Zheng-Rong LuView profile
Professor
Zheng-Rong Lu is the M. Frank and Margaret Domiter Rudy Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University's Case School of Engineering and a member of the Cancer Imaging Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. He also holds roles as Faculty Director of the Case School of Engineering and maintains external appointments as a scientific leader in multiple biotechnology companies, including U.S. Motek and Molecular Theranostics LLC. Dr. Lu completed his PhD at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Utah and Wuhan University. His research focuses on molecular imaging and drug delivery using nanotechnology, particularly biodegradable and organic nanomaterials. Key projects include developing MRI contrast agents for cardiovascular and cancer imaging, targeted nanoglobules, and therapies for retinal degeneration and cancer. His laboratory's work spans interdisciplinary applications such as nanomedicine, gene delivery, and theranostics (therapeutic + diagnostic agents). Recent advancements include targeted siRNA nanoparticles for cancer therapy and ECO lipid-based platforms for non-viral gene delivery in ocular diseases like Stargardt disease. External engagements include leadership roles in companies commercializing his research, such as developing contrast agents and therapeutic probes. His work emphasizes translational medicine, bridging lab innovations to clinical applications in oncology and retinal therapies. Notable contributions include pioneering fibronectin-targeted imaging probes for cancers and creating pH-sensitive lipid nanoparticles for efficient nucleic acid delivery. His research has advanced precision medicine via molecular imaging for disease monitoring and therapy assessment.











