Personal profile
Research
I am a microfluidic engineer and researcher with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, specializing in the application of microfluidics within interdisciplinary research contexts. My work involves close collaboration with experts in biology, physics, and engineering, allowing me to bridge the gap between these diverse fields.
I developed artificial porous media that mimic oil reservoirs, soil structures, and cement concrete pore networks. These models provide a unique visualization window for the analysis of physical chemistry and the morphological characterization of microbial communities. As a crucial member of the Soil Chip team led by Edith Hammer, I take on the responsibility of designing and fabricating microfluidic devices, leveraging deep learning techniques to analyze soil bacterial communities efficiently. My particular focus lies in understanding the capacity of microorganisms to exploit spatial resources across various resource distribution levels, taking into account both initial ecophysiological conditions and interactions within the microbial community.
In my role as a Principal Investigator (PI), I lead an interdisciplinary project aimed at developing fungal repair agents to repair existing infrastructure. By doing so, we aim to reduce the need for extensive new cement concrete construction and lower maintenance costs, aligning with our core values of sustainability and cost-consciousness.
Our team is deeply committed to developing sustainable biomaterials, and we firmly believe in the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Our vision extends beyond commercial products; we are passionate about bridging the gap between the theoretical and practical applications of using fungi as bio-healing agents. I aspire to make a positive global impact by fostering greater collaboration between the realms of biology and engineering. By demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary expertise and innovative thinking, I aim to inspire others to apply their skills across various fields to generate groundbreaking solutions to real-world problems.
Free keywords
- Microfluidics
- Soil chip
- Microbial ecology
- Deep learning
- Bio material
- Fungal healing concrete
- Self healing concrete
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- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations the last five years
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Raman spectroscopy in microfluidic chips reveals hyphal scale stress-associated metabolic responses in filamentous soil fungi
Pucetaite, M., Mafla-Endara, P. M., González, Y. G., Zou, H., Schmidt, R. W., Ariese, F. & Hammer, E. C., 2026 May, In: Fungal Biology. 130, 3, 101749.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Deep learning-driven investigation of nanoplastic impacts on soil protist behavior in soil chips
Zou, H., Ying, W., Mafla-Endara, P. M., Klinghammer, F., Bai, J., Kang, H. & Hammer, E. C., 2026 Jan 15, In: Environmental Pollution. 389, 127414.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Nanoscale Characterization of Fungal-Induced CaCO3 Precipitation: Implications for Self-Healing Concrete
Tuyishime, J. R. M., Hammer, E. C., Pla-Ferriol, M., Thånell, K., Alwmark, C., van Velzen, S., Floudas, D., Platakyte, R., Obst, M. & Zou, H., 2025 Jul 2, In: ACS applied materials & interfaces. 17, 26, p. 37648-37656 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Keystone protist suppression triggers mesopredator release and biotic homogenization in complex soil microbial communities
Maillard, F., Klinghammer, F., Beatty, B. H., Zou, H., Lara, E., Hammer, E. C., Tunlid, A. & Kennedy, P. G., 2025 Jan 1, In: ISME Journal. 19, 1, wraf253.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Crystallization of sodium sulfate in two-dimensional interconnected pore system: Insights into localized, transient, and anisotropic stress generation and material deterioration
Chen, Z., Zou, H., Liu, Y., Gai, J., Basquiroto De Souzae, F., Sagoe-Crentsil, K., Neild, A. & Duan, W., 2024 Sept, In: Physical Review Applied. 22, 3, 034065.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Kommersialisering av svampläkande betong för hållbar infrastruktur
Zou, H. (PI)
Familjen Knut och Ragnvi Jacobssons stiftelse
2025/11/21 → 2026/11/07
Project: Research
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Understanding mechanical properties of healed concrete produced by alkaliphilic fungi
Zou, H. (PI)
2025/08/15 → 2026/08/15
Project: Research
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Fungi Healing Concrete: A Sustainable Approach to Construction
Zou, H. (PI)
Åforsk Ångpanneföreningens Forskningsstiftelse
2025/07/03 → 2027/12/31
Project: Research
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Spatiotemporal dynamics of soilborne fungal and oomycete plant pathogens
Forsbacka, J. (Researcher), Hammer, E. (Supervisor), Aleklett Kadish, K. (Assistant supervisor), Ohlsson, P. (Assistant supervisor), Zou, H. (Assistant supervisor), Floudas, D. (Assistant supervisor) & Vetukuri, R. R. (Assistant supervisor)
2024/12/12 → 2028/12/11
Project: Dissertation
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Dying - how and where? Microbial necromass quality and process rates in the soil pore space
Behncke Serra, A. (Research student), Hammer, E. (Supervisor), Zou, H. (Supervisor), Pucetaite, M. (Supervisor) & Arellano-Caicedo, C. (Researcher)
2024/11/01 → 2028/10/31
Project: Dissertation
Activities
- 1 Supervision of masters students
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Fungal Vision: AI Super-Resolution in Low-Cost Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy for Soil Health
Zou, H. (Role not specified)
2026 Jan 1 → 2026 Jun 1Activity: Examination and supervision › Supervision of masters students
Prizes and Distinction
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Konung Carl XVI Gustafs 50-årsfond för vetenskap, teknik och miljö
Zou, H. (Recipient), 2026 May 19
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)