
SUN LAB
2026
Wu, Y., Zhao, X., Jiang, Y., Chen, C., Liu, L., Hou, X., Xian, Q., Guo, J., & Sun, L. (2026). Microbubble-enhanced ultrasound stimulation of β-cells improves insulin release and glycemic control in mice. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 24(1), 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-025-03926-6
He, J., Zhu, J., Wang, X., Chen, Z., Yang, J., Yuan, Z., Xu, H., Sun, L., & Qiu, Z. (2026). Ultrasound Modulation of Visual Circuits in Mice Independent of Auditory Confound. Advanced Science, e15991.
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202515991
Lei, T., Xian, Q., Li, D., Su, M., Wu, Y., Hou, X., Jing, J., Jiang, Y., Huang, X, Wong, K. F., Zhu, J.,Guo, J., Qiu, Z., & Sun, L. (2026). Rapid rescue of despair behaviors by sonogenetic neuromodulation of the mPFC-DRN pathway. Molecular Psychiatry, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-026-03616-1
Hou, X., Jing, J., Shi, Z., Jiang, Y., & Sun, L. (2026). Sono-mechanical nanostructures-enabled sustained precise ultrasound brain stimulation. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69710-8
2025
Xian, Q., Li, D., Zhao, X., Zhao, D., Jiang, Y., Jing, J., ... & Sun, L. (2025). Impact of endogenous sonosensation on in vivo sonogenetics. iScience, 28(12). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.114030
Ren, X., Zhang, Y., Zhai, P., Sun, L., Li, Z., Chen, X., & Lu, M. (2025). Quantitation of acute extremity compartment syndrome in rabbits using shear-wave elastography to assess viscoelasticity. Academic Radiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2025.08.055
Chen, Z., Li, N., Xi, C., He, J., Zhu, J., Wu, G., Xia, J., Fei, C., Sun, L., Xu, H., & Qiu, Z. (2025). Functional ultrasound imaging of auditory responses in comatose patients. Research, 8, 0709. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202515991
Yang, J., Zhou, E., Zhu, J., Zhu, T., Zhao, J., Lin, X., Cao, Z., Chen, Z., An, Z., Sun, L., Wu,W., & Qiu, Z. (2025). Miniaturized and accessible functional ultrasound imaging system for freely moving mice. bioRxiv, 2025-04. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.24.650351
Li, Z., Qiang, Y., Chen, D., Hu, D., Gao, D., Xu, X., Sun, L., Li, Y., Qiu, W., & Sheng, Z. (2025). Dual-modal super-resolution ultrasound and NIR-II fluorescence imaging of ischemic stroke with ICG-doped porous PLGA microspheres. Materials Today Bio, 31, 101513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101513
Hou, X., Liu, L., & Sun, L. (2025). Precise modulation of cell activity using sono-responsive nano-transducers. Biomaterials, 314, 122857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122857
2024
Qiu, C., Su, M., Yang, S., Liu, B., Jia, N., Xu, Z., Zheng, H., Sun,L., Qiu, W., & Li, F. (2024). Textured-piezoelectric-ceramic-based focused intravascular ultrasonic transducer with improved image quality and uniformity. Applied Physics Letters, 125(23). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0237897
Qiang, Y., Huang, W., Liang, W., Liu, R., Han, X., Pan, Y., Wang, N., Yu, Y., Zhang, Z., Sun, L., & Qiu, W. (2024). An adaptive spatiotemporal filter for ultrasound localization microscopy based on density canopy clustering. Ultrasonics, 144, 107446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultras.2024.107446
Liu, B., Su, M., Zhang, Z., Sun, L., Yu, Y., & Qiu, W. (2024). A novel coded excitation imaging platform for ultra-high frequency (> 100 mhz) ultrasound applications. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 72(4), 1298-1305. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2024.3496843
Li, N., Chen, Z., Zhu, J., Zheng, H., Xia, J., Yuan, Z., Fei, C., Sun, L., & Qiu, Z. (2024). Simultaneous Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation and Fiber Photometry Recording in Free-moving Mouse. JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments), (211), e67090. https://dx.doi.org/10.3791/67090 https://dx.doi.org/10.3791/67090
Zhu, J., He, D., Sun, M., Zheng, H., Chen, Z., Yang, J., Lin, C., Yuan, Q., Shi, YS., Sun, L., & Qiu, Z. (2024). Functional Imaging of Developing Brain in Mice and Non-Human Primates. bioRxiv, 2024-06. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.06.07.596778
Cheung, T., Yee, B. K., Chau, B., Lam, J. Y. T., Fong, K. H., Lo, H., Li, T. M. H., Li, A. M., Sun, L., Beisteiner, R., & Cheng, C. P. W. (2024). Efficacy and safety of transcranial pulse stimulation in young adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. Frontiers in neurology, 15, 1364270. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1364270
Hou, X., Jing, J., Jiang, Y., Huang, X., Xian, Q., Lei, T., Zhu, J., Wong, K. F., Zhao, X., Su, M., Li, D., Liu, L., Qiu, Z., & Sun, L. (2024). Nanobubble-actuated ultrasound neuromodulation for selectively shaping behavior in mice. Nature communications, 15(1), 2253. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46461-y
2023
Yong, W., He, D., Chen, T., Rui, Z., Wen, Y., Wong, K. F., Sun, L., Qi, X. & Guo, J. (2023). Activation of N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor contributed to the ultrasonic modulation of neurons in vitro. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 676, 42-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.07.034
Jiang, Y., Hou, X., Zhao, X., Jing, J., & Sun, L. (2023). Tracking adoptive natural killer cells via ultrasound imaging assisted with nanobubbles. Acta biomaterialia, 169, 542–555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.058
Wu, Y., Que, Y., Chen, J., Sun, L., Guo, J., & Ruan, Y. C. (2023). CFTR modulates hypothalamic neuron excitability to maintain female cycle. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(16), 12572. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612572
Xian, Q., Qiu, Z., Murugappan, S., Kala, S., Wong, K. F., Li, D., Li, G., Jiang, Y., Wu, Y., Su, M., Hou, X., Zhu, J., Guo, J., Qiu, W., & Sun, L. (2023). Modulation of deep neural circuits with sonogenetics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 120(22), e2220575120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2220575120
Zhu, J., Xian, Q., Hou, X., Wong, K. F., Zhu, T., Chen, Z., He, D., Kala, S., Murugappan, S., Jing, J., Wu, Y., Zhao, X., Li, D., Guo, J., Qiu, Z., & Sun, L. (2023). The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 contributes to ultrasound neuromodulation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 120(18), e2300291120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300291120
Li, N., Chen, Z., Zhu, J., Choi, M. H., Yang, J., Yuan, Z., Sun, L., Fei, C., & Qiu, Z. (2023). Measuring sound velocity based on acoustic resonance using multiple narrow band transducers. Heliyon, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14227
Zhu, T., Guo, J., Wu, Y., Lei, T., Zhu, J., Chen, H., Kala, S., Wong, K. F., Cheung, C. P., Huang, X., Zhao, X., Yang, M., & Sun, L. (2023). The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 modulates the migration and immune response of microglia. iScience, 26(2), 105993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.105993
2022
Liu, B., Su, M., Zhang, Z., Liu, R., Sun, L., Zheng, H., & Qiu, W. (2022). A novel dual-element catheter for improving non-uniform rotational distortion in intravascular ultrasound. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 70(6), 1768-1774. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2022.3226955
Zhou, Y., Huang, X., Li, J., Zhu, T., Pang, W., Chow, L., Nie, L., Sun, L., & Lai, P. (2022). Small animal in situ drug delivery effects via transdermal microneedles array versus intravenous injection: a pilot observation based on photoacoustic tomography. Pharmaceutics, 14(12), 2689. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14122689
Liu, T., Choi, M. H., Zhu, J., Zhu, T., Yang, J., Li, N., Chen, Z., Xian, Q., Hou, X., He, D., Guo, J., Fei, C., Sun, L., & Qiu, Z. (2022). Sonogenetics: Recent advances and future directions. Brain stimulation, 15(5), 1308–1317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2022.09.002
Tang, L., Si, J., Sun, L., Mao, G., & Yu, S. (2022). Assessment of the mental workload of trainee pilots of remotely operated aircraft using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. BMC neurology, 22(1), 160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-022-02683-5
Guo, J., Wu, Y., Gong, Z., Chen, X., Cao, F., Kala, S., Qiu, Z., Zhao, X., Chen, J. J., He, D., Chen, T., Zeng, R., Zhu, J., Wong, K. F., Murugappan, S., Zhu, T., Xian, Q., Hou, X., Ruan, Y. C., Li, B., … Sun, L. (2022). Photonic Nanojet-Mediated Optogenetics. Advanced science, 9(12), e2104140. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202104140
Zhong, T., Qiu, Z., Wu, Y., Guo, J., Li, H., Yu, Z., ... & Lai, P. (2022). Optically selective neuron stimulation with a wavefront shaping‐empowered multimode fiber. Advanced Photonics Research, 3(3), 2100231. https://doi.org/10.1002/adpr.202100231
2021
Wang, B., Zhou, Y., Wang, Y., Li, X., He, L., Wen, Z., Cao, T., Sun, L., & Wu, D. (2021). Three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound imaging using a miniature helical ultrasonic motor. IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control, 69(2), 681-690. https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2021.3132607
Song, L., Hou, X., Wong, K. F., Yang, Y., Qiu, Z., Wu, Y., Hou, S., Fei, C., Guo, J., & Sun, L. (2021). Gas-filled protein nanostructures as cavitation nuclei for molecule-specific sonodynamic therapy. Acta biomaterialia, 136, 533–545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.010
Xian, Q., Qiu, Z., Kala, S., Wong, K. F., Murugappan, S., Wu, Y., Hou, X., Zhu, J., Guo, J., & Sun, L. (2021). Circuit-specific sonogenetic stimulation of the deep brain elicits distinct signaling and behaviors in freely moving mice. bioRxiv, 2021-11. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.06.467579
Hou, X., Qiu, Z., Xian, Q., Kala, S., Jing, J., Wong, K. F., Zhu, J., Guo, J., Zhu, T., Yang, M., & Sun, L. (2021). Precise Ultrasound Neuromodulation in a Deep Brain Region Using Nano Gas Vesicles as Actuators. Advanced science, 8(21), e2101934. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202101934
Wang, D., Lin, P., Chen, Z., Fei, C., Qiu, Z., Chen, Q., Sun, X., Wu, Y., & Sun, L. (2021). Evolvable acoustic field generated by a transducer with 3D-Printed Fresnel lens. Micromachines, 12(11), 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12111315
Xie, F., Xu, S., Lu, Y., Wong, K. F., Sun, L., Hasan, K. M. M., ... & Cheng, S. H. (2021). Metformin accelerates zebrafish heart regeneration by inducing autophagy. NPJ Regenerative medicine, 6(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-021-00172-w
Su, M., Xia, X., Liu, B., Zhang, Z., Liu, R., Cai, F., Qiu, W., & Sun, L. (2021). High frequency focal transducer with a Fresnel zone plate for intravascular ultrasound. Applied Physics Letters, 119(14). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0070313
Xian, Q., Qiu, Z., Kala, S., Guo, J., Zhu, J., Wong, K. F., Guo, S. S. Y., Zhu, T., Hou, X., & Sun, L. (2021). Protocol for the sonogenetic stimulation of mouse brain by non-invasive ultrasound. STAR protocols, 2(2), 100393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100393
Xian, Q., Qiu, Z., Kala, S., Wong, K. F., Guo, J., & Sun, L. (2021). Behavioral and Functional Assessment of Ultrasound Neuromodulation on Caenorhabditis Elegans. IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control, 68(6), 2150–2154. https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2021.3057873
Liu, C., Yang, Y., Qiu, W., Chen, Y., Dai, J., & Sun, L. (2021). Quantitative characterization of the colorectal cancer in a rabbit model using high-frequency endoscopic ultrasound. Ultrasonics, 110, 106289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultras.2020.106289
2020
Wang, H., Yang, X., Hou, J., Li, X., Sun, L., Jiang, J., & Zhou, Q. (2020). Application of transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of vocal fold polyps. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, 46(9), 2293-2302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.05.014
Qiu, Z., Kala, S., Guo, J., Xian, Q., Zhu, J., Zhu, T., Hou, X., Wong, K. F., Yang, M., Wang, H., & Sun, L. (2020). Targeted Neurostimulation in Mouse Brains with Non-invasive Ultrasound. Cell reports, 32(7), 108033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108033
Song, L., Wang, G., Hou, X., Kala, S., Qiu, Z., Wong, K. F., Cao, F., & Sun, L. (2020). Biogenic nanobubbles for effective oxygen delivery and enhanced photodynamic therapy of cancer. Acta biomaterialia, 108, 313–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2020.03.034
Xu, S., Xie, F., Tian, L., Fallah, S., Babaei, F., Manno, S. H., Manno III, F. A. M., Zhu, L., Wong, K. F., Liang, Y., Ramalingam, R., Sun, L., Wang, X., Plumb, R., Gethings, L., Lam, Y. W., & Cheng, S. H. (2020). Estrogen accelerates heart regeneration by promoting the inflammatory response in zebrafish. Journal of Endocrinology, 245(1), 39-51. https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-19-0413
Wang, G., Song, L., Hou, X., Kala, S., Wong, K. F., Tang, L., Dai, Y., & Sun, L. (2020). Surface-modified GVs as nanosized contrast agents for molecular ultrasound imaging of tumor. Biomaterials, 236, 119803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119803
2019
Song, L., Wang, G., Hou, X., Kala, S., Qiu, Z., Wong, K., Cao,F., & Sun, L. (2019). Development of Nano Oxygen Carrier for Enhanced Cancer Therapy. Available at SSRN 3493850. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3493850
Qiu, Z., Guo, J., Kala, S., Zhu, J., Xian, Q., Qiu, W., Li, G., Zhu, T., Meng, L., Zhang, R., Chan, H. C., Zheng, H., & Sun, L. (2019). The Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 Significantly Mediates In Vitro Ultrasonic Stimulation of Neurons. iScience, 21, 448–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2019.10.037
Liu, Z., Au, M., Wang, X., Chan, P. M. B., Lai, P., Sun, L., Zheng, Y., Rong, L., & Wen, C. (2019). Photoacoustic imaging of synovial tissue hypoxia in experimental post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Progress in biophysics and molecular biology, 148, 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.03.009
2018
Liu, C., Li, S., Gu, Y., Xiong, H., Wong, W. T., & Sun, L. (2018). Multispectral photoacoustic imaging of tumor protease activity with a gold nanocage-based activatable probe. Molecular imaging and biology, 20(6), 919-929. https://
doi.org/10.1007/s11307-018-1203-1
Song, L., Huang, Y., Hou, X., Yang, Y., Kala, S., Qiu, Z., Zhang, R., & Sun, L. (2018). PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy promotes resistance to sonodynamic therapy. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, 49(5), 1825-1839. https://doi.org/10.1159/000493629
Liu, C., Yan, F., Xu, Y., Zheng, H., & Sun, L. (2018). Invivo molecular ultrasound assessment of glioblastoma neovasculature with endoglin‐targeted microbubbles. Contrast media & molecular imaging, 2018(1), 8425495. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8425495
2017
Fei, C., Yang, Y., Guo, F., Lin, P., Chen, Q., Zhou, Q., & Sun, L. (2017). PMN-PT single crystal ultrasonic transducer with half-concave geometric design for IVUS imaging. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 65(9), 2087-2092. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2017.2784437
Yang, Y., Qiu, Z., Hou, X., & Sun, L. (2017). Ultrasonic characteristics and cellular properties of Anabaena gas vesicles. Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 43(12), 2862-2870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.08.004
Qiu, W., Xia, J., Shi, Y., Mu, P., Wang, X., Gao, M., Wang, C., Xiao, Y., Yang, G., Liu, J., Sun, L., & Zheng, H. (2017). A delayed-excitation data acquisition method for high-frequency ultrasound imaging. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 65(1), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2017.2687948
Zhou, B., Leung, B. Y. K., & Sun, L. (2017). The effects of low‐intensity ultrasound on fat reduction of rat model. BioMed research international, 2017(1), 4701481. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4701481