Li Li

Associate Professor Li Li

Nanotechnologist

Gulbali Institute

Biography

Dr Li Li is an ARC Industry Fellow (IM) and Associate Professor at Gulbali Research Institute, Charles Sturt University (CSU). She also holds an Honorary Associate Professor and group leader position at Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland (UQ). She received her PhD in Chemical Engineering from China University of Petroleum.

She leads a research program on Programmable Biomineral Composites for Precision Therapeutics and Sustainable Agriculture at CSU and UQ. The Advanced Programmable Biominerals Group stands out for its innovative integration of precision nanotechnology with real-world applications in healthcare and agriculture. Our unique approach centers on the precision assembly of polymers and mineral nanoparticles to create advanced, responsive biomineral composites. By developing smart delivery systems for drugs, pesticides, and fertilizers, we address critical challenges and contribute to advancements in both medical treatments and agricultural productivity.

In healthcare, our research seeks to develop cutting-edge solutions for targeted drug/gene/protein delivery and controlled release systems. These nanocomposites are designed to respond to specific physiological environments to overcome the biological barriers, providing exceptional precision in therapeutic applications. This approach enhances treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects, particularly for cancer and infectious disease.

In agriculture, our focus is on creating smart delivery systems for RNAi, pesticides, fertilizers to improve efficiency and sustainability. By utilizing these advanced biominerals, we promote soil health, enhance crop yield, and reduce environmental impact. Our innovative solutions address critical challenges in modern agriculture, contributing significantly to food security and environmental sustainability.

Research
  • Functional biomineral nanoparticles precision nanomedicine
  • Smart RNA-based technologies for Healthcare and Agriculture
  • Precision mucosal delivery of drugs and vaccines in animal and human health
  • Slow-release biomineral technologies for sustainable agriculture
  • Programmable biominerals for biowaste conversions
Publications
Full publications list on CRO

Recent Publications

  • Mushtaq, A., Li, L., Anitha, A., & Grondahl, L. (2025). Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Twist1 Knockdown in 4T1 Cells. Macromolecular Bioscience, 25(7), Article 2400627. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202400627
  • Jiang, S., Li, P., Li, L., Amiralian, N., Rajah, D., & Xu, Z. P. (2025). Fostering rehydration and facilitating bioactive release through cellulose-assisted leaf surface treatment. Carbohydrate Polymers, 347, Article 122732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122732
  • Lin, M. H., Maniam, P., Li, D., Tang, B., Bishop, C. R., Suhrbier, A., Wales-Earl, L., Tayyar, Y., McMillan, N. A. J., Li, L., & Harrich, D. (2025). Harnessing defective interfering particles and lipid nanoparticles for effective delivery of an anti-dengue virus RNA therapy. Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids, 36(1), Article 102424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102424
  • Sadique, S. A., Konarova, M., Niu, X., Szilagyi, I., Nirmal, N., & Li, L. (2025). Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human Health: Emerging evidence and future directions. Emerging Contaminants, 11(3), 1-13. Article 100545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100545
  • Ghebosu, R., Iannotta, D., Storeshaw, P., Heffernan, J., Masud, M. K., Li, L., Cooper-White, J., Oehmen, A., Carvalho, G., & Wolfram, J. (2025). Industry-relevant undergraduate education in hands-on bioprocess engineering. Chemical Engineering Journal, 503, Article 158332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.158332