Assoc. Prof. Zi Liu: Teacher at Shangqiu Normal University, China
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Name: Zi Liu
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Title/Designation: Associate Professor (Assoc. Prof)
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Current Role/Designation: Teacher
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Organization/Institution: Shangqiu Normal University
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Country: China
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Subject Track: Chemistry
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Award Categories: Best Researcher Award
Dr. Zi Liu is a dedicated researcher and Associate Professor at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shangqiu Normal University, Henan Province, China. Her academic journey and research have been rooted in the integration of chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology to address urgent biomedical and environmental challenges. With a focus on DNA-based biosensors and electroanalytical methods, Dr. Liu has established herself as a rising scholar in the field of analytical chemistry. She has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals, supervised undergraduate and graduate research, and leads national-level scientific projects aimed at developing next-generation diagnostic tools.
Online Profiles
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Citations: 368 citations across 21 documents
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h-index: 13
Education
Dr. Liu received her Ph.D. in Science from Zhengzhou University in July 2021, under the mentorship of Professor Baoxian Ye, a renowned expert in electrochemical sensing. Her doctoral research focused on the development of advanced biosensing strategies using DNA nanostructures. Prior to this, she obtained her Bachelor of Engineering degree from Shangqiu Normal University in 2015, laying a solid foundation in chemical analysis and bioengineering. Her academic training combined rigorous theoretical study with extensive laboratory work, equipping her with the skills needed for high-level research in analytical chemistry and biosensor technology.
Research Focus
Dr. Liu’s research focuses on the design and fabrication of electrochemical biosensors for the ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers and environmental toxins. She specializes in the integration of DNA nanomachines, DNAzymes, and signal amplification strategies to construct highly selective and responsive sensor platforms. Her work contributes to early disease diagnosis, particularly in areas such as viral infections, cancer detection, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as real-time monitoring of antibiotic residues in environmental samples. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry to solve real-world problems.
Experience
Dr. Liu began her academic career as a Lecturer at Shangqiu Normal University in June 2021. Her dedication to teaching and research led to her promotion to Associate Professor in December 2024. She is involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate instruction, primarily teaching Analytical Chemistry. In addition to classroom teaching, Dr. Liu actively supervises student research projects and provides mentorship in experimental design and scientific writing. She is also engaged in collaborative research with institutions across China, contributing to the advancement of biosensing technology and analytical methods.
Research Timeline & Activities
Since 2021, Dr. Liu has secured and led several major research projects funded by national and provincial institutions. Her recent project under the National Natural Science Foundation of China focuses on developing an interlocked DNAzyme walker for simultaneous detection of dual antibiotics. Another ongoing project explores electrochemical sensing for antibiotic residues in wastewater using G4 DNAzyme nanospheres. Additionally, she is working on the application of DNA nanomachines in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Her research timeline reflects a steady trajectory of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and application-driven outcomes in analytical and biosensor chemistry.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Liu has been recognized for her innovative research through multiple competitive grants and honors. She is the recipient of a Youth Project grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, which highlights her potential as a leading young scientist in her field. Her research has also been supported by the Henan Provincial Science and Technology Department and the Henan Department of Education. These awards acknowledge her contributions to developing practical and forward-thinking solutions in biosensing and disease detection, and they serve as a testament to the scientific and societal impact of her work.
Top Noted Publication
Among Dr. Liu’s publications, a standout contribution is her 2025 article titled: “Fuel-free DNA walker on tetrahedral scaffold: cascading electrochemical biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of hepatitis B virus gene,” published in the Microchemical Journal. This work introduced a novel DNA nanomachine-based biosensing platform that operates without the need for external fuel, enhancing both sensitivity and operational simplicity. The study received notable attention for its innovation in biosensor design and its potential application in rapid, point-of-care diagnostics. It exemplifies Dr. Liu’s commitment to advancing nucleic acid-based diagnostics through intelligent engineering.
1. Fuel-free DNA Walker on Tetrahedral Scaffold: Cascading Electrochemical Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Gene
Published in: Microchemical Journal, 2025
This article presents a groundbreaking DNA walker-based biosensor that operates without the need for external fuel. Utilizing a tetrahedral scaffold, this cascading electrochemical biosensor offers an ultra-sensitive method for detecting the hepatitis B virus gene, opening doors for advanced diagnostic techniques in molecular biology and virology.
2. Ozone-assisted Cataluminescence Sensor Based on Morphology-Controlled TiO2@Mg-MOF-74 Composite for Rapid Detection of N-hexane
Published in: Microchimica Acta, 2025
This study introduces an innovative cataluminescence sensor that employs a morphology-controlled TiO2@Mg-MOF-74 composite for the rapid detection of N-hexane. The ozone-assisted process enhances the sensitivity and speed of detection, making it a promising tool for environmental monitoring and industrial safety applications.
Strengths for the Best Researcher Award
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Innovative Biosensing Technology
Dr. Liu has developed fuel-free DNA walkers and DNAzyme-based electrochemical biosensors, pushing the boundaries of molecular diagnostics. These innovations offer highly sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective detection methods, with direct implications for healthcare and environmental monitoring. -
Multidisciplinary Research Approach
Her research bridges key scientific fields: electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and molecular biology. Dr. Liu’s ability to integrate DNA nanomachines, signal amplification techniques, and electrochemical sensing to solve real-world problems has led to breakthrough applications, especially in disease detection and environmental safety. -
High-Impact Publications
Dr. Liu has authored several highly cited papers in prestigious journals such as Microchemical Journal and Microchimica Acta. Her works are recognized for advancing the scientific understanding of DNA-based sensors, which could pave the way for new diagnostic platforms in medical and environmental fields. -
Leadership in Research Projects
Dr. Liu has secured and led multiple national-level research projects. These projects, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Henan Provincial Science and Technology Department, focus on cutting-edge applications, such as simultaneous detection of dual antibiotics and early Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis using DNA nanotechnology. -
Commitment to Education and Mentorship
As an Associate Professor, Dr. Liu actively contributes to student development by supervising both undergraduate and graduate students in their research projects. Her role as a mentor in the laboratory fosters the next generation of scientists, making a lasting impact on the scientific community.