Marine Microgels  

Prof. Chin's marine microgel paper published in Nature (1998) initiated the study of gel research in marine sciences. The broad impact of this paper is reflected by more than 866 citations coming from various fields such as geochemistry, marine biology, weather modeling, sedimentology and polymer science. His primary research focus has been to expand the study of microgel concepts to other aspects of marine and environmental sciences. Continuing this promising line of research requires marine facilities, due to limited marine access at UC Merced, He has maintained close collaboration with Profs. Santschi and Quigg (Texas A&M) who have accessible marine facilities (Galveston, TX). Our collaboration has received continuous funding support from NSF (CBET) and GOMRI (funding rate < 5%). Our research has revealed that microgel formation, a critical shunt in the global carbon cycle, can be impacted by various nanoparticles, ions, temperature/pH changes and pollutants (e.g. carbon black and oil spills). Currently we are working together on a GOMRI consortium grant studying oil spills, oil degradation and marine gel aggregation (2016-2020, ~ $10M). 

 

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Airway Mucus  

Mucus rheology properties (viscosity) play a critical role in lung physiology and respiratory diseases. Our research has demonstrated viscosity of airway mucus can be modified by various factors, such as airborne particulate matters or ionic conditions. Our previous articles have established particles with different surface properties can increase or decrease mucus viscosity. We also for the first time identified the underlying mechanism to link airway bicarbonate levels and mucus viscosity changes (Am J Physiol Lung, 2010). In addition, we found nicotine can increase viscosity of airway mucus highlighting the health concern of the popularity for E-cigarettes and hookah bars (Am J Physiol Lung, 2014). Currently, two grants from Alpha Foundation support our research effort on airway mucus viscosity changes and inflammasome activation induced by coal mine airborne particles (collaborated with Prof. Ojcius at U. of Pacific) that are highly relevant to coal miner health. 

 

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Nanotoxicity 

Nanoparticles have been widely utilized in common household and medical products, including personal care products, toothpastes, food, electronics and biomedicine. Our research focuses on nanoparticle impact on human airway epithelial cells and ecosystems (mainly algae and microgels). This nanoparticle study is highly complementary with our Microgel and Airway Mucus study. Our results indicate that nanoparticles can effectively change airway mucus viscosity and interfere with marine microgel formation and dispersion. Our research group is able to deliver unique insights to address the concern for nanoparticle use from multiple aspects including human health, algal physiology and carbon cycling.