Tongji University, China
👨🎓Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Cuijun Deng’s academic journey began with a foundational education in Pharmaceutical Engineering, pursued at a leading university for Chinese medicine. This laid the groundwork for a multidisciplinary approach to science. Her passion for biomedical innovation led her to advance into the field of Biomedical Engineering at Tongji University, where she honed her expertise in biomaterials and tissue interfaces. Her academic pursuit culminated in doctoral studies in Physical Chemistry at the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, fostering a strong command over material science principles essential for biomedical applications.
Professional Endeavors
Prof. Deng has developed a steadily ascending academic career at Tongji University, transitioning from an assistant research position to her current role as Associate Professor. Her professional tenure has been marked by steady growth in responsibility and scholarly output, contributing significantly to the fields of regenerative medicine and material science. Her current position enables her to lead multidisciplinary research projects and mentor students while contributing to academic development at the institutional level.
Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Deng’s research has been instrumental in advancing the development of biological functional materials tailored for bone and cartilage repair. Her focus lies in designing biomimetic scaffolds and stimuli-responsive materials that interact seamlessly with living tissues. In particular, her work explores how magnetic forces can be harnessed to regulate the repair and regeneration of skeletal tissues, pushing the frontier of non-invasive and targeted regenerative therapies. Her approach integrates materials science, biomedical engineering, and mechanobiology, offering novel insights into the interface between synthetic systems and biological tissues.
Impact and Influence
Prof. Deng’s research has contributed significantly to the interdisciplinary domain of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Through innovative design of biofunctional scaffolds and the application of external physical stimuli, her work addresses pressing challenges in orthopedic repair and rehabilitation. Her influence is reflected in collaborations across medical, engineering, and scientific disciplines, promoting translational research that bridges lab innovation with clinical relevance. Her studies are cited and respected for offering practical solutions to complex medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Academic Recognition and Editorial Contributions
Prof. Deng is actively engaged in academic publishing and peer review. She has reviewed manuscripts for several high-impact journals, including Applied Materials Today, Advanced Fiber Materials, and the Journal of Controlled Release. Her role on the young editorial board of Interdisciplinary Medicine further reflects her academic leadership and recognition by the broader scientific community. These responsibilities underscore her commitment to maintaining scientific rigor and nurturing the growth of emerging research fields.
Technical Expertise
Prof. Deng possesses a broad and deep technical repertoire across material characterization, scaffold fabrication, and biological assessment techniques. Her expertise includes the synthesis of polymeric and ceramic biomaterials, functionalization of composite scaffolds, and application of external stimuli such as magnetic fields to enhance regenerative processes. She employs both in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate material performance and biological outcomes, ensuring comprehensive insight into biomaterial function and therapeutic potential.
Teaching Experience and Mentorship
As part of her academic duties, Prof. Deng is actively involved in educating the next generation of biomedical engineers and researchers. She mentors undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, integrating research training with classroom instruction. Her mentorship style emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on experimentation, cultivating well-rounded scholars equipped for research and industry.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Deng continues to build a legacy rooted in innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful research. She aims to further explore the interface between mechanical stimuli and biological responses in tissue engineering, particularly in skeletal systems. Her future work will likely deepen our understanding of smart biomaterials and accelerate their application in personalized regenerative therapies. By combining engineering precision with biological sensitivity, she aspires to advance medical technologies that restore function and improve patient outcomes.
📖Notable Publications
Inorganic ions for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Chaoqin Shu, Yongzheng Yu, Weitao Yang*, Cuijun Deng*
Journal: Coordination Chemistry Reviews
Year: 2025
Diatomite-incorporated hierarchical scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration
Authors: Cuijun Deng, Chen Qin, Zhenguang Li, Laiya Lu, Yifan Tong, Jiaqi Yuan, Feng Yin*, Yu Cheng*, Chengtie Wu*
Journal: Bioactive Materials
Year: 2024
Sophisticated Magneto-Mechanical Actuation Promotes in Situ Stem Cell Assembly and Chondrogenesis for Treating Osteoarthritis
Authors: Cuijun Deng, Zhenguang Li, Laiya Lu, Huina Zhang, Runzhi Chen, Yali Liu, Yifan Tong, Orion R. Fan, Wanxin Huang, Yi Eve Sun*, Feng Yin*, Yu Cheng*
Journal: ACS Nano
Year: 2023
Structural and Molecular Fusion MRI Nanoprobe for Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Tumors and Follow-Up Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Weitao Yang#, Cuijun Deng#, Xiudong Shi#, Yan Xu, Chenyu Dai, Hui Wang, Kexin Bian, Tianming Cui, Bingbo Zhang*
Journal: ACS Nano
Year: 2023
Bioceramic Scaffolds with Antioxidative Functions for ROS Scavenging and Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Deng Cuijun, Zhou Quan, Zhang Meng, Li Tian, Chen Haotian, Xu Chang, Feng Qishuai, Wang Xin, Yin Feng, Cheng Yu, Wu Chengtie
Journal: Advanced Science
Year: 2022