Dr. Ying-Chi Chen is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University. He received her Ph.D. training in biomedical engineering-related fields and completed his postdoctoral research focusing on nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Dr. Chen’s research expertise centers on electron-driven nanomedicine, nano–bio interfaces, and the design of functional nanoplatforms for cancer therapy and disease theranostics. She is particularly interested in understanding how engineered nanomaterials regulate intracellular electron flow, redox balance, and mitochondrial function, and how these mechanisms can be translated into new therapeutic strategies beyond conventional ROS-based approaches.

His work has led to the development of innovative nanoplatforms such as Au@MIL and related hybrid systems, and has been published in high-impact journals. Dr. Chen actively integrates material synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and biological validation to build interdisciplinary research programs.

As a mentor, Dr. Chen values curiosity, independence, and critical thinking. He emphasizes hands-on training, clear communication, and logical experimental design. Students and interns are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, propose ideas, and develop problem-solving skills. His goal is to create a supportive research environment where trainees can build a solid foundation in nanomedicine research and grow into confident young scientists.

YCC's Lab focuses on the design and development of next-generation nanomaterials for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on electron-driven nanoplatforms for cancer therapy and disease theranostics. Our research integrates nanomaterial synthesis, surface engineering, and biological evaluation to explore how engineered nanoparticles interact with cellular redox systems, mitochondrial function, and the tumor microenvironment.

One of our core research directions is the development of electron-accepting and electron-regulating nanostructures, such as Au@MIL and related hybrid nanoplatforms, to disrupt cancer cell metabolic homeostasis through an “electron starvation” strategy. By manipulating intracellular electron flow rather than relying solely on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we aim to establish alternative therapeutic paradigms that are effective even in hypoxic and therapy-resistant tumors.

In addition, our lab is expanding toward multifunctional nanomaterials for imaging-guided therapy, including fluorescence, photoacoustic imaging, and SERS-based platforms, as well as nanomedicine applications in immunomodulation and ischemic disease.

Interns in our laboratory will have opportunities to participate in:

• Nanoparticle synthesis and physicochemical characterization
• Cell culture and in vitro biological assays
• Mechanistic studies of nanoparticle–cell interactions
• Data analysis, figure preparation, and scientific discussion

We welcome motivated students from chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, life sciences, and related fields. Our lab provides a supportive and collaborative environment, and we value curiosity, initiative, and open communication. Through this internship, students are expected to gain hands-on research experience, strengthen scientific thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary nanomedicine research.