Dr Fengtong Ji
Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellow
Gurdon Institute
Biography
Fengtong Ji is a Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellow at the University of Cambridge, where his research focuses on developmental mechanics and nanorobotics, aiming to develop innovative methodologies that enhance our understanding of tissue development. Previously, Fengtong Ji researched nanorobotic engineering and active matter during his doctoral studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Subsequently, he furthered his exploration into living active matter and collective microrobots as a Postdoctoral Fellow there. Subsequently, Fengtong Ji assumed the role of Herchel Smith Fellow at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, studying developmental symmetry and tissue mechanics.
Research
I am focused on studying the intricacies of tissue mechanics during developmental processes whilst developing nanorobotic sensing technology. Cells interpret and modify tissue mechanics to regulate behaviours such as migration and differentiation, leading to different tissue shapes. How does the microenvironment regulate cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis? I am integrating nanorobotics and biotechnology to study the physical and molecular mechanisms in tissue formation. Nanorobots as active matter can mimic cellular behaviours, co-exist, and interact with living cells and tissues. The spatial-temporal variation of their motions and patterns quantitatively reflects the local microenvironments. The cell-nanorobot interaction holds the potential to decipher mechanical cues determining cell fate and to advance tissue engineering and nanomedicine.
