Jianfeng (Jay) Xu

Jianfeng (Jay) Xu is a Professor of Biochemical Engineering at Arkansas State University's Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics, Department of Molecular Biosciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from Dalian University of Technology, China (2001) and a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the same institution (1998).

• Research focuses on plant-based bioproduction platforms using genetic engineering and genome editing
• Developed "HypGP Engineering" technology for 500-fold protein yield increases
• Applications in biopharmaceuticals for IBD treatment and biofuels from switchgrass
• Active research grants from NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE

Patents (8 total) include methods for plant glycoprotein production and biomass enhancement. Google Scholar publications (selected) demonstrate expertise in plant cell engineering, glycosylation technologies, and biopharmaceutical development. Current work explores CRISPR/Cas9 applications in tobacco BY-2 cells and plant cell wall engineering for improved biomass processing.

His research spans two major domains: plant-based biopharmaceutical production (therapeutic proteins, growth factors, oral medications) and plant cell wall engineering for enhanced biofuel production. Recent publications emphasize optimizing plant expression systems through glycomodules and improving biomass digestibility via cell wall modifications.

Key collaborations include work with colleagues at Arkansas Biosciences Institute, where he maintains laboratory space. Current research directions focus on commercializing plant cell culture platforms and developing designer biologics for medical applications.