progression. Our group devotes our effort to isolating and analyzing protein complexes that are involved in the infection process for better understanding of their functions and the underlying infection mechanisms.

Selected Publications

J. Li, W. Zhong*. Typing of Multiple Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Using a Microsphere-based Rolling Circle Amplification Assay. Analytical Chemistry, in press.

N. Li, J. Li, W. Zhong*. CE combined with rolling circle amplification for sensitive DNA detection. Electrophoresis, in press.

W. Zhong, Y. Shou, T. Yoshida, B. Marrone*. Bacillus anthracis, B. cereus and B. thuringiensis Differentiation Using Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2007, 73 (10), 3446-3449.

J. He, W. Zhong, A. Tang, X. Yan, C. Lewis, V. Majidi, W. Hang*. A fluorescence detection scheme for ultra large molecules after gas phase separation. Talanta, 2007, 71(5), 2126-2128.

X. Yan*, W. Zhong, A. Tang, W. Hang, J. Nolan, Multiplexed Microsphere-based Flow Cytometric Immunoassay for Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses, Analytical Chemistry, 2005, 77 (23), 7673-7678.

W. Hang*, L. Zhu, W. Zhong, and C. Mahan, Determination of Ultra-trace Level of Actinides from Urine Matrix Using Extraction Chromatography Coupled to ICP-Q-MS, Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry , 2004, 19, 1-8.

W. Zhong, and E.S. Yeung*, Study of Total RNA Expression Profile among Human Tissues by Capillary Gel Electrophoresis and Multivariate Analysis, Analytical Chemistry, 2003, 75(17), 4415-4422.

W. Zhong, and E.S. Yeung*, Combinatorial Enantiomeric Separation of Diverse Compounds Using Capillary Array Electrophoresis, Electrophoresis, 2002, 23(17), 2996-3005.

Y. Markouchine, W. Zhong, G.J. Small, E.L. Cavalieri, and R. Jankowiak*, Identification of Catechol Estrogen Quinones Derived DNA Adducts and Conjugates in Human Tissue Extracts, Chemical Research in Toxicology, 2003, 16(9), 1107-1117.

Y. He, W. Zhong, and E.S. Yeung*, Multiplexed On-column Protein Digestion and Capillary Electrophoresis for Comprehensive Peptide Mapping, Journal of Chromatography B, 2002, 782 (1-2), 331-341.

W. Zhong, and E.S. Yeung*, Multiplexed Capillary Electrophoresis for DNA Sequencing with Ultra Violet Absorption Detection, Journal of Chromatography A, 2002, 960(1-2), 229-239.