Personal profile
Biography
My lab is centered on studying bioactive dietary phytochemicals for the prevention and/or treatment of human chronic diseases, particularly metabolic disorders.
1) Metabolism and bioavailability of bioactive phytochemicals, especially (poly)phenolic compounds, with application of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.
2) Identification and characterization of bioactive bioavailable phytochemicals (including their metabolites) and functional microorganisms for rational design of foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs).
3) Reciprocal interactions between dietary phytochemicals and the gut microbiota; application of synbiotic and postbiotics as novel FSMPs.
We hope that our research findings could guide the general public for wiser food choices and healthier lifestyles.
Education/Academic qualification
Food and Nutritional Sciences, PhD, The University of Hong Kong
3 Sept 2012 → 31 Aug 2016
Award Date: 30 Oct 2016
Chemistry, Bachelor (Hons.), Hong Kong Baptist University
1 Sept 2008 → 30 Jun 2012
Award Date: 30 Jun 2012
Natural product chemistry, Postdoctoral Associate, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
15 Dec 2016 → 15 Jan 2020
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Research output
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Anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory effects of ocular-accumulative phenolic compounds in dry eye disease management
Wang, K., Lee, P. K., Li, W., Wu, W., Lam, H. I. C., Wong, K. Y., Wong, M. S., Tse, Y. Y. & Zhao, D. (Corresponding Author), 13 Nov 2025, In: Food Science and Human Wellness.Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review
Open Access -
A review of using Traditional Chinese Medicine in the management of glaucoma and cataract
Wong, K.-Y. (Corresponding Author), Phan, C.-M., Chan, Y.-T., Yuen, A. C. Y., Zhang, H., Zhao, D., Chan, K.-Y., Do, C. W., Lam, C., Qiao, J. H., Wulff, D., Hui, A., Jones, L. & Wong, M. S., 25 Oct 2023, In: Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 107, 2, p. 156-170 15 p., 2246480.Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review
Open Access11 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Combined application of ellagic acid and urolithin-producing bacteria enhanced anti-obesity efficacy and phenolic bioavailability in diet-induced obese mice
Zhao, D. (Corresponding Author), Yang, Y., Lee, P. K. & Wang, K., Jul 2023, (Accepted/In press) Current Developments in Nutrition.Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceeding › Conference article published in proceeding or book › Academic research › peer-review
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Investigation of the anti-diabetic effects of Chinese sweet tea leaf extract and its fermented product in vitro and in vivo
Zhao, D. (Corresponding Author), Lee, P. K., Wang, K. & Cheng, K. Y., Jul 2023, (Accepted/In press) Current Developments in Nutrition.Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceeding › Conference article published in proceeding or book › Academic research › peer-review
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Mechanistic insights into zearalenone-accelerated colorectal cancer in mice using integrative multi-omics approaches
Lo, E. K. K., Wang, X., Lee, P. K., Lee, J. C. Y., Gómez-Gallego, C., Zhao, D., El-Nezami, H., Li, J. & Wong , H. C., Feb 2023, In: Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal. 21, p. 1785-1796 12 p.Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review
Open Access25 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)
Prizes
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ASN Travel Award - Dietary Bioactive Component Research Interest Section
Zhao, D. (Recipient), Jun 2019
Prize: Prize (research)
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Activities
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Unraveling the prebiotic effects of phenolic compounds towards gut bacteria via metabolomics.
Zhao, D. (Invited speaker)
30 Nov 2022Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Effect of Oral Supplementation of Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens on Gut Microbiota and Bioavailability of Ellagic Acid and Urolithins in Mice
Zhao, D. (Invited speaker)
Jun 2022Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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ASN Nutrition 2022 Live Online
Zhao, D. (Chair)
14 Jun 2022 → 16 Jun 2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participant
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The 10th annual conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants (ACMAP)
Zhao, D. (Member of organizing committee)
19 Mar 2021 → 25 Jun 2021Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Organizer / committee member
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Potentiating the bioefficacy of dietary polyphenols through teaming up with functional gut bacteria
Zhao, D. (Invited speaker)
9 Jul 2021Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk