MEMSDUKEPRATT School of engineering

Education

  • PhD, University of Texas, Southwestern, 1992
  • MS, University of Texas, Arlington, 1988
  • BS, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, 1985
Pei Zhong

My research focuses on four broad and interconnected areas in the emerging field of therapeutic ultrasound, which is located at the interface of engineering, biology and clinical medicine. Current research interests in my group include:

<ol>
  • Ultrasound-targeted gene delivery and activation
  • Synergistic combination of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and immunotherapy for cancer treatment
  • Innovations in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) technology
  • Mechanics and bioeffects of acoustic cavitation.
    • </ol>

    We are taking an integrated and translational approach that combines fundamental research with engineering and applied technology development to devise novel and enabling ultrasonic techniques for a variety of clinical applications. Our fundamental research focuses on achieving a mechanistic understanding of the stress response of biological cells and tissues induced by ultrasound exposure. Based on this knowledge, we develop better instrumentation and treatment strategies for ultrasound-targeted gene delivery and activation in internal organs, for improving the overall efficacy of HIFU therapy for breast and prostate cancers, and for SWL treatment of renal calculi. A long-standing research effort in my laboratory is to understand the dynamics and biological consequences of the interaction of optically or acoustically generated cavitation bubble(s) with shock waves near a boundary or in constrained media. We employ a diverse range of experimental techniques including high-speed Schlieren and photoelastic imaging, pressure measurement via fiber optical probe hydrophone, as well as cell, phantom and animal models. Our research activities are primarily supported by NIH and through collaborations with the medical device industry.

    Contact via or (919) 660-5336 (office phone)
    Visit via or 1103 Engineering Annex (office location)

    Specialties
    Acoustics
    Lithotripsy
    Fluid Mechanics
    Medical Instrumentation
    Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy

    TEACHING (Fall 2009)

    ME 126L.001, FLUID MECHANICS, MWF 11:55 AM-12:45 PM
    ME 126L.01L, FLUID MECHANICS, W 04:25 PM-06:55 PM

    Recent Publications More Publications

    1. Z. Hu and X. Y. Yang and Y. Liu and G. N. Sankin and E. C. Pua and M. A. Morse and H. K. Lyerly and T. M. Clay and P. Zhong, Investigation of HIFU-induced anti-tumor immunity in a murine tumor model, Journal Of Translational Medicine, vol. 5 (2007)
    2. J. I. Iloreta and Y. F. Zhou and G. N. Sankin and P. Zhong and A. J. Szeri, Assessment of shock wave lithotripters via cavitation potential, Physics Of Fluids, vol. 19 no. 8 (2007)
    3. E. Klaseboer and S. W. Fong and C. K. Turangan and B. C. Khoo and A. J. Szeri and M. L. Calvisi and G. N. Sankin and P. Zhong, Interaction of lithotripter shockwaves with single inertial cavitation bubbles, Journal Of Fluid Mechanics, vol. 593 (2007), ppt. 33 -- 56
    4. G. N. Sankin and P. Zhong, Interaction between shock wave and single inertial bubbles near an elastic boundary, Physical Review E, vol. 74 no. 4 (2006)
    5. Y. F. Zhou and L. Zhai and R. Simmons and P. Zhong, Measurement of high intensity focused ultrasound fields by a fiber optic probe hydrophone, Journal Of The Acoustical Society Of America, vol. 120 no. 2 (2006), ppt. 676 -- 685
    6. Y. B. Liu and T. Kon and C. Y. Li and P. Zhong, High intensity focused ultrasound-induced gene activation in solid tumors, Journal Of The Acoustical Society Of America, vol. 120 no. 1 (2006), ppt. 492 -- 501
    7. G. N. Sankin and W. N. Simmons and S. L. Zhu and P. Zhong, Shock wave interaction with laser-generated single bubbles, Physical Review Letters, vol. 95 no. 3 (2005)
    8. Z. L. Hu and X. Y. Yang and Y. B. Liu and M. A. Morse and H. K. Lyerly and T. M. Clay and P. Zhong, Release of endogenous danger signals from HIFU-treated tumor cells and their stimulatory effects on APCs, Biochemical And Biophysical Research Communications, vol. 335 no. 1 (2005), ppt. 124 -- 131
    9. Y. F. Zhou and F. H. Cocks and G. M. Preminger and P. Zhong, Innovations in shock wave lithotripsy technology: Updates in experimental studies, Journal Of Urology, vol. 172 no. 5 (2004), ppt. 1892 -- 1898
    10. W. S. Chen and X. C. Lu and Y. B. Liu and P. Zhong, The effect of surface agitation on ultrasound-mediated gene transfer in vitro, Journal Of The Acoustical Society Of America, vol. 116 no. 4 (2004), ppt. 2440 -- 2450
    11. Y. F. Zhou and P. Zhong, Suppression of large intraluminal bubble expansion in shock wave lithotripsy without compromising stone comminution: Refinement of reflector geometry, Journal Of The Acoustical Society Of America, vol. 113 no. 1 (2003), ppt. 586 -- 597
    12. X. F. Xi and P. Zhong, Dynamic photoelastic study of the transient stress field in solids during shock wave lithotripsy, Journal Of The Acoustical Society Of America, vol. 109 no. 3 (2001), ppt. 1226 -- 1239
    13. P. Zhong and Y. F. Zhou and S. L. Zhu, Dynamics of bubble oscillation in constrained media and mechanisms of vessel rupture in SWL, Ultrasound In Medicine And Biology, vol. 27 no. 1 (2001), ppt. 119 -- 134

    Research Interests

      Ultrasound-targeted gene delivery and activation; Synergistic combination of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and immunotherapy for cancer treatment; Innovations in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) technology; and Mechanics and bioeffects of acoustic cavitation.

    The mission of Duke's Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science educational programs is to provide the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to be successful in the practice of engineering; the preparation necessary to undertake professional registration; an educational preparation for graduate or professional study; and an education background that is the basis for professional growth and leadership throughout a career that may encompass a broad range of endeavors, both technical and non-technical.