Xu Han, PhD

Xu Han, PhD, Adjunct Associate Professor of Research

Medicine

Courtesy Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine

Division

Cardiovascular Medicine

Profile

Xu Han, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Missouri and an Assistant Professor at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is also Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer of CryoCrate LLC, an NIH Innovation Showcase company and NIH Research Festival company, and has received executive education through the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management (OPM) Program.

Dr. Han has secured more than $14 million in competitive research funding as Principal Investigator, with more than $7 million in subcontracts and subawards supporting research within the University of Missouri System. His research has been supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Centers, the Department of Defense, USDA/NIFA, and foundations including the Coulter Foundation and Mid-America Transplant. His university innovation recognitions include two University of Missouri Fast-Track Awards and a School of Medicine Faculty Innovation Award. His research and entrepreneurial activities have generated multiple issued U.S. and international patents and advanced technologies from fundamental discovery through preclinical validation, GMP manufacturing, FDA regulatory translation, and commercialization.

Research and Entrepreneurial Innovation

Dr. Han's research integrates thermal physics, biomedical engineering, cryobiology, glycobiology, regenerative medicine, and translational biotechnology through two interconnected research platforms.

The first has established a new approach to cryobiology based on nanoscale cubic-ice formation and biocompatible molecular assembly. Unlike conventional cryopreservation, which relies on toxic cell-permeating cryoprotectants and liquid-nitrogen infrastructure, this platform uses specially structured polysaccharides to enable long-term preservation of living cells and complex tissues in conventional −80°C freezers. The technologies have been extended to cell therapies, blood banking, corneas, corneal stroma, skin, retinal tissues, and other regenerative medicine applications. Successful in vivo studies have demonstrated transplantation or therapeutic efficacy of cryopreserved corneas, corneal stroma, skin, NK cells, and red blood cells. Multiple technologies are advancing toward FDA review, while research-grade products have been commercially distributed through Fisher Scientific.

Mechanistic investigations arising from this work uncovered a second platform based on thermally driven polysaccharide–glycocalyx molecular assembly and glycoengineering. Dr. Han's laboratory investigates how specially structured polysaccharides reorganize cell-surface proteoglycans at the nanoscale to regulate endocytosis, mechanotransduction, barrier formation, and tissue regeneration. This emerging platform enables glycoengineering of both donor and recipient cells and tissues, with applications spanning mRNA and nanoparticle-based therapeutic delivery, transplantation, regenerative wound healing, cancer therapeutics, retinal and tissue engineering, organoid manufacturing, and BBB-on-chip modeling. Ongoing studies further investigate glycocalyx-dependent extracellular-vesicle communication along the placenta–brain and gut–brain axes.

Together, these programs connect fundamental molecular mechanisms with engineering, transplantation, regenerative medicine, therapeutic delivery, and clinical translation, while creating new technologies with potential for regulatory advancement and commercialization.

Educational Innovation

Dr. Han's educational approach emphasizes individualized, one-on-one mentorship and trainee-specific curriculum development. Rather than applying a standardized training pathway, he develops individualized curricula around each student's scientific background, innovation, and career objectives, with defined milestones for scientific development, technology translation, entrepreneurship, and grant preparation. In the Translational Biotechnology Graduate Capstone Program at Wake Forest University, this approach guides students from initial concepts through scientific and technical problem-solving, business-model development, prototype production, and SBIR/STTR proposal preparation. This individualized mentorship has enabled a trainee to develop and complete a full SBIR proposal during the Capstone program, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating scientific training with entrepreneurship and translational research.

Professional Service

Dr. Han has provided extensive national service in scientific peer review, participating in more than 40 funding-agency review panels and activities, including more than 30 NIH study section panels spanning cell and molecular biology, cardiovascular and hematological sciences, endocrinology, metabolism, reproduction, vision research, immunotherapy, and translational medicine. His service also includes NSF Engineering Research Center on-site review committees, and grant review for the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS).

Academic Information

Courtesy Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine

Office

University of Missouri Life Science Incubator 126G
1601 S. Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65211
United States

Research Interests

  • Glycocalyx molecular assembly, glycoengineering, and cell-surface engineering
  • Nano-ice-enabled cell, tissue, and organ cryopreservation and biobanking
  • Therapeutic delivery, including mRNA, lipid nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles
  • Tissue engineering, transplantation, and regenerative medicine

Areas of Expertise

  • Glycobiology, glycocalyx engineering, and molecular assembly
  • Cryobiology, biophysics, and ice formation
  • Thermodynamics, phase transitions, and heat and mass transport
  • Mechanotransduction, endocytosis, and biological barrier regulation
  • Tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and transplantation
  • Molecular dynamics, numerical simulation, and biophysical characterization
  • Biomedical technology development, GMP manufacturing, and regulatory translation

Education & Training

Degrees

2001-2005 PhD, Mechanical Engineering / Cryobiology, University of Kentucky
1996-2001 BS, Thermal Physics, with Research Training in Cryopreservation, University of Science and Technology of China

Postdoctoral Fellowship

University of Missouri Columbia, MO, Cryopreservation and Comparative Medicine

Awards & Honors

  • 2026 Selected Invited Speaker Representing SBIR Achievement, NIH Research Festival
  • 2025 Advanced Technology Development Award, Department of Defense
  • 2024 Therapeutic Development Award, CDMRP, Department of Defense
  • 2022 Clinical Innovation Award, Mid-America Transplant 
  • 2022 Idea Development Award, MBRP Burn Program, Department of Defense
  • 2022 Innovation Award, Mid-America Transplant
  • 2021 NIH Innovation Showcase Company, National Institute of Health
  • 2018 Coulter Translational Research Partnership Award, Coulter Foundation & University of Missouri
  • 2016 University of Missouri Fast-Track Award, University of Missouri System
  • 2016 Outstanding Reviewer, Elsevier
  • 2015 Coulter Translational Research Partnership Award, Coulter Foundation
  • 2014 Faculty Innovation Award, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 2013 University Intellectual Property Fast-Track Award, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 2011 Top Reviewer for the Journal of Cryobiology, Elsevier
  • 2003-2005 Computational Sciences Research Scholarship, University of Kentucky

In the News

The 5th Annual Coulter Biomedical Accelerator Program Awards program at Reynolds Alumni Center.

Publications

  • Korneva A, Kauffman K, Shui YB, Liu Y, Huang AJW, Han X. Nano-Ice-Enabled Decellularization and Cryopreservation of Corneal Stroma Preserves Mechanical Integrity to Yield Successful DALK in a Swine Model. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2025;67:4560.
  • Han X, Konstantopoulos J, Burkart H, Sappington R. First-In-Class Nano-Ice-Enabled Biocompatible Tissue Cryopreservation Technology Preserves Viability and Ultrastructure of Eyelid Tissues at −80°C. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2025;67:151.
  • Hua L, Gorkun A, Yoo K, Lyu P, Wan M, Zhao W, White H, McMichael A, Feldman SR, Atala A, Han X. Novel Automatically Stratified Fibrotic 3D Cutaneous Spheroids for Studying Fibrotic Mechanisms in Hypertrophic Scars. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2025;145(8):S156.
  • Han X, Shui YB, Liu Y, Huang AJW. Nano Ice Technology for Efficient Corneal Decellularization and Ultrastructural Preservation in Keratoplasty. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2025;66:3363.
  • Liu Y, Huang AJW, Shui YB, Han X. Effective Cryopreservation of Corneal Limbal Tissue Using a First-in-Class Biocompatible Technology for Future Eye Banking. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2025;66:479.
  • Zhou W, Chen W, Yao S, Yi P, Xia M, Kang X, Han X. Novel Cryopreservation Medium for Enhanced Stability of T Cells at −80°C. Frontiers in Hematology. 2024;3:346627.
  • Gedamke E, Conkling M, Goodman C, Han X, Pomponi S. Novel Use of a −20°C Cryoprotectant Yields High Viability and Improved Aggregation of Marine Sponge Cells. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Animal. 2024.
  • Liu Y, Shui YB, Huang AJW, Han X. Novel Decellularization and Cryopreservation of Corneal Stroma for Lamellar Keratoplasty. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2024;65:487.
  • Han X, Shui YB, Duncan RS, Liu Y, Huang AJW, Koulen P. Efficient and Biocompatible Cryopreservation of Corneal Limbal Stem Cells and Bioartificial Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tissues Facilitates Novel Eye Banking Practices. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2024;65:6173.
  • Corcoran J, Han X. Improved Cryopreservation Media Formulations Reduce Costs of Maintenance While Preserving Function of Genetically Modified Insect Cells. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. 2022;58:867–876.
  • Mao Y, Zhang Y, Han X. Cryoprotective Mechanism of Using Ficoll for Cell Cryopreservation at Non-Cryogenic Temperatures: A Molecular Dynamics Study. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. 2018;127:319–325.
  • Yuan Y, Yang Y, Tian Y, Park J, Dai A, Roberts RM, Liu Y, Han X. Efficient Long-Term Cryopreservation of Pluripotent Stem Cells at −80°C. Scientific Reports. 2016;6:34476.
  • Han X. Direct Microscale Measurement of Mouse Oocyte Membrane Permeability to Water and Ethylene Glycol at Subzero Temperatures Using Cryomicroscopy. CryoLetters. 2016;37:394–400.
  • Han X. A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Damage to Rodent Sperm Generated by Microscale Ice Formation. CryoLetters. 2016;37:388–393.
  • Su F, Ma HB, Han X, Chen H, Tian B. Ultra-High Cooling Rate Utilizing Thin Film Evaporation. Applied Physics Letters. 2012.
  • Wu YF, Han X, Benson J, Almasri M. Micromachined Coulter Counter for Dynamic Impedance Study of Time-Sensitive Cells. Biomedical Microdevices. 2012;14:739–750.
  • Han X, Liu Y, Critser JK. Determination of the Quaternary Phase Diagram of the Water–Ethylene Glycol–Sucrose–NaCl System and Comparison of Two Theoretical Methods. Cryobiology. 2010;61:52–57.
  • Benson JD, Bagchi A, Han X, Critser JK, Erik JW. Melting Point Equations for the Ternary System Water/Sodium Chloride/Ethylene Glycol Revisited. Cryobiology. 2010;61:352–356.
  • Han X, Critser JK. Measurement of Intracellular Ice Crystal Size in Mouse Oocytes Using Melting Point Depression. Cryobiology. 2009;59:302–307.
  • Han X, Benson JD, Critser JK. Measurement of Apparent Ethylene Glycol Diffusivity in Mouse Ovaries Using Rapid MRI and Theoretical Analysis of Perfusion Procedures. Cryobiology. 2009;58:298–302.
  • Han X, Ma HB, Wilson C, Critser JK. Effects of Nanoparticles on Nucleation and Devitrification Temperatures of Cryoprotectant Solutions. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics. 2008;4:357–361.
  • Han X, Ma HB, Jiao A, Critser JK. Cryogenic Oscillating Heat Pipe for Achieving Ultra-Fast Cooling Rates for Cell Vitrification. Cryobiology. 2008;56:195–203.
  • Han X, Luo D, Cui X, Heimfeld S, Gao D. Modified Differential Scanning Calorimetry for Determining Water Transport Properties in Biological Cells During Freezing. Cell Preservation Technology. 2007;5:182–189.
  • Jiao A, Han X, Critser JK, Ma HB. Numerical Investigations of Transient Heat Transfer and Vitrification Tendencies in Ultra-Fast Cell Freezing. Cryobiology. 2006;52:386–392.
  • Han X, Gao D, Luo D, Yu C, Lu CC. Numerical Simulation of the Microwave Rewarming Process of Cryopreserved Organs. Microwave and Optical Technology Letters. 2005;5:201–205.
  • Luo D, Han X, Gao D. Modified Differential Scanning Calorimetry for Determination of Cell Volumetric Change During Freezing. CryoLetters. 2002;23:229–236.

Selected NIH Invited Presentations and National Scientific Programs

  • 2026, NIH Research Festival, NIH Main Campus — Selected Invited Speaker: Thermally Driven Polysaccharide–Glycocalyx Molecular Assembly: A Unified Glycoengineering Platform for Nano-Ice Cryopreservation, Therapeutic Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine. One of 12 companies selected nationally.
  • 2026, NIH ORIP Workshop on Swine Cryopreservation — Invited Speaker: A New School of Cryobiology: Nano-Scale Cubic Ice-Enabled Biocompatible Cryopreservation Validated in Swine Models and Driving Glycocalyx-Mediated Translational Platform Technologies.
  • 2024, NIH ORIP Cryo-Research Workshop — Invited Speaker and Workshop Organizer: Life in Nano Ice: Achieving Biocompatible Cell and Tissue Cryopreservation Through Nanoscale Cubic Ice Formation and Molecular Assembly Technologies.
  • 2022, NIH MBArC/NHLBI/NCI/NIA Webinar: Leveraging Commercialization Resources for Midwestern Biomedical Entrepreneurs.
  • Additional presentations: More than 30 presentations at national and international scientific conferences.

Issued and Granted U.S. and International Patents

  • Han X, White H, Koulen P. European Patent 3772935, granted 2025.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser JK. U.S. Patent 12,408,661, issued 2025.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser JK. European Patent EP3843545, granted 2025.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser JK. Japanese Patent 7512250, granted 2024.
  • Han X, White H, Koulen P. U.S. Patent 11,937,596, issued 2024.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser JK. Chinese Patent ZL2019800559191, issued 2024.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser JK. Japanese Patent 7398434, issued 2024.
  • Han X, White H, Koulen P. Indian Patent 454620, issued 2024.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser JK. Indian Patent 453069, issued 2023.
  • Han X, White H, Koulen P. Chinese Patent ZL201980037064, issued 2023.

PCT Patent Applications / International Patent Families

  • Han X, Huang A. Efficient Cryopreservation Medium That Preserves Tissue Ultrastructures and Eliminates Tissue Cells. PCT/US2024/037990; published as WO/2025/019400.
  • Han X, White H, Koulen P. Efficient Biocompatible Cryopreservation Medium That Eliminates the Need for Cell-Permeating Cryoprotectants. 2022 PCT filing; published as WO2022216676.
  • Han X, Koulen P, Critser J. An Efficient Cryopreservation Device Preventing Direct Contact Between Samples and Extracellular Ice. PCT/US2019/048986.
  • Han X, White H, Koulen P. Improved Ultra-Fast Cooling System and Methods of Use. PCT/US2019/26162.
  • Han X, Yuan Y, Roberts RM. Cryopreservation Medium and Method to Prevent Recrystallization. PCT/US2017/032606. 

Recent U.S. Provisional Patent Applications

  • Han X. Polysaccharide Glycoengineering Compositions and Methods for Enhancing Glycocalyx-Mediated Cellular Internalization of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents. 2026.
  • Han X, Atala A. Self-Organizing Spheroids, Compositions and Methods for Making and Using the Same. 2026. 
  • Han X, Huang A. Biocompatible Molecular-Assembly and Macromolecular-Crowding Compositions for Accelerated Wound Healing and Scar Reduction. 2025.