Zhen Cheng

Title: Zhen Cheng: Innovator in Mitochondrial Imaging and Therapeutics

Introduction

Zhen Cheng is a prominent inventor based in Mountain View, CA, known for his significant contributions to the fields of mitochondrial imaging and therapeutics. With a total of 10 patents to his name, Cheng has made remarkable advancements that have the potential to impact medical diagnostics and treatment.

Latest Patents

Cheng's latest patents include innovative compounds and methods that enhance the understanding and treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. One of his notable inventions is the "Delocalized lipophilic cation compounds and methods of use thereof." This patent provides delocalized lipophilic cation (DLC) compounds and outlines methods for using these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions. The methods include techniques for killing cells, fluorescently labeling mitochondria, imaging cell mitochondria, and determining whether a patient has a mitochondria-related disease. Additionally, it offers methods for treating patients with such diseases and includes kits that feature the compounds.

Another significant patent is the "NIR-II imaging probe and methods of using the NIR-II imaging probe for dynamic in vivo tracking." This invention provides NIR-II imaging probes and methods for tracking cells, such as stem cells, in real-time. The probes consist of a biocompatible NIR-II dye molecule coupled to an organic, biocompatible protein carrier complex, which includes a carrier protein linked to a cell-penetrating peptide.

Career Highlights

Cheng has had a distinguished career, working at reputable institutions such as Leland Stanford Junior University. His work has focused on developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Cheng has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Sanjiv Sam Gambhir and Hongguang Liu. These collaborations have further enriched his research and contributed to the advancement of his inventions.

Conclusion

Zhen Cheng's contributions to the fields of mitochondrial imaging and therapeutics exemplify the impact of innovative research on medical science. His patents not only advance our understanding of mitochondrial diseases but also pave the way for new treatment methodologies.