Baihao Huang

My research develops two nanotechnology platforms for precise nucleic acid delivery in cancer applications.
The first is selective photoporation to the nuclear envelope, which uses photothermal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) anchored at the nuclear envelope. Nanosecond laser pulses create transient pores in the nuclear envelope, enabling direct entry of macromolecules such as CRISPR–Cas complexes. This bypasses cytoplasmic barriers and increases the efficiency of nuclear-targeted interventions critical for correcting oncogenic mutations.
The second is light-triggered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for mRNA delivery. By integrating AuNPs, I engineer LNPs that liberate mRNA cargo upon light irradiation. This provides spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression, minimizing systemic side effects and enhancing local efficacy. In oncology, this strategy allows localized expression of immunomodulatory or cytotoxic proteins within tumors.
 

Baihao Huang is a PhD candidate in the faculty of pharmaceutical science at Ghent University and is enrolled in a joint PhD program in biomedical sciences at the University of Antwerp. He holds a BSc in applied chemistry and an MSc in chemical engineering from South China University of Technology, China. 
Currently, his doctoral research focuses on innovative light-triggered nanotechnology platforms for nucleic acid delivery towards the more effective and specific gene therapy.  
 

• Light-triggered nanocarriers for nucleic acid delivery. Drug delivery, 2025. (PMID: 40366876)
   

• Lab address: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent
• Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy
• ORCID 
• Baihao Huang is involved in GLiM (Ghent Light Microscopy) CORE.
  GLiM CORE is an official core facilities at Ghent University to ensure high-quality scientific research where light and fluorescence microscopy plays an indispensable role.
• Baihao Huang is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks