Shaoyi Jiang, the Robert Langer ’70 Family and Friends Professor at Cornell University and a world-renowned expert in biointerfaces and zwitterionic materials, has been recognized with a special issue of the journal Langmuir dedicated to his research and lasting impact on the field.

Titled “Pioneers in Applied and Fundamental Interfacial Chemistry: Shaoyi Jiang,” the issue was published July 29 by Langmuir, the premier journal of the American Chemical Society in the field of interface and colloid science.

Jiang, who has appointments in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and the R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, is lauded for his work in zwitterionic materials, protective polymers that create highly hydrated surfaces that can resist the unwanted attachment of proteins, cells and microbes. Jiang’s innovations have enabled the development of safer drug delivery systems, capsule-free implants, anticoagulant-free blood-contacting devices, and platforms for stem cell growth and differentiation. His materials are also proving useful in eco-friendly marine coatings and industrial membranes for water treatment.

“Shaoyi’s work demonstrated how deep molecular understanding can drive real-world impact in multiple fields,” said Lynden Archer, Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering. “His research has influenced my work on energy storage. It embodies Cornell Engineering’s commitment to making a difference, especially in fields with tangible effects on the human experience.”

The special issue includes an editorial co-authored by Gilbert Walker, professor of chemistry at Toronto University and editor-in-chief of Langmuir, noting that the more than 100 contributed papers to the issue stands as a testament to the vibrant research community inspired by Jiang’s pioneering work.

“Professor Jiang has established himself as a trailblazer in this domain,” wrote Walker and his co-authors. “These ‘water-like’ materials have dramatically transformed biomedical and engineering applications, addressing critical technological gaps and paving the way for highly biocompatible and environmentally benign solutions.”

Jiang’s research career spans over two decades and includes more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, 58 issued patents, and mentorship to students and researchers who now hold positions in academia, industry and national laboratories around the world. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, among other honors.

In a Q&A accompanying the special issue, Jiang reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his career, many of which trace back to Cornell. As a Ph.D. student in chemical engineering, he trained in both molecular simulations and experimental techniques, gaining what he calls a “deep understanding of interfacial phenomena.” He also describes his sabbatical leave in the lab of renowned biotechnologist Robert Langer ’70, where he was inspired by Langer’s translational approach to biomedical science. In 2020, Jiang become the inaugural holder of a Cornell professorship in Langer’s name.

“Shaoyi is just an amazing person – super enthusiastic, super brilliant and so full of great ideas,” said Langer. “It’s an honor for me that he accepted a chair in my name at Cornell.”

Today, Jiang continues to expand the boundaries of interfacial chemistry by integrating immunology, artificial intelligence and molecular engineering. His recent work has shown that zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine) lipids can boost the efficacy of mRNA-based therapies while reducing unwanted immune responses, an advance with implications for vaccine design and next-generation therapeutics.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Jiang has played a key role in building the global research community around zwitterionic materials. He founded the biannual International Conference on Bioinspired and Zwitterionic Materials, and since 2010 has served as an editor for Langmuir, where he has published several highly cited papers.

“I am deeply honored by this special issue, which recognizes the collective contributions of my talented students, postdocs and collaborators over the years,” Jiang said. “I look forward to seeing the field of zwitterionic materials and interfaces continue to thrive through the efforts of so many dedicated researchers.”