Liu Xiaohu received his PhD in biotechnology from Nanyang Technological University in 2015, with a dissertation on peptide-based nanomaterials for biosensor development. He has extensive experience developing biosensors for toxins and biomarkers such as botulinum neurotoxin A, human cardiac troponin I, and Streptolysin O using peptide substrates and functionalized gold nanoparticles, achieving detection limits in the picomolar to nanomolar range. Liu has also worked on peptide binder development, colorimetric biosensor design, and teaching assistant roles. He is skilled in peptide synthesis, surface functionalization, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization techniques.

1. Liu Xiaohu
Education
PhD, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 2011-2015 (Expected)
Key Courses: Biotechnology/Chemical biology/Molecular and cell biology/Virology and microbiology.
cGPA: 4.83/5. Dissertation entitled ‘peptide-based nanomaterials for biosensor development’.
Bachelor of Science, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 2006-2010
cGPA: 4.25/5, with MOE scholarship.
Project Experience
Biosensor development for toxins/biomarkers.
 Botulinum neurotoxin A: 2011-2013
Successfully developed simple colorimetric detection employing specifically-designed peptide substrate and
bio-functionalized gold nanoparticles. Achieved an LOD in sub-nanomolar range (~0.1 nM) within 4 hours.
Successfully developed fluorescence quenching assays employing single peptide gold nanoparticle conjugates
with an LOD achieved at picomolar range (~1 pM) within 2~3 hours; prior gold standard mouse lethality tests
take 2-4 days.
 Human cardiac troponin I: 2014-2015
Demonstrated a quick bioassay by selected peptide binder functionalized gold nanoparticles. Optimized the
size and concentration of nanoparticles providing fundamental information on gold nanoparticle based
colorimetric assays. Achieved an LOD at ~0.2 ng/mL in diluted serum within 15 min which enables real-time
monitoring of human cardiac troponin I level in blood.
 Streptolysin O: 2015
Designed colorimetric detection employing protein coated gold nanoparticles aggregation triggered by release
of functional peptides from biomimetic liposome receptors.
Peptide binder development. 2012-2014
 Designed and synthesized series of peptides derived from botulinum neurotoxin A substrate followed by screening
using various methods including SPR, fluorescence quenching assays and DSF. The best lead found a binding
affinity Kd at ~170 µM.
Colorimetric LSPR biosensor development designed for human perception. 2013-2014
 Finely tuned gold/silver composition in alloy nanoparticles according to human perception of colours change to
maximize the detection capability by human eyes. Obtained better colorimetric sensitivities for both bulk R.I. and
biomolecules by comparison with other nanoparticles in different sizes and shapes. Proved the best colour
sensitivity for human by alloy nanoparticles with spectra peaks at ~500 nm.
Teaching experience
Course Coordinator Assistant, BS2011: Equations of Life. School of Biological Sciences, NTU, 2013
 Successfully established this new course for all Year 2 students facilitated by online tools. Prepared course
outlines for each lesson in consultation with the course coordinator. Reviewed students’ assignments. Evaluated
feedback from students with coordinator for further improvement.
Lab Assistant, BS1003: Organic Chemistry. School of Biological Sciences, NTU, 2011-2012
 Assisted Year 1 students in practical sessions including lab safety, usage of common equipment in biological lab,
and report writing. Communicated with coordinator on improving students’ interest in practical lessons.
Skills
 Peptide synthesis (Fmoc and Boc), and related basic organic chemistry.
 SAM and surface bioconjugation skills, and SPR (home-made and biacore).
 Gold nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization.
 And other commonly used equipments: UV/visible spectrometer, fluorescence spectrometer, QCM, DLS, etc.
 Data analysis: Origin8.0, Windows Office and Crumble for biacore SPR.
Selected publications
 Biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles for colorimetric sensing of botulinum neurotoxin A light chain. X Liu, Y Wang,
P Chen, YS Wang, J Zhang, D Aili, B Liedberg. 2014 Analytical chemistry 86 (5), 2345-2352.
 Time-resolved botulinum neurotoxin A activity monitored using peptide-functionalized Au nanoparticle energy
transfer sensors. Y Wang, X Liu, J Zhang, D Aili, B Liedberg. 2014 Chemical Science 5 (7), 2651-2656. (Back
inside cover)
 Quick detection of cardiac troponin I by peptide functionalized gold nanoparticles with optimized particle size and
concentration. X Liu, Y Wang, J Zhang, A McCadden, A Palaniappan, B Liedberg. In preparation.
Conferences and workshops
Poster. 30 years of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in biosensing. NTU, Singapore. 5-7 Nov 2013
Participant. IGS Winter School. Hirschegg, Austria. Feb 2013
adamandy1203@gmail.com
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