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Ireland

Biography

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.

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.

Activities

Employment (1)

Technological University Dublin: Dublin, IE

2018-09 to present | Lecturer (School of Food Science and Environmental Health)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Education and qualifications (5)

Technological University Dublin: Dublin, IE

2021 to 2022 | CPD in Educating for (Bio) Pharma Sustainability
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Technological University Dublin: Dublin, IE

2019-09 to 2020-06 | Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching
Qualification
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Trinity College Dublin: Dublin, Dublin, IE

2004-09-02 to 2009-10-16 | Doctor of Philosophy (School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Education
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Trinity College Dublin: Dublin, Dublin, IE

2005-09 to 2006-06 | Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Improvement (School of Computer Science and Statistics)
Qualification
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Dublin Institute of Technology: Dublin, IE

2002-09 to 2004-06 | BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Technology (Advanced Entry) (School of Food Science and Environmental Health )
Qualification
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Works (47)

From botany to bedside: a review of the health benefits of Lycium barbarum as a functional food

Exploration of Foods and Foodomics
2025-01-25 | Journal article
Contributors: Alois Berisha; Elena-Alexandra Alexa; Robbie Kelleher; Tao Zhang
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Initiative: Integrating a Sustainable Eportfolio Model into the Curriculum to Enhance Professional Development Training for Pharmacy Technician Students

The University Education Model Collection 2024: “A University Way of Being”
2024 | Book chapter
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Kathryn Young; Denis O’Shea ; Christine O’Connor; Julie Dunne; Seana Hogan; Mary-Therese McGrath; Jill Barret
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Vitamin K2 in Health and Disease: A Clinical Perspective

Foods
2024-05-24 | Journal article
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Christine O’Connor; Helen Sheridan; James W. Barlow
Source: check_circle
Crossref
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Exploration of the Activity, Delivery and Activation of Androgen Receptor Potential Indane Scaffold Antagonists for Prostate Cancer Treatment

SoFSEH (TU Dublin) Annual Research and Innovation Showcase 2024
2024-05-08 | Conference poster
Contributors: Shengxin Zhang; Gemma Kinsella; Tao Zhang; James Curtin
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Identification of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Potential Benzocycloalkanone Based Antagonists by Structure-based Virtual Screening

SoFSEH (TU Dublin) Annual Research and Innovation Showcase 2024
2024-05-08 | Conference poster
Contributors: Michail Saragatsis; Gemma Kinsella; James Curtin; Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal the mechanisms of action of Panax notoginseng against post-COVID-19 thromboembolism

Review of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics - International Edition
2024-05-05 | Journal article
Contributors: Shouli Yuan; Ismael Obaidi; Tao Zhang; Maria Pigott; Shibo Jiang; Helen Sheridan; Junying Liu
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Scaling New Wellness Highs - Vitamin K2

Ingredients Insight
2024-05-02 | Magazine article
Contributors: Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

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

Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
2024-02-14 | Book chapter
Part of ISBN: 9780850141474
Part of ISBN: 9780850141481
Part of ISSN: 3033-3318
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Gaia A. Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Indane Scaffold Candidates for Prostate Cancer Treatment.

TU Dublin - The 14th Annual Graduate Research Student Symposium
2023-12-11 | Conference poster
Contributors: Shengxin Zhang; Gemma Kinsella; James Curtin; Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Identification of Potential Benzocycloalkanone Based Anti-Estrogen Receptor Alpha Ligands by Structure-Based Virtual Screening

TU Dublin - The 14th Annual Graduate Research Student Symposium
2023-12-11 | Conference poster
Contributors: Michail Saragatsis; Gemma Kinsella; James Curtin; Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

The Application of Plant Extraction Waste in Horticulture: A Proof-of-Concept Zero-Waste Research Study

The 51st Annual Food Science and Technology Conference
2023-12-06 | Conference paper
Contributors: Sridevi Bindiganavile Ranganath; Tao Zhang; Christine O'Connor
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Short Lecture "Investigating the Insect Repellency of an Irish Bog Plant, Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale L.)

The 71st International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA)
2023-11-16 | Conference paper
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Sophie Whyms ; Shipra Nagar ; Maria Pigott ; Kin Aik Kok ; Hailey Luker ; April Lopez ; Immo Hansen; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

The impact of different extraction methods on the phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activities of the extracts of Cinnamomum and Illicium verum

The 71st International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA)
2023-11-16 | Conference paper
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Tao Zhang; Catriona McGearty; Daniela Maslovska; Louise Kearney
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Empowering Pharmacy Technician Students: A Sustainable Eportfolio Model for Professional Development Training in Undergraduate Education

The 10th All Ireland Pharmacy Healthcare Conference
2023-11-06 | Conference abstract
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Seana Hogan ; Mary-Therese McGrath; Kathryn Young; Denis O’Shea; Julie Dunne
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Professional Development Eportfolio: An Integrated Assessment Approach for Pharmacy Technician Students for Learning and Practice

The 10th All Ireland Pharmacy Healthcare Conference
2023-11-06 | Conference poster
Contributors: Seana Hogan; Tao Zhang; Mary-Therese McGrath; Kathryn Young; Jill Barrett ; Julie Dunne
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Combined Therapies against Glioblastoma Based on Cell Markers from Single-Cell Sequencing.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
2023-10-30 | Journal article
Contributors: Liu J; Wu R; Yuan S; Robbie Kelleher; Chen S; Chen R; Tao Zhang; Obaidi I; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

The Impact of Different Sustainable Extraction Approaches on the Phytochemical Profiles and Antimicrobial Activities of the Extracts of Cinnamomum cassia and Illicium verum

Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) 2023 Conference
2023-10-13 | Conference poster
Contributors: Caitriona McGearty; Daniela Maslovska; Louise Kearney; Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

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 Sciences
2023-09 | Journal article
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero; Claire Corcoran; Ismael Obaidi; Manuel Ruether; John O'Brien; Lorraine O'Driscoll; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: check_circle
Crossref

Chemical Profiling of Reindeer Lichen, Cladonia portentosa, Grown on Irish Bogs

SoFSEH (TU Dublin) Annual Research and Innovation Showcase 2023
2023-05-08 | Conference abstract
Contributors: Shilong Chen; Shipra Nagar; Helen Sheridan ; Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

The biological responses of vitamin K2: A comprehensive review

Food Science & Nutrition
2023-04 | Journal article
Contributors: Quanxiang Yan; Tao Zhang; Christine O'Connor; James W. Barlow; John Walsh; Gaia Scalabrino; Feng Xu; Helen Sheridan
Source: check_circle
Crossref

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
2023-01-30 | Conference poster
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Seana Hogan; Mary-Therese McGrath; Kathryn Young; Jill Barrett; Julie Dunne
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

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
2023-01-30 | Conference abstract
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Seana Hogan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

NStEP Case Study Hub: Professional Development and Graduate Attributes within Pharmacy Technician Studies

National Student Engagement Programme
2022-12-01 | Interactive resource
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Julie Dunne; Kathryn Young; Gemma Kinsella; Seána Hogan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

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
2022-05-11 | Conference paper
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Kit Chan; Gaia Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Abdulilah ECE; Aoife Cannon; Jacintha O'Sullivan; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

From Postdoc to Principal Scientist - My Drug Discovery Research at the Interface of Academia and Industry

SoFSEH (TU Dublin) Annual Research and Innovation Showcase 2021
2021-06-17 | Conference abstract
Contributors: Tao Zhang
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Bioactive indanes: insight into the bioactivity of indane dimers related to the lead anti-inflammatory molecule PH46A

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
2020-07-01 | Journal article
Contributors: Kit Chan; Neil Frankish; Tao Zhang; Abdulilah Ece; Aoife Cannon; Jacintha O'Sullivan; Helen Sheridan
Source: check_circle
Crossref

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
2020-02 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0731-7085
Contributors: Gaia A. Scalabrino; Tao Zhang; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Bioactive Indanes: Comparative in vitro Metabolism Study of PH46A, a New Potential Anti-inflammatory Agent and Biosynthesis of its Primary Metabolite PH132

Journal of Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
2018 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 2157-7609
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Gaia Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Bioactive Indanes: Proof of Concept Study for Enantioselective Synthetic Routes to PH46A, a New Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Molecules
2018-06-21 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 1420-3049
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Gaia Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Investigation of the Stereoselective Synthesis of the Indane Dimer PH46A, a New Potential Anti-inflammatory Agent

Organic Process Research & Development
2017-12-15 | Journal article | Author
Part of ISSN: 1083-6160
Part of ISSN: 1520-586X
Contributors: Graham R. Cumming; Tao Zhang; Gaia Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang
grade
Preferred source (of 2)‎

Erratum: Antidiabetic Activities of an LC/MS Fingerprinted Aqueous Extract of Fagonia cretica L. in Preclinical Models

Planta Medica
2017-10 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0032-0943
Part of ISSN: 1439-0221
Contributors: Imran Nazir; Nisar ur Rahman; Zunaira Alvi; M. Hafizur Rahman; Jandirk Sendker; Tao Zhang; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Mast cell stabilisers

European Journal of Pharmacology
2016-05 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0014-2999
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Deirdre Frances Finn; James William Barlow; John Jarlath Walsh
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Molecular structure studies of (1S,2S)-2-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-inden-1-ol

Journal of Molecular Structure
2015-03 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0022-2860
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Krzysztof Paluch; Gaia Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Anne-Marie Healy; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

From Nature to Medicinal Chemistry: Anti-Cancer Activity of Novel Indane Scaffolds

RICT 22nd Young Research Fellow Meeting: Biology and Chemistry: A Permanent Dialogue
2015-02-04 | Conference poster
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero-Filho; Kit Chan; Lorraine O’Driscoll; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Privileged Structure: Novel Indane Scaffolds as Potential anticancer and Anti-inflammatory Agents

RICT 22nd Young Research Fellow Meeting: Biology and Chemistry: A Permanent Dialogue
2015-02-04 | Conference poster
Contributors: Kit Chan; Tao Zhang; Robin Daly; Neil Frankish; Jacintha O'Sullivan; Padraig Fallon ; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Privileged Structure: Novel Indane Scaffolds as Potential Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Agents

RICT 22nd Young Research Fellow Meeting: Biology and Chemistry: A Permanent Dialogue
2015-02-04 | Conference poster
Contributors: Kit Chan; Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero-Filho; Moriarty, A.; McCormick, P.; Mehigan, B.; Cathcart, M.C.; Robin Daly; Kennedy, B.; Jacintha O'Sullivan et al.
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Ethnopharmacology Led Drug Discovery and Design: Novel Indane Scaffolds with Potential Anticancer Activity

All-Ireland Joint Schools of Pharmacy Research Conference 2014
2014-04-15 | Conference paper
Contributors: Vilmar Bandero-Filho; Tao Zhang; Lorraine O'Driscoll; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Novel small molecule angiogenesis inhibitors: Drug discovery informed by Taiwanese Traditional Medicine

All-Ireland Joint Schools of Pharmacy Research Conference 2014
2014-04-14 | Conference paper
Contributors: Kit Chan; Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero-Filho; Moriarty, A.; McCormick, P.; Mehigan, B.; Cathcart, M.C.; Daly, R.; Kennedy, B.; Jacintha O'Sullivan et al.
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Drug Discovery Informed by Traditional Medicine: Novel Small Molecule Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) 2014 Annual Conference
2014-02-27 | Conference paper
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero-Filho; Kit Chan; Cathcart, M.C.; Daly, R.; Kennedy, B.; Jacintha O'Sullivan; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Drug Discovery: Novel Indane Scaffolds with Anticancer Activity

Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) 2014 Annual Conference
2014-02-27 | Conference paper
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero-Filho; Kit Chan ; Lorraine O’Driscoll; Claire Corcoran; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

2-(Diphenylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1<i>H</i>-inden-1-one

Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online
2013-08-15 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 1600-5368
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Vilmar Bandero; Tom McCabe; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Metabolic Classification of Mentha Species By NMR-Based Metabolomics

Journées internationales AFERP & STOLON
2013-03-22 | Conference paper
Contributors: Brahmi, F.; Guendouze, N. ; Helen Sheridan; Tao Zhang; Stevigny, C.; Duez, P.; Nguyen, A.T.
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Inflammation, Cancer And 15- Lipoxygenase-1 - How Hot Is The Link?

London BioNat
2013-03-12 | Conference poster
Contributors: Kit Chan; Vilmar Banderό; Tao Zhang; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

Leads from Nature: Small Molecules for the Treatment of Inflammatory Disease

London BioNat
2013-02-12 | Conference paper
Contributors: Helen Sheridan; Tao Zhang; Gaia Scalabrino ; Neil Frankish
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

4-{[(1S,2S)-1-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H,1'H-[2,2'-biinden]-2-yl]methyl}benzoate

Acta Crystallographica Section C Crystal Structure Communications
2012-08-15 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 0108-2701
Contributors: Christopher S. Frampton; Tao Zhang; Gaia A. Scalabrino; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

N-Cyclopentyl-N-(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)acetamide

Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online
2012-04-01 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 1600-5368
Contributors: Tao Zhang; Tom McCabe; Bartosz Marzec; Neil Frankish; Helen Sheridan
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang

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
2011-05-01 | Journal article
Part of ISSN: 1573-4064
Contributors: James W. Barlow; Tao Zhang; Orla Woods; Adam J. Byrne; John J. Walsh
Source: Self-asserted source
Tao Zhang