People



Dr Tao Zhang

Image for Dr Tao Zhang

Lecturer

Email: tao.zhang@tudublin.ie

Tel: (01) 220 5677

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Background

Dr Tao Zhang graduated with First Class Honours from the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) in 2004, achieving a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Technology and receiving The AGB Award for Excellence. He then obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Improvement from the Department of Statistics at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in 2006, followed by a PhD in Pharmacy Research from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) at TCD in 2009. After completing his PhD, Tao conducted postdoctoral research on the Pharmatrin-Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership Programme under Prof Helen Sheridan at SoPPS, TCD, before joining Trino Therapeutics Ltd in 2011. At Trino, he held the positions of Senior Chemist and Principal Scientist, contributing to innovative drug discovery programmes and leading GMP manufacturing campaigns for drug substance, successfully bringing a drug candidate PH46A to European human clinical trials. In 2017, Tao joined APC Ltd as a Team Lead, managing an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and analysts focused on developing and optimising (bio)pharmaceutical processes. In 2018, he was appointed as a Lecturer at the School of Food Science and Environmental Health (SoFSEH) at DIT, now called Technological University (TU) Dublin. He currently lectures across various programmes in the school, ranging from first-year science courses to advanced fourth-year BSc research projects. Tao serves as the Programme Chair of the nationally award-winning programme, Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies (TU654|TU657). He holds several internal and external roles, including membership in the TU Dublin Academic Regulations, Policies & Procedures Oversight Committee, TU Dublin Faculty Board (Sciences & Health), Royal Society of Chemistry, Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA), International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST), and the Good Practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (GP-TCM) Research Association. Additionally, he is an PI at NatPro, Trinity Centre for Natural Products Research (TCD), an Associate Research Fellow at SoPPS (TCD), and an Associate Editor of BMC Chemistry.

Research Interests

Tao’s research interests span both educational and scientific domains. In education, he focuses on curriculum design and pedagogical strategies, particularly integrating professional development training to enhance students' learning experiences and effectively cultivate their graduate attributes. Under his leadership, the Pharmacy Technician Programme received the National AHECS Employability Award for “Research Informed Practice (2023) and became a founding member of the European Association of Pharmacy Technicians (EAPT) – Academic Network. In scientific research, Tao specialises in developing novel indane hybrid skeletons with inherent biological activities. His work aims to identify and develop new classes of indane compounds and investigate their interactions with drug targets such as G-protein-coupled receptors, which are crucial in conditions like central nervous system disorders, inflammation, and cancer. Additionally, Tao has a strong interest in ethnopharmacology and natural product research, particularly in isolating, identifying, and characterising bioactive molecules from natural resources and exploring the potential of traditional medicine practices in addressing unmet health and nutritional needs. He has been involved in several research awards and grants, including the Wellcome Trust (Cambridge, UK) Advanced Training Bursary (Practical Aspects of Small Molecule Drug Discovery: At the interface of biology, chemistry and pharmacology), Enterprise Ireland Research Innovation Voucher, Wellcome Trust Strategic Translation Award, and TU Dublin First-Time Supervisor Award, among others. Tao is also collaborating on the €6M IIP-funded project with NatPro (TCD) titled 'Unlocking Nature's Pharmacy from Bogland Species,' which explores the therapeutic and economic potential of Irish bogland plants from both scientific and educational perspectives.

Publications

Peer Reviewed Publications

Zhang, S., Zhang, T., Kinsella, G. K., & Curtin, J. F. (2025). A review of the efficacy of prostate cancer therapies against castration-resistant prostate cancer. Drug Discovery Today, 30(6). (DOI)

Zhang, T., Chan, K., Ece, A., Daly, R., Cannon, A., Scalabrino, G. A., Frankish, N., O'Sullivan, J., Fallon, P., & Sheridan, H. (2025). Bioactive indanes: Design, synthesis and bioactivity investigation of 2,2-substituted indane derivatives, a new bioactive indane scaffold. Bioorganic Chemistry, 159, 108352. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Alexa, E.A., Liu, G., Berisha, A., Walsh, R., and Kelleher, R. (2025). Lycium barbarumfor Health and Longevity: A Review of Its Biological Significance. Obesities5(2), 35. (DOI)

Berisha, A., Alexa, E.A., Kelleher, R., Zhang, T. (2025). From Botany to Bedside: A Review of the Health Benefits of Lycium Barbarumas a Functional Food. Exploration of Foods and Foodomics, 3: 101070. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Hogan, S., Young, K., McGrath, M-T., Barrett, J., & Dunne, J. (2025). Incorporating a Sustainable ePortfolio Model Within the Curriculum for Enhanced Professional Development: Building Bridges in Pharmacy Technician Education. In Jesus, Â. (Ed.), Technological Approaches to Medical and Pharmaceutical Education (Ch. 11).

Zhang, T. (2024). Unveiling the health implications of vitamin K2 deficiency. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 3 (1), 36-40. (DOI)

Zhang, T., O’Connor, C., Sheridan, H., Barlow, J.W. (2024). Vitamin K2 in Health and Disease: A Clinical Perspective. Foods13, 1646. (DOI)

Yuan, S., Obaidi I., Zhang, T., Pigott, M., Jiang, S., Sheridan, H., Liu, J. (2024). Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal the mechanisms of action of Panax notoginsengagainst post-COVID-19 thromboembolism. Review of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics. Int. Ed. 38(Sup2): 181-184. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Young, K., O’Shea, D., O’Connor, C., Dunne, J., Hogan, S., McGrath, M.T., Young, K., O’Shea, D. and Barret, J. (2024). Initiative: Integrating a Sustainable Eportfolio Model into the Curriculum to Enhance Professional Development Training for Pharmacy Technician Students. In Darby, F., Ferns, S., & Ryan, B.J. (Ed.), The University Education Model Collection 2024: “A University Way of Being” (pp. 74-75). Technological University Dublin.

Whyms, S., Nagar, S., Pigott, M., Kok, K.A., Luker, H., Lopez, A., Zhang, T., Hansen, I. and Sheridan, H. (2023) Short Lecture: Investigating the insect repellency of an Irish bog plant, Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale). The 71st International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA). Planta Medica, 89: 1293-1294. (DOI)

Zhang, T., McGearty, C., Maslovska, D. and Kearney, L. (2023) The impact of different extraction methods on the phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activities of the extracts of Cinnamomum cassia and Illicium verum. The 71st International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA). Planta Medica, 89: 1356. (DOI)

Liu, J.Y., Wu, R.X. Yuan, S.L., Kelleher, R., Chen, S.Y., Chen, R.F., Zhang, T., Obaidi, I. and Sheridan, H. (2023). Pharmacogenomic analysis of combined therapies against glioblastoma based on cell markers from single-cell sequencing. Pharmaceuticals,16, 11: 1533. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2023). Bioactive Indanes: Development and validation of a bioanalytical method of LC-MS/MS for the determination of PH46A, a new potential anti-inflammatory agent, in human plasma, urine and faeces. (Book Chapter) (DOI)

Zhang, T., Bandero, V., Corcoran, C., Obaidi, I., Ruether, M., O'Brien, J., O'Driscoll, L., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2023). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel bioactive indane scaffold 2-(diphenylmethylene)c-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one with potential anticancer activity. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 188. (DOI)

Yan, Q.X., Zhang, T., O’Connor, C., Barlow, J.W., Walsh, J., Scalabrino G., Xu, F. and Sheridan, H. (2023) The biological responses of vitamin K2: A comprehensive review. Food Science & Nutrition, 00, 1–23. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Dunne, J., Young, K., Kinsella, G. and Hogan, S. (2022). Professional Development and Graduate Attributes within Pharmacy Technician Studies. National Student Engagement Programme. (Case Study) (DOI)

Chan, K., Frankish, N., Zhang, T., Ece, A., Cannon, A., O'sullivan, J. and Sheridan, H. (2020). Bioactive indanes: insight into the bioactivity of indane dimers related to the lead anti‐inflammatory molecule PH46A. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2020). Bioactive indanes: development and validation of an LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for the determination of PH46A, a new potential anti-inflammatory agent, in dog and rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in dog. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 179, 1-10. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2018). Bioactive indanes: comparative in vitro metabolism study of PH46A, a new potential anti-inflammatory agent and biosynthesis of its primary metabolite PH132. Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 9, 1-14. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2018). Bioactive indanes: Proof of concept study for enantioselective synthetic routes to PH46A, a new potential anti-inflammation agent. Molecules, 23, 1-18. (DOI)

Cumming, G., Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2017). Investigation of the Stereoselective Synthesis of the Indane Dimer PH46A, a New Potential Anti-inflammatory Agent. Organic Process Research & Development, 21, 1972-1979. (DOI)

Nazir, I., Rahman, N., Alvi, Z., Rahman, H., Sendker, J., Zhang, T., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2017). Erratum: Antidiabetic activities of an LC/MS Fingerprinted aqueous extract of Fagonia cretica in preclinical models. Planta Medica, 83, E3. (DOI)

Nazir, I., Rahman, N., Alvi, Z., Rahman, H., Sendker, J., Zhang, T., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2017). Antidiabetic activities of an LC/MS Fingerprinted aqueous extract of Fagonia cretica in preclinical models. Planta Medica, 83, 1141-1148. (DOI)

Zhang, T., Finn, D.F., Barlow, J.W. and Walsh, J.J. (2016). Mast cell stabilisers. European Journal of Pharmacology, 778, 158-168. (DOI)

Chan, K., Zhang, T., Daly, R., Frankish, N., O'Sullivan, J., Padraig, F.and Sheridan, H. (2015). Privileged structure: Novel indane scaffolds as potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents.RICT 22nd Young Research Fellow Meeting: Biology and Chemistry: A Permanent Dialogue. Paris, France, 4-6 February 2015 (Conference Poster).

Zhang, T., Paluch, K., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N., Healy, A.M. and Sheridan, H. (2015). Molecular structure studies of (1S,2S)-2-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-inden-1-ol. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1083, 286-299. (DOI)

Chan, K., Banderό, V., Zhang, T., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2013). Inflammation, Cancer And 15- Lipoxygenase-1 - How Hot Is The Link? London BioNat, University of East London, 12 March 2013. (Conference poster)

Zhang, T., Bandero, V., McCabe, T., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2013). 2-(Diphenyl methylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one. Acta Crystallographica Section E, 69, o1306-o1307. (DOI)

Zhang, T., McCabe, T., Marzec, B., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2012). N-Cyclopentyl-N-(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)acetamide. Acta Crystallographica Section E, 68, (DOI)

Frampton, C.S., Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G.A., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2012). (1S)-1-Phenylethanaminium 4-{[(1S,2S)-1-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H,1'H-[2,2'-biinden]-2-yl]methyl}benzoate. Acta Crystallographica Section C, 68, o323- o326. (DOI)

Barlow, J.W., Zhang, T., Woods, O., Byrne, A.J. and Walsh, J.J. (2011). Novel mast cell-stabilising amine derivatives of 3,4 dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzo[7]annulen-5-one. Medicinal Chemistry, 7, 213-223. (DOI)

Non- Peer Reviewed Publications

Zhang, S., Kinsella, G., Zhang, T., Curtin, J., & Bourke, P. (2025). Exploration of indane scaffold antagonists for combination prostate cancer therapy with cold atmospheric plasma. PlasTHER COST Action (COST Association - European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Final Meeting, Barcelona, Spain, 18 June 2025. (Conference Presentation)

Valeiro, C., Matos, C., Joaquim, J., Jesus, A., Tee-Carter, S., Zhang, T., Hogan, S., Kinsella, G., O’Connor, C., Elguero Claramunt, I., Aparicio Cabezas, M. J., Reyes Moreno, A., & Rodrigo Díaz, A. (2025). Uncovering the landscape of pharmacy technician education in Europe: Insights from the PharmTech Mobility Project. 4th International Congress on Intervention in Health and Well-being – Health and Well-being in the Life Cycle (ICHWBI), University Campus of Piaget, Viseu, Portugal, 28-29 May 2025. (Conference Poster)

Saragatsis, M. A., Kinsella, G. K., Curtin, J. F., & Zhang, T. (2025). Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel anticancer benzocycloalkanone-based compounds. Food Science and Environmental Health Annual Research & Innovation Showcase 2025, TU Dublin Grangegorman, Dublin, Ireland, 12 May 2025. (Conference Presentation)

Tee-Carter, S., Zhang, T., Hogan, S., Kinsella, G., O’Connor, C., Matos, C., Joaquim, J., Jesus, A., Elguero Claramunt, I., Aparicio Cabezas, M. J., Reyes Moreno, A., & Rodrigo Díaz, A. (2025). Comparative analysis of pharmacy technician education across Europe: Interim findings from the PharmTech Mobility Project. Ireland National Association of Hospital Pharmacy Technicians (NAHPT) Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 29 March 2025. (Conference Poster)

Zhang, S., Kinsella, G. K., Zhang, T., & Curtin, J. F. (2025). Exploration of Indane Scaffold Antagonists for Combination Prostate Cancer Therapy with Cold Atmospheric Plasma. 30th Annual Conference of the RAMI Section of Bioengineering (BINI 2025), Athlone, Ireland, 24–25 January 2025. (Conference Presentation)

Zhang, T. (2024). EAPT-EAN Webinar – “Education and Training of Pharmacy Technician – on the way to the future”, 05 October 2024. (Webinar)

Zhang, T. (2024). Scaling New Wellness Highs – Vitamin K2. Ingredients Insight, 1, 24-26. (DOI) (Invited Article)

Saragatsis, M.A., Kinsella, G. K., Curtin, J. F. and Zhang, T. (2024) Identification of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Potential Benzocycloalkanone Based Antagonists by Structure-based Virtual Screening. SoFSEH Annual Research and Innovation Showcase 2024, TU Dublin, 08 May 2024. (Conference Poster)

Zhang, S.X., M.A., Kinsella, G. K., Zhang, T., and Curtin, J. F. (2024) Exploration of the Activity, Delivery and Activation of Androgen Receptor Potential Indane Scaffold Antagonists for Prostate Cancer Treatment. SoFSEH Annual Research and Innovation Showcase 2024, TU Dublin, 08 May 2024. (Conference Poster)

Saragatsis, M.A., Kinsella, G. K., Curtin, J. F. and Zhang, T. (2023) Identification of Potential Benzocycloalkanone Based Anti-Estrogen Receptor Alpha Ligands by Structure-Based Virtual Screening. The 14th Annual Graduate Research Student Symposium, TU Dublin, 11 December 2023. (Conference Poster)

Zhang, S.X., Kinsella, G. K., Curtin, J. F. and Zhang, T. (2023) Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Indane ScaffoldCandidates for Prostate Cancer Treatment. The 14th Annual Graduate Research Student Symposium, TU Dublin, 11 December 2023. (Conference Poster)

BindiganavileS., Zhang, T. and O’Connor, C. (2023) The Application of Plant Extraction Waste in Horticulture: A Proof-of-Concept Zero-Waste Research Study. The 51st Annual Food Science and Technology Conference, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, 6-7 December 2023. (Conference Talk)

Zhang, T., Hogan, S., McGrath, M.T., Young, K., O’Shea, D. and Dunne, J. (2023) Empowering Pharmacy Technician Students: A Sustainable Eportfolio Model for Professional Development Training in Undergraduate Education. The 10th All Ireland Pharmacy Healthcare Conference, Dundalk, 6-7 November 2023. (Conference Paper) (DOI)

Hogan, S., Zhang, T., Young, K., McGrath, M.T., Barrett, J. and Dunne, J. (2023) Professional Development Eportfolio: An Integrated Assessment Approach for Pharmacy Technician Students for Learning and Practice. The 10th All Ireland Pharmacy Healthcare Conference, Dundalk, 6-7 November 2023. (Conference Poster)

McGearty, C., Maslovska, D., Kearney, L. and Zhang, T. (2023) The Impact of Different Sustainable Extraction Approaches on the Phytochemical Profiles and Antimicrobial Activities of the Extracts of Cinnamomum cassiaand Illicium verum. Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) 2023 Conference, TU Dublin, Grangegorman, 13 October 2023. (Conference Paper) (DOI)

Chen, S.L., Nagara, S., Sheridan, H. and Zhang, T. (2023) Chemical Profiling of Reindeer Lichen, Cladonia portentosa, Grown on Irish Bogs. Food Science and Environmental Health Annual Research & Innovation Showcase, TU Dublin, Grangegorman, 08 May 2023.

Hogan, S. and Zhang, T. (2023) Professional Development Eportfolio: An Integrated Assessment Approach for Pharmacy Technician Students for Learning and Practice. Let’s Talk About Assessment 2023: Rethinking Assessment in Higher Education, Dublin, Ireland, 30 January 2023. (Conference Oral Presentation)

Zhang, T., Hogan, S., Young, K., McGrath, M.T., Barrett, J. and Dunne, J. (2023) Professional Development Eportfolio: An Integrated Assessment Approach for Pharmacy Technician Students for Learning and Practice. Let’s Talk About Assessment 2023: Rethinking Assessment in Higher Education, Dublin, Ireland, 30 January 2023. (Conference Poster)

Zhang, T., Chan, K., Scalabrino, G., Frankish, N., Ece, A., Cannon, A., O’Sullivan, J. and Sheridan, H. (2022). Insight into The Bioactivity of Indane Dimers Related to the Lead Anti Inflammatory Molecule PH46A. The 2nd Computer-Aided Drug Design International Symposium and Workshop - linking Design, Biology, Chemistry and Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey, 11-12 May 2022. (Invited Talk)

Zhang, T. (2021) From Postdoc to Principal Scientist - My Drug Discovery Research at the Interface of Academia and Industry, Food Science and Environmental Health Annual Research & Innovation Showcase, TU Dublin, Grangegorman, 17 June 2021.

Bandero-Filho, V.C., Zhang, T., Chan, K., O’Driscoll, L., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2015). From Nature to Medicinal Chemistry: Anti-Cancer Activity of Novel Indane Scaffolds. RICT 22nd Young Research Fellow Meeting: Biology and Chemistry: A Permanent Dialogue, Paris, France, 4-6 February 2015. (Conference Paper)

Chan, K., Zhang, T., Bandero-Filho, V.C., Moriarty, A., McCormick, P., Mehigan, B., Cathcart, M.C., Daly, R., Kennedy, B., O'Sullivan, J., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2015). Privileged Structure: Novel Indane Scaffolds as Potential Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Agents. RICT 22nd Young Research Fellow Meeting: Biology and Chemistry: A Permanent Dialogue, Paris, France, 4-6 February 2015. (Conference Paper)

Bandero-Filho, V.C., Zhang, T., O'Driscoll, L., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2014).Ethnopharmacology Led Drug Discovery and Design: Novel Indane Scaffolds with Potential Anticancer Activity. All-Ireland Joint Schools of Pharmacy Research Conference 2014, Trinity College Dublin, 14-15 April 2014. P58. (Conference Paper)

Chan, K., Zhang, T., Bandero-Filho, V.C., Moriarty, A., McCormick, P., Mehigan, B., Cathcart, M.C., Daly, R., Kennedy, B., O'Sullivan, J., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H. (2014). Novel small molecule angiogenesis inhibitors: Drug discovery informed by Taiwanese Traditional Medicine.All-Ireland Joint Schools of Pharmacy Research Conference 2014, Trinity College Dublin, 14-15 April 2014. P70. (Conference Paper)

Bandero-Filho, V.C., Zhang, T., Chan, K., O’Driscoll, L., Corcoran, C., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H.Drug discovery: Novel indane scaffolds with anticancer activity. Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) 2014 Annual Conference, Salthill, Galway.  27-28 Feb 2014. (Conference Paper)

Zhang, T., Bandero-Filho, V.C., Chan, K., Cathcart, M.C., Daly, R., Kennedy, B., O’Sullivan, J., Frankish, N. and Sheridan, H.Drug Discovery Informed by Traditional Medicine: Novel Small Molecule Angiogenesis Inhibitors. Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) 2014 Annual Conference, Salthill, Galway, 27-28 February 2014. (Conference Paper)

Brahmi, F., Guendouze, N., Sheridan,, Zhang, T., Stevigny, C., Duez, P. and Nguyen, A.T. Metabolic Classification ofMentha Species By NMR-Based Metabolomics, Journées internationales AFERP & STOLON , Bruxelles. 22-24 Mai 2013. (Conference Paper)

Sheridan, H., Zhang, T., Scalabrino, G. and Frankish, N. Leads from nature:  small molecules for the treatment of Inflammatory Disease,  London BioNat. University of East London, 12 Mar 2013. (Conference Paper)

 

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