Associate Professor Lifeng Kang
Lifeng Kang is an Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. His laboratory is focused on microscale technologies and 3D printing for drug delivery and regenerative medicine. He has published 3 books, 5 book chapters, 84 peer-reviewed journal articles(65 as the first or corresponding author), 91 abstracts and filed 10 patent applications(5 granted and 3 licensed). His work has been published in leading journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Advanced Drug Delivery Review, Journal of Controlled release, Advanced Functional Materials, Biofabrication, Bioengineering & Translational Medicine.His publications received 4297 citations, with an H-index of 38 (Google Scholar), among global top 2% scientists (Stanford University, 2022-2024).
We are focusing on the micro-scale technologies and 3D printing and their applications in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. In drug delivery, microstructures can be engineered as carriers to deliver drugs in a reproducible manner and with temporal and spatial control. In regenerative medicine, microscale technologies and 3D printing can be used to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds with increased complexity and vascularization to control the cellular microenvironment.
During the past 14 years, I have supervised 15 postgraduate students and more than 50 undergraduate students in research. For coursework, I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate modules. For pedagogical research, my interest is on the formative assessment and mastery learning in university educations. The courses I taught include drug delivery, formulation sciences and pharmaceutical analysis.
- pharmacy 3D printing;
- microstructured hydrogels for tissue regeneration;
- microneedles for transdermal drug delivery;
- needle-free injections;
- topical delivery of cannabidiol to treat osteiarthritis;
- topical delivery of peptides to treat skin discoloration;
Leadership Roles
- Vice Chair, Dissolution Research Presentation International (Australia and New Zealand region) annual competition, the Society for Pharmaceutical Dissolution Science, 2023.
- Member, Student Appeals Body (SAB) and Student Discipline Appeals Committee (SDAC), University of Sydney, Australia, 2021-
- Second Year Bachelor of Pharmacy Coordinator, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia, 2020-
- Program Director, Master of Science and Technology program, Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2016-2017.
- Faculty Advisor, AAPS-NUS Student Chapter, Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 2016-2017.
- Member, Final Year Undergraduate Student Committee, Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 2010-2015.
- Chair, AAPS-NUS Student Chapter, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, 2005-2006.
- President, Postgraduate Student Committee, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, China, 1998-2001.
Volunteer Editorial Services
- Guest editor for a thematic issue, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews(Elsevier), 2024-2025
- Member, the editorial board, Nano Views(Taylor & Francis), 2024-
- Member, the editorial board, International Journal of Bioprinting(AccScience), 2024-
- Member, the editorial board, Translational Dental Research(KeAi), 2024-
- Associate Editor, Frontiers in Biomaterials Science(Frontiers), 2023-
- Member, the editorial board, Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing(AccScience), 2023-
- Associate Editor, Frontiers in Pharmacology(Frontiers), 2021-
- Member, the editorial board, Gels(MDPI), 2021-
- Member, the editorial board, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology(Oxford), 2019-
- Member, the editorial board, Nano Convergence(Springer), 2018-
- Member, the editorial board, Digital Medicine, 2016-
- Member, the editorial board, Herald of Medicine, 2016-
Scientific Organization Memberships
- Member, Australasian Society of Dermatology Research, 2021-
- Executive Member, Transdermal Society, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, 2019-
- Member, Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association, 2017-
- Member, Skin Research Society Singapore, 2017-2018
- Member, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, 2003-2017
- Member, Controlled Release Society, 2004-2006
Scholarships and Fellowship
- NUS-OPF Fellowship, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2007 – 2009.
- Ph.D. Scholarship, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2001 – 2005.
- M.Sc. Scholarship, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China, 1998 – 2001.
Research Awards
- Finalist, Big Idea Event, Sydney Local Health District, Australia, 2024
- Top 10 Innovative Project Ideas, University of Sydney, Australia, 2024.
- Publication of the Quarter Award, Australasian Society for Dermatology Research (ASDR), Australia, 2023.
- Outstanding Abstract Award, the Third Belt and Road Initiative Global Health International Congress & 2019 Global Health Forum of the University Alliance of the Silk Road, Xi’an, China, 2019.
- Certificate of Appreciation, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), USA, 2016.
- Johnson and Johnson Travel Award, AAPS annual meeting. Nashville, Tennessee USA, 2005.
- Outstanding Graduate Research Award, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2005.
- Student Travel Award, CRS Annual Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 2004.
- Student Travel Award, AAPS Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 2004.
- Best Presenter, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2003.
Project title | Research student |
---|---|
Polymeric microneedle fabrication using 3D printing | Lamyaa ALBAKR |
The effect of visocisty on successful needle-free injection | Chloe CHOI |
Construction of a 3D In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model Reinforced with Silk Protein and Its Application in Developing Drugs for Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration | Yanhao Dong DONG |
Innovative delivery of pain mitigation in routine animal husbandry and veterinary practice | Lee METCALF |
Compounding Personalised Pills Using 3D Printer in Pharmacy Practice | Cindy WANG |
Selected publications
Publications
Books
- Kochhar, J., Tan, J., Kwang, Y., Kang, L. (2019). Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Cham: Springer Nature. [More Information]
- Kwan, Y., Tung, Y., Kochhar, J., Li, H., Poh, A., Kang, L. (2014). Handbook of Cosmeceutical Excipients and their Safeties. Toronto: Elsevier Ltd. [More Information]
Edited Books
- Kang, L., Majd, S. (2018). Gels Handbook Fundamentals, Properties and Applications Volume 3: Application of Hydrogels in Drug Delivery and Biosensing. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Company.
Book Chapters
- Ding, D., Park, S., Kochhar, J., Chan, S., Ong, P., Lee, W., Kang, L. (2021). Microfluidic systems for drug discovery, pharmaceutical analysis, and diagnostic applications. In Not known (Eds.), Microfluidic Devices for Biomedical Applications, (pp. 261-327). TBC. [More Information]
- Kang, L., Cheong, H., Chan, S., Lim, P. (2013). Applications of Small-Molecule Gels - Drug Delivery. Soft Fibrillar Materials: Fabrication and Applications, (pp. 115-128). Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag. [More Information]
- Kochhar, J., Chan, S., Ong, P., Lee, W., Kang, L. (2013). Microfluidic devices for drug discovery and analysis. In Not known (Eds.), Microfluidic Devices for Biomedical Applications, (pp. 231-280). TBC. [More Information]
Journals
- Cheng, J., Tan, E., Kang, L. (2025). Pharmacy 3D printing. Biofabrication, 17(1), 1-23. [More Information]
- Nguyen, D., Yuan, Y., Kukumberg, M., Wang, L., Lim, S., Hassanbhai, A., Chong, M., Kofidis, T., Tan, E., Seliktar, D., Kang, L., et al (2024). Controlled release of vancomycin from PEGylated fibrinogen polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogel. Biomaterials Advances, 161, 213896-213896. [More Information]
- Li, Y., Kang, L., Wang, H., Zhang, M., Yuan, Y., Wu, C., Zhang, J., Xu, C., Zhou, X., Li, J., et al (2024). DNA adductomics aided rapid screening of genotoxic impurities using nucleosides and 3D bioprinted human liver organoids. Talanta, 273, 125902. [More Information]
Patents
- Zhang, J., Wu, C., Chen, W., Chen, Y., Kang, L., Lu, A., Li, H., Shao, T., Zhui, L. (2022). Effervescent microneedle for deep drug release to skin and preparation method and application thereof. Patent No. CN116531312A. China.
- Wu, C., He, Y., Zhang, J., Kang, L., Chen, J., Zhuang, K. (2021). 3D culture method of medulloblastoma cells and application of medulloblastoma cells in drug screening. Patent No. CN202110132989. China.
- Wu, C., Chen, J., Zhang, J., Kang, L., Zhuang, K. (2021). Novel hot-pressing sterilization program for processing biological ink and application of novel hot-pressing sterilization program in human liver organoid 3D model construction. Patent No. CN202110285467.5A. China.
2025
- Cheng, J., Tan, E., Kang, L. (2025). Pharmacy 3D printing. Biofabrication, 17(1), 1-23. [More Information]
2024
- Nguyen, D., Yuan, Y., Kukumberg, M., Wang, L., Lim, S., Hassanbhai, A., Chong, M., Kofidis, T., Tan, E., Seliktar, D., Kang, L., et al (2024). Controlled release of vancomycin from PEGylated fibrinogen polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogel. Biomaterials Advances, 161, 213896-213896. [More Information]
- Li, Y., Kang, L., Wang, H., Zhang, M., Yuan, Y., Wu, C., Zhang, J., Xu, C., Zhou, X., Li, J., et al (2024). DNA adductomics aided rapid screening of genotoxic impurities using nucleosides and 3D bioprinted human liver organoids. Talanta, 273, 125902. [More Information]
- Kilicarslan You, D., Fuwad, A., Lee, K., Kim, H., Kang, L., Kim, S., Jeon, T. (2024). Evaluation of the Protective Role of Vitamin E against ROS-Driven Lipid Oxidation in Model Cell Membranes. Antioxidants, 13(9), 1135. [More Information]
2023
- Englezos, K., Wang, L., Tan, E., Kang, L. (2023). 3D printing for personalised medicines: implications for policy and practice. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 635, 122785. [More Information]
- Zhang, J., Li, H., Albakr, L., Zhang, Y., Lu, A., Chen, W., Shao, T., Zhu, L., Yuan, H., Yang, G., Wheate, N., Kang, L., et al (2023). Microneedle-enabled therapeutics delivery and biosensing in clinical trials. Journal of Controlled Release, 360, 687-704. [More Information]
- Zai, W., Yuan, Y., Kang, L., Xu, J., Hu, Y., Kang, L., Wu, J. (2023). Oxygen Penetration through Full-Thickness Skin by Oxygen-Releasing Sutures for Skin Graft Transplantation. Engineering, 29, 83-94. [More Information]
2022
- Vong, S., Kang, L., Carter, S. (2022). Consumers’ self-reported adherence to directions for non-prescription medicines and the role of risk perception. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 18(11), 3929-3938. [More Information]
- Zhang, J., Wu, C., Chen, W., Chen, Y., Kang, L., Lu, A., Li, H., Shao, T., Zhui, L. (2022). Effervescent microneedle for deep drug release to skin and preparation method and application thereof. Patent No. CN116531312A. China.
- Bin Anwar-Fadzil, A., Yuan, Y., Wang, L., Kochhar, J., Kachouie, N., Kang, L. (2022). Recent progress in three-dimensionally-printed dosage forms from a pharmacist perspective. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 74(10), 1367-1390. [More Information]
2021
- Wu, C., He, Y., Zhang, J., Kang, L., Chen, J., Zhuang, K. (2021). 3D culture method of medulloblastoma cells and application of medulloblastoma cells in drug screening. Patent No. CN202110132989. China.
- Lim, S., Park, S., Lee, C., Ho, P., Kwok, P., Kang, L. (2021). A 3D printed human upper respiratory tract model for particulate deposition profiling. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 597, 120307. [More Information]
- Ruan, Y., Li, X., You, L., Chen, J., Shen, Y., Zhang, J., Yuan, Y., Kang, L., Qin, C., Wu, C. (2021). Effect of Pharmaceutical Excipients on Intestinal Absorption of Metformin via Organic Cation-Selective Transporters. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 18(6), 2198-2207. [More Information]
2020
- Cong, J., Ruan, Y., Lyu, Q., Qin, X., Qi, X., Liu, W., Kang, L., Zhang, J., Wu, C. (2020). A proton-coupled organic cation antiporter is involved in the blood-brain barrier transport of Aconitum alkaloids. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 252, 112581. [More Information]
- Wong, Y., Xu, Y., Kang, L., Yap, K. (2020). Development of a 3D-printed medication label for the blind and visually impaired. International Journal of Bioprinting, 6(2), 1-11. [More Information]
- Lim, S., Tiew, W., Zhang, J., Ho, P., Kachouie, N., Kang, L. (2020). Geometrical optimisation of a personalised microneedle eye patch for transdermal delivery of anti-wrinkle small peptide. Biofabrication, 12(3), 35003. [More Information]
2019
- Ding, D., Pan, J., Yeo, S., Wagholikar, V., Lim, S., Wu, C., Fuh, J., Kang, L. (2019). A miniaturized device for biomembrane permeation analysis. Materials Science and Engineering C, 103, 1-8. [More Information]
- Tan, J., Common, J., Wu, C., Ho, P., Kang, L. (2019). Keratinocytes maintain compartmentalization between dermal papilla and fibroblasts in 3D heterotypic tri-cultures. Cell Proliferation, 52(5), 1-11. [More Information]
- Kochhar, J., Tan, J., Kwang, Y., Kang, L. (2019). Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery. Cham: Springer Nature. [More Information]
2018
- Lim, S., Kathuria, H., Tan, J., Kang, L. (2018). 3D printed drug delivery and testing systems - a passing fad or the future? Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 132, 139-168. [More Information]
- Lim, S., Sun, Y., Madanagopal, T., Rosa, V., Kang, L. (2018). Author Correction: Enhanced Skin Permeation of Anti-wrinkle Peptides via Molecular Modification. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 6500. [More Information]
- Sun, L., Wu, H., Ren, L., Cong, J., Qin, X., Wang, X., Qi, X., Kang, L., Zhang, J., Wu, C. (2018). Development and validation of a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for determination of brain active agent dianhydrogalactitol in mouse plasma and tissues: Application to a pharmacokinetic study. Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences, 1087-1088, 90-97. [More Information]
2017
- Kang, L., Sun, Y., Nguyen, D. (2017). A microneedle device. Patent No. 10201701636U. Singapore.
- Tan, J., Pan, J., Sun, L., Zhang, J., Wu, C., Kang, L. (2017). Bioactives in Chinese proprietary medicine modulates 5(alpha)-reductase activity and gene expression associated with androgenetic Alopecia. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8(APR), 1-12. [More Information]
- Ding, D., Pan, J., Lim, S., Amini, S., Kang, L., Miserez, A. (2017). Squid suckerin microneedle arrays for tunable drug release. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 5(43), 8467-8478. [More Information]
2016
- Nguyen, D., Jiang, S., He, C., Lin, Z., Lin, N., Nguyen, A., Kang, L., Han, M., Liu, X. (2016). Elevating Biomedical Performance of ZnO/SiO2@Amorphous Calcium Phosphate - Bioinspiration Making Possible the Impossible. Advanced Functional Materials, 26(38), 6921-6929. [More Information]
- Sun, Y., Ruan, X., Li, H., Kathuria, H., Du, G., Kang, L. (2016). Fabrication of non-dissolving analgesic suppositories using 3D printed moulds. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 513(1-Feb), 717-724. [More Information]
- Li, H., Bao, H., Bok, K., Lee, C., Li, B., Zin, M., Kang, L. (2016). High durability and low toxicity antimicrobial coatings fabricated by quaternary ammonium silane copolymers. Biomaterials Science, 4(2), 299-309. [More Information]
2015
- Kang, L., Chan, S., Kochhar, J., Goh, W. (2015). A novel method to fabricate polymeric microneedles. Patent No. 201380025634.6. China.
- Nguyen, D., Li, F., Li, H., Wong, B., Low, C., Liu, X., Kang, L. (2015). Drug permeation through skin is inversely correlated with carrier gel rigidity. Molecular Pharmaceutics, 12(2), 444-452. [More Information]
- Kathuria, H., Fong, M., Kang, L. (2015). Fabrication of photomasks consisting microlenses for the production of polymeric microneedle array. Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 5(4), 438-450. [More Information]
2014
- Kang, L., Kochhar, J., Mah, C. (2014). A miniaturized flow-through Cell (MFtC) for testing the permeation of drugs across biological membranes. Patent No. 20140102177.
- Kochhar, J., Anbalagan, P., Shelar, S., Neo, J., Iliescu, C., Kang, L. (2014). Direct microneedle array fabrication off a photomask to deliver collagen through skin. Pharmaceutical Research, 31(7), 1724-1734. [More Information]
- Kwan, Y., Tung, Y., Kochhar, J., Li, H., Poh, A., Kang, L. (2014). Handbook of Cosmeceutical Excipients and their Safeties. Toronto: Elsevier Ltd. [More Information]
2013
- Mah, C., Kochhar, J., Ong, P., Kang, L. (2013). A miniaturized flow-through cell to evaluate skin permeation of endoxifen. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 441(1-Feb), 433-440. [More Information]
- Kochhar, J., Goh, W., Chan, S., Kang, L. (2013). A simple method of microneedle array fabrication for transdermal drug delivery. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 39(2), 299-309. [More Information]
- Kang, L., Cheong, H., Chan, S., Lim, P. (2013). Applications of Small-Molecule Gels - Drug Delivery. Soft Fibrillar Materials: Fabrication and Applications, (pp. 115-128). Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag. [More Information]
2012
- Bauer, M., Kang, L., Qiu, Y., Wu, J., Peng, M., Chen, H., Camci-Unal, G., Bayomy, A., Sosnovik, D., Khademhosseini, A., et al (2012). Adult Cardiac Progenitor Cell Aggregates Exhibit Survival Benefit Both In Vitro and In Vivo. PloS One, 7(11), e50491. [More Information]
- Kochhar, J., Chan, S., Ong, P., Kang, L. (2012). Clinical therapeutics for phenylketonuria. Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2(4), 223-237. [More Information]
- Goh, W., Makam, V., Hu, J., Kang, L., Zheng, M., Yoong, S., Udalagama, C., Pastorin, G. (2012). Iron oxide filled magnetic carbon nanotube-enzyme conjugates for recycling of amyloglucosidase: Toward useful applications in biofuel production process. Langmuir, 28(49), 16864-16873. [More Information]
2011
- Li, H., Jiang, B., Yan, J., Yang, Z., Chen, Y., Zhang, W., Choy, A., Lee, C., Kang, L. (2011). A drug-laden elastomer for surgical treatment of anal fistula. Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 1(6), 439-447. [More Information]
- Pan, J., Chan, S., Lee, W., Kang, L. (2011). Microfabricated particulate drug-delivery systems. Biotechnology Journal, 6(12), 1477-1487. [More Information]
- Li, H., Kochhar, J., Pan, J., Chan, S., Kang, L. (2011). Nano/microscale technologies for drug delivery. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 11(2), 337-367. [More Information]
2010
- Kang, L., Hancock, M., Brigham, M., Khademhosseini, A. (2010). Cell confinement within patterned nanoliter droplets in a microwell array. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research A, 93A(2), 547-557. [More Information]
2009
- Kachouie, N., Kang, L., Khademhosseini, A. (2009). Arraycount, an algorithm for automatic cell counting in microwell arrays. BioTechniques, 47(3), X-xvi. [More Information]
2008
- Kang, L., Chung, B., Langer, R., Khademhosseini, A. (2008). Microfluidics for drug discovery and development: From target selection to product lifecycle management. Drug Discovery Today, 13(1-2), 1-13. [More Information]
- Lim, P., Liu, X., Kang, L., Ho, P., Chan, S. (2008). Physicochemical effects of terpenes on organogel for transdermal drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 358(1-2), 102-107. [More Information]
2007
- Kang, L., Yap, C., Lim, P., Chen, Y., Ho, P., Chan, Y., Wong, G., Chan, S. (2007). Formulation development of transdermal dosage forms: Quantitative structure-activity relationship model for predicting activities of terpenes that enhance drug penetration through human skin. Journal of Controlled Release, 120(3), 211-219. [More Information]
- Chung, B., Kang, L., Khademhosseini, A. (2007). Micro- and nanoscale technologies for tissue engineering and drug discovery applications. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery, 2(12), 1653-1668. [More Information]
- Kang, L., Poh, A., Fan, S., Ho, P., Chan, Y., Chan, S. (2007). Reversible effects of permeation enhancers on human skin. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 67(1), 149-155. [More Information]
2006
- Kang, L., Ho, P., Chan, S. (2006). Interactions Between a Skin Penetration Enhancer and The Main Components Of Human Stratum Corneum Lipids Isothermal titration calorimetry study. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 83(1), 27-30.
- Lim, P., Liu, X., Kang, L., Ho, P., Chan, Y., Chan, S. (2006). Limonene GP1/PG organogel as a vehicle in transdermal delivery of haloperidol. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 311(1-2), 157-164. [More Information]
2005
- Kang, L., Liu, X., Sawant, P., Ho, P., Chan, Y., Chan, S. (2005). SMGA gels for the skin permeation of haloperidol. Journal of Controlled Release, 106, 88-98. [More Information]
- Kang, L., Sawant, P., Liu, X., Chan, S. (2005). Transdermal drug delivery composition comprising a small molecule gel and process for the preparation thereof. Patent No. 20050191338. United States.
Selected Grants
2019
- Skin penetration capability analysis of diclofenac, Kang L, Faculty of Medicine and Health/Ignition Seed Fund Grant
2018
- CDIP Industry & Community Engagement Fund 2018-Microneedle patch vaccine to treat mastitis in dairy cattle, Kang L, DVC Research/Industry & Community Engagement Seed Fund (I&CEF)
In the media
- https://theconversation.com/what-is-sotrovimab-the-covid-drug-the-government-has-bought-before-being-approved-for-use-in-australia-165802
- http://uk.reuters.com/video/2014/10/18/microneedle-patch-promises-painless-pric?videoId=346623719&videoChannel=4000
- http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/pain-free-injections-could-be-on-the-way-with-new-nus-patch
- http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/nus-study-of-cosmetics-more-than-skin-deep
- http://news.nus.edu.sg/highlights/steering-way-china