Convergence of AI, Nanotechnology and Biomedical Research in the Era of Aging

The convergence of nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and cellular biology has led to emerging approaches to integrating biologically active components, such as cells and proteins into micro- and nanofabricated scaffolds and devices. These bioengineered systems present exciting opportunities to serve as model systems for biomedical applications. Dr. Xie’s laboratory has focused on bioengineering nanotechnology-enabled, stem cell-based, µ-tissue complex for advancing understanding of diseases and development of regenerative medicine. Specifically, her laboratory has developed natural and synthetic polymer-based, 3D culture systems for stem cell nanotechnology, organoid formation, and functional tissue engineering. Examples, including understanding of stem cell-cancer cell communication in the context of metastasis restriction, development of artificial conventional outflow systems for understanding outflow physiology and physiopathology in glaucoma, and maintenance of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells for salivary gland tissue regeneration, and in particular, in an aging microenvironment, will be presented. Additionally, the role of AI in biomedical research and education will be discussed. Taken together, these efforts provide a new avenue to the field of regenerative engineering by converging AI, nanotechnology, aging biology and biomedical research. 

Yubing Xie, PhD, is currently the Professor of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and Director of the Functional and Integrative Tissue Regeneration Center at University at Albany, SUNY. Dr. Xie received her BS degree in chemical engineering from Dalian University of Technology, and MS and PhD degrees in chemical engineering from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. She received her postdoctoral training in stem cell biology and tissue engineering from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH. She has expertise in nanobiotechnology, bioengineering, stem cell therapy, and tissue engineering. Since joining the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany in 2007, Dr. Xie has established multidisciplinary collaborations in nanoengineering stem cell-based µ-tissue complex for advancing the understanding of diseases and regenerative medicine. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed journal publications, eight patents, and one edited book―The Nanobiotechnology Handbook. Dr. Xie’s research program has been supported by NIH, NSF, NYSTEM, NYS CATN2, Fuse Hub Manufacturing, etc. She has received many awards, including the prestigious NSF CARRER Award and SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, as well as teaching awards such as Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award and Hermes of All for Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award. Dr. Xie has graduated 11 PhD and three MS students and advised 45 undergraduate students in research, more than 50% of whom are women students and around one-third are minority students underrepresented in STEM. Her students have obtained numerous awards, including NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Award, New York State Business Plan Competition Grand Prize, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, University Distinguished Dissertation Award, and NSF REU Fellowship.