Dr Yanfang Wu

Lecturer Yanfang Wu image

Tel +64 3 479 5214
Email yanfang.wu@otago.ac.nz
Google Scholar: Yanfang Wu
Location: Science II, 5n2

Professional background

2024–present, Lecturer, University of Otago
2018–2024, Research Associate, UNSW Sydney
2015–2018, PhD, UNSW Sydney

Research interests

Measurement science is a foundation of innovation, underpinning advancements in many emerging and existing scientific fields. My research focuses on developing and applying biosensors to address both fundamental and applied problems in chemistry and biochemistry.

My research interests are primarily in the development of new biosensors and sensing technologies for applications in health testing, food analysis and pollutant monitoring. I also explore fundamental topics, such as electron transfer, bio-nano interactions, single molecule science, and colloid and surface chemistry

Research areas

Bioelectronic systems: developing advanced platforms for disease diagnosis
Single-molecule sensors: enabling quantitative analysis with high accuracy
Nano-electrochemistry: investigating electrochemical phenomena at the nanoscale
Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors: creating highly sensitive and selective detection systems
Micro-/nano-fabrication: innovating interfaces, sensors, and devices
Paper-based analytical sensors: making portable systems for onsite testing

Publications

Xu, Q., Jiao, C., Liu, X., Yang, Y., Ren, J., Wang, P., … Wu, Y., … Zeng, J. (2025). A highly sensitive and fast-response fluorescence nanoprobe for in vivo imaging of hypochlorous acid. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 487, 137282. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137282 Journal - Research Article

Xue, W., Wu, Y., Li, X., Zhang, Q., Wu, Y., Chang, Y., & Liu, M. (2024). Distance-based paper device coupled with uracil-rich DNA hydrogel for visual quantification of Uracil-DNA glycosylase. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 264, 116687. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116687 Journal - Research Article

Villamanca, D., Colin, M., Ching, K., Rawal, A., Wu, Y., Kim, D. J., … Chen, S. (2024). Preparation and properties of graphene oxyfluoride films. Applied Surface Science, 646, 158822. doi: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.158822 Journal - Research Article

Song, N., Chang, N., Gentle, A., Zeng, Y., Jiang, Y., Wu, Y., … Green, M. A. (2024). Multifunctional coatings for solar module glass. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research & Applications. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1002/pip.3805 Journal - Research Article

Shang, Y., Wang, J., Xia, H., Jiao, C., Wu, Y., Jiang, Y., … Zeng, J. (2024). PEI-mediated assembly of Fe3O4 onto SiO2-encapsulated CsPbBr3 for highly sensitive fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay. Analytical Chemistry, 96(15), 6065-6071. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00648 Journal - Research Article

2025

Journal - Research Article

2024

Journal - Research Article

Shang, Y., Ma, L., Kang, Z., Wu, Y., Fan, W., Wang, R., … Zeng, J. (2024). Integrated monomer synthesis and framework assembly: Achieving isoreticular modulation of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1002/anie.202416966

Rong, M., Huang, Y., Lin, C., Lai, L., Wu, Y., & Niu, L. (2024). Recent advances in optical sensing for tetracycline antibiotics. Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 178, 117839. doi: 10.1016/j.trac.2024.117839

Miming, Z., Sun, H., Zhang, J., Wu, Y., & Gao, Z. (2024). Relationships among the climate-relevant gases during the Southern Ocean bloom season. Science of the Total Environment, 914, 169887. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169887

Li, S., Peng, J., Lin, X., Chen, J., Wu, Y., Chen, Q., & Chen, X. (2024). RuSiNPs@N,S-GQDs as self-enhanced anodic electrochemiluminescent immunobeacons for the highly sensitive quantitation of okadaic acid in shellfish. Microchimica Acta, 191, 737. doi: 10.1007/s00604-024-06823-1

Jiao, C., Liang, X., Wu, X., Shang, Y., Wu, Y., Zhang, F., … Yang, C. (2024). SERS platform for integrated enrichment, isolation, and identification of multiple respiratory viruses in a single assay using 3D stereoscopic SERS tags and flocked swabs. Analytical Chemistry, 96(32), 13042-13049. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01243

Doan, T. H. P., Fried, J. P., Tang, W., Hagness, D. E., Yang, Y., Wu, Y., … Gooding, J. J. (2024). Nanopore blockade sensors for quantitative analysis using an optical nanopore assay. Nano Letters, 24(21), 6218-6224. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00530

Zeng, K., Tao, H., Zhaoshi, Y., Feng, J., Jiang, S., Wu, Y., … Li, Y. (2024). Plasma-engraved lattice-matched NiO/NiFe2O4 heterostructure with ample oxygen vacancies for efficient water electrolysis and Zn-air batteries. Chemistry: A European Journal, 30(37), e202401272. doi: 10.1002/chem.202401272

Tian, Y., Mou, Y., Zhang, W., Sun, Z., Yin, Y., Han, L., … Wu, Y. (2024). A fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode aptasensor for kanamycin detection. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 268, 116911. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116911

Journal - Research Other

Jamali, S. S., Wu, Y., Homborg, A. M., Lemay, S. G., & Gooding, J. J. (2024). Interpretation of stochastic electrochemical data. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 46, 101505. doi: 10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101505

2023

Journal - Research Article

Zeng, Y., Song, N., Lim, S., Keevers, M., Wu, Y., Yang, Z., … Green, M. (2023). Comparative durability study of commercial inner-pore antireflection coatings and alternative dense coatings. Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 251, 112122. doi: 10.1016/j.solmat.2022.112122

Rong, M., Huang, Y., Zhuang, X., Xie, H., Wu, Y., & Niu, L. (2023). AND logic-gate-based Au@MnO2 sensing platform for tetracyclines with fluorescent and colorimetric dual-signal readouts. Sensors & Actuators B, 393, 134204. doi: 10.1016/j.snb.2023.134204

Journal - Research Other

Chang, Y., Zhang, Q., Xue, W., Wu, Y., Liu, Y., & Liu, M. (2023). Self-assembly of protein-DNA superstructures for alkaline phosphatase detection in bloodc. Chemical Communications, 59(23), 3399-3402. doi: 10.1039/d3cc00228d

2022

Journal - Research Article

Zhang, M., Booge, D., Yan, J., Xu, S., Liang, C., Wu, Y., … Park, K. (2022). Abundant microzooplankton possibly cause ultrahigh seawater dimethylsulfide during Southern Ocean algal blooms. Progress in Oceanography, 202, 102744. doi: 10.1016/j.pocean.2022.102744

Guo, Z., Wu, Y., Xie, Z., Shao, J., Liu, J., Yin, Y., … Liang, K. (2022). Self-propelled initiative collision at microelectrodes with vertically mobile micromotors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 61(40), e202209747. doi: 10.1002/anie.202209747

Fried, J. P., Wu, Y., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2022). Optical nanopore sensors for quantitative analysis. Nano Letters, 22(3), 869-880. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03976

Chen, D., Wu, Y., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2022). Rapid and ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of DNA methylation for ovarian cancer diagnosis. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 206, 114126. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114126

Chen, D., & Wu, Y. (2022). Rapid and ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of TP53 gene mutation in blood: Hybridization with a DNA/gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle network. Analysis & Sensing, 2(5), e202200032. doi: 10.1002/anse.202200032

Journal - Research Other

Wu, Y., & Gooding, J. J. (2022). The application of single molecule nanopore sensing for quantitative analysis. Chemical Society Reviews, 51(10), 3862-3885. doi: 10.1039/d1cs00988e

Chi, Y., Shi, M., Wu, Y., Wu, Y., Chang, Y., & Liu, M. (2022). Single bacteria detection by droplet DNAzyme-coupled rolling circle amplification. Analytical Methods, 14(23), 2244-2248. doi: 10.1039/d2ay00656a

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Buckingham, M. A., Cao, X. E., Chang, S., Chen, H.-Y., Chen, Q., Chinnathambi, S., … Wu, Y., … Zhang, Z. (2022). Emerging electrochemical methods at the nanointerface: General discussion. Faraday Discussions, 233, (pp. 257-282). doi: 10.1039/d2fd90003c

Bohn, P. W., Cao, X. E., Chang, S., Chen, D., Confederat, S., Duleba, D., … Wu, Y., … Zhang, Z. (2022). Advanced nanoelectrochemistry implementation: From concept to application: General discussion. Faraday Discussions, 233, (pp. 354-373). doi: 10.1039/d2fd90004a

2021

Journal - Research Article

Zhang, M., Marandino, C. A., Yan, J., Wu, Y., Park, K., Sun, H., … Xu, S. (2021). Unravelling surface seawater DMS concentration and sea-to-air flux changes after sea ice retreat in the Western Arctic Ocean. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 35(6), e2020GB006796. doi: 10.1029/2020GB006796

Zhang, Y., Wu, Y., Wu, Y., Chang, Y., & Liu, M. (2021). CRISPR-Cas systems: From gene scissors to programmable biosensors. Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 137, 116210. doi: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116210

Tang, W., Wu, Y., Mehdipour, M., Chen, H.-S., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2021). Key parameters that determine the magnitude of the decrease in current in nanopore blockade sensors. Nano Letters, 21(22), 9374-9380. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01855

Li, F., Wu, Y., Chen, D., Guo, Y., Wang, X., & Sun, X. (2021). Sensitive dual-labeled electrochemical aptasensor for simultaneous detection of multi-antibiotics in milk. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46(45), 23301-23309. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.04.007

Chen, D., Wu, Y., Hoque, S., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2021). Rapid and ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of circulating tumor DNA by hybridization on the network of gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Chemical Science, 12(14), 5196-5201. doi: 10.1039/d1sc01044a

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Wu, Y., Jamali, S., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2021). Spiers Memorial Lecture. Next generation nanoelectrochemistry: The fundamental advances needed for applications. Faraday Discussions, 233, (pp. 10-32). doi: 10.1039/d1fd00088h

2020

Journal - Research Article

Zhang, M., Park, K.-T., Yan, J., Park, K., Wu, Y., Jang, E., … Chen, L. (2020). Atmospheric dimethyl sulfide and its significant influence on the sea-to-air flux calculation over the Southern Ocean. Progress in Oceanography, 186, 102392. doi: 10.1016/j.pocean.2020.102392

Wu, Y., Yao, Y., Cheong, S., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2020). Selectively detecting attomolar concentrations of proteins using gold lined nanopores in a nanopore blockade sensor. Chemical Science, 11(46), 12570-12579. doi: 10.1039/d0sc04552g

Wu, Y., Chuah, K., & Gooding, J. J. (2020). Evaluating the sensing performance of nanopore blockade sensors: A case study of prostate-specific antigen assay. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 165, 112434. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112434

Pan, Y., Wu, Y., Hsain, H. A., Su, R., Cazorla, C., & Chu, D. (2020). Synergetic modulation of the electronic structure and hydrophilicity of nickel-iron hydroxide for efficient oxygen evolution by UV/ozone treatment. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 8(27), 13437-13442. doi: 10.1039/d0ta03470c

Pan, Y., Ren, H., Chen, R., Wu, Y., & Chu, D. (2020). Enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution by manipulation of electron transfer through cobalt-phosphorous bridging. Chemical Engineering Journal, 398, 125660. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.125660

Wu, Y., Lian, J., Gonçales, V. R., Pardehkhorram, R., Tang, W., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2020). Patterned molecular films of alkanethiol and PLL-PEG on gold-silicate interfaces: How to add functionalities while retaining effective antifouling. Langmuir, 36(19), 5243-5250. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c00586

Journal - Research Other

Wu, Y., Bennett, D., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2020). How nanoparticles transform single molecule measurements into quantitative sensors. Advanced Materials, 32(18), 1904339. doi: 10.1002/adma.201904339

Dai, Y., Wu, Y., Liu, G., & Gooding, J. J. (2020). CRISPR mediated biosensing toward understanding cellular biology and point-of-care diagnosis. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 59(47), 20754-20766. doi: 10.1002/anie.202005398

2019

Journal - Research Article

Chuah, K., Wu, Y., Vivekchand, S. R. C., Gaus, K., Reece, P. J., Micolich, A. P., & Gooding, J. J. (2019). Nanopore blockade sensors for ultrasensitive detection of proteins in complex biological samples. Nature Communications, 10, 2109. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10147-7

Journal - Research Other

Pardehkhorram, R., Bonaccorsi, S., Zhu, H., Gonçales, V. R., Wu, Y., Liu, J., … Gooding, J. J. (2019). Intrinsic and well-defined second generation hot spots in gold nanobipyramids: Versus gold nanorods. Chemical Communications, 55(53), 7707-7710. doi: 10.1039/c9cc02730k

2018

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper

Alzahrani, H., Bentley, C., Bohn, P. W., Chikere, C., Commandeur, D., Crooks, R. M., … Wu, Y., … Zhao, C. (2018). Energy conversion at nanointerfaces: General discussion. Faraday Discussions, 210, (pp. 333-351). doi: 10.1039/c8fd90025f

Alzahrani, H., Antoine, C., Baker, L., Balme, S., Bhattacharya, G., Bohn, P. W., … Wu, Y., & Ying, Y. (2018). Processes at nanopores and bio-nanointerfaces: General discussion. Faraday Discussions, 210, (pp. 145-171). doi: 10.1039/C8FD90023J

Alzahrani, H., Antoine, C., Aoki, K., Baker, L., Balme, S., Bentley, C., … Wu, Y., … Ying, Y. (2018). Processes at nanoelectrodes: General discussion. Faraday Discussions, 210, (pp. 235-265). doi: 10.1039/C8FD90024H

2017

Journal - Research Article

Jiang, C., Silva, S. S., Fan, S., Wu, Y., Alam, M. T., Liu, G., & Gooding, J. J. (2017). Aryldiazonium salt derived mixed organic layers: From surface chemistry to their applications. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 785, 265-278. doi: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2016.11.043

2016

Journal - Research Article

Wu, Y., Kashi, M. B., Yang, Y., Gonçales, V. R., Ciampi, S., Tilley, R. D., & Gooding, J. J. (2016). Light-activated electrochemistry on alkyne-terminated Si(100) surfaces towards solution-based redox probes. Electrochimica Acta, 213, 540-546. doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.07.120

Kashi, M. B., Wu, Y., Gonçales, V. R., Choudhury, M. H., Ciampi, S., & Gooding, J. J. (2016). Silicon–SAM–AuNP electrodes: Electrochemical “switching” and stability. Electrochemistry Communications, 70, 28-32. doi: 10.1016/j.elecom.2016.06.014

Gonçales, V. R., Wu, Y., Gupta, B., Parker, S. G., Yang, Y., Ciampi, S., … Gooding, J. J. (2016). Stability of Chemically Passivated Silicon Electrodes in Aqueous Solutions: Interplay between Bias Voltage and Hydration of the Electrolyte. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 120(29), 15941-15948. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b12454

2014

Journal - Research Article

Wu, Y.-f., Cai, Z.-m., Wu, G.-h., Rong, M.-c., Jiang, Y.-q., Yang, C.-y. J., & Chen, X. (2014). A novel signal-on DNAzyme-based electrochemiluminescence, sensor for Pb2+. Sensors & Actuators B, 191, 60-66. doi: 10.1016/j.snb.2013.09.050

Lin, C., Wu, Y., Luo, F., Chen, D., & Chen, X. (2014). A label-free electrochemical DNA sensor using methylene blue as redox indicator based on an exonuclease III-aided target recycling strategy. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 59, 365-369. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.03.053

Journal - Research Other

Cai, Z., Chen, Y., Lin, C., Wu, Y., Yang, C. J., Wang, Y., & Chen, X. (2014). A dual-signal amplification method for the DNA detection based on exonuclease III. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 61, 370-373. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.05.046

2013

Journal - Research Article

Wu, G.-h., Song, X.-h., Wu, Y.-f., Chen, X.-m., Luo, F., & Chen, X. (2013). Non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor based on platinum nanoflowers supported on graphene oxide. Talanta, 105, 379-385. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2012.10.066

Cai, Z., Song, Y., Wu, Y., Zhu, Z., Yang, C. J., & Chen, X. (2013). An electrochemical sensor based on label-free functional allosteric molecular beacons for detection target DNA/miRNA. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 41(1), 783-788. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2012.10.002

Journal - Research Other

Wu, Y., Huang, J., Zhou, T., Rong, M., Jiang, Y., & Chen, X. (2013). A novel solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide based on an Au nanocluster-silica nanoparticle nanocomposite. Analyst, 138(19), 5563-5565. doi: 10.1039/c3an01207g

2012

Journal - Research Article

Wu, G.-h., Wu, Y.-f., Liu, X.-w., Rong, M.-c., Chen, X.-m., & Chen, X. (2012). An electrochemical ascorbic acid sensor based on palladium nanoparticles supported on graphene oxide. Analytica Chimica Acta, 745, 33-37. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2012.07.034

Ma, C.-h., Shi, Y.-m., Chen, L.-b., Wu, Y.-f., & Chen, X. (2012). Electrochemiluminescence sensor using gold-nanoparticle modification combining mercaptoacetic acid-assembly. Analytical Methods, 4(12), 4096-4100. doi: 10.1039/c2ay25878a

Journal - Research Other

Cai, Z.-m., Wu, Y.-f., Huang, Y.-h., Li, Q.-p., Chen, X.-m., & Chen, X. (2012). An electrochemiluminescence sensor based on a Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-silica-chitosan/nanogold composite film. Talanta, 94, 356-360. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2012.03.046