Prof. Dr. Lijun You | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at South China University of Technology, China

Prof. Lijun You, a leading scholar in food science, currently serves as a professor at the School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT). With over two decades of academic and research engagement, he has carved a specialized niche in polysaccharide science—exploring their degradation pathways, molecular structures, biofunctions, and biomedical applications. His international exposure includes a formative research stint at Cornell University, USA. He has authored more than 160 peer-reviewed publications, garnering over 8,000 citations and achieving an impressive h-index of 53. His investigations span from seaweed-derived polysaccharides to their transformative impact on skin health, inflammation, gut ecology, and wound repair. As department director since 2016 and professor since 2020, he has guided both institutional growth and scientific inquiry. Prof. You’s innovative contributions not only advance polysaccharide-based therapeutics but also position him as a recognized authority in food bioactives and functional biomaterials research.

Professional Profile 

• ORCID Profile
• Scopus Profile
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Education

Prof. Lijun You’s educational journey began and flourished at South China University of Technology, where he earned both his bachelor’s (2001–2005) and doctoral degrees (2005–2010) in Food Science. His doctoral research laid a strong foundation for his future exploration of polysaccharides and their multifaceted applications in health and medicine. To complement his domestic training, he expanded his academic horizon internationally by spending a year (2009–2010) at Cornell University, USA, as a non-degree scholar. There, he gained vital exposure to advanced methodologies and interdisciplinary food science paradigms. This combination of strong local grounding and international perspective has deeply informed his research philosophy and academic rigor. His educational path is emblematic of a scholar committed to lifelong learning, cross-border collaboration, and translational research. This fusion of technical depth and global awareness has propelled Prof. You into the forefront of food biochemistry and polysaccharide innovation.

Professional Experience

Prof. Lijun You’s professional ascent within the South China University of Technology is marked by leadership, mentorship, and research excellence. Since joining the School of Food Science and Engineering, he has taken on progressive responsibilities, culminating in his promotion to full professor in 2020. He assumed the role of Department Director of Food Science in 2016, where he continues to oversee academic strategy, curriculum development, and collaborative research initiatives. Prof. You’s administrative acumen complements his scientific pursuits, allowing him to foster a research-driven academic culture within the department. Through his leadership, SCUT’s food science program has gained visibility in polysaccharide research and international academic networks. His career reflects a rare synergy of educator, manager, and innovator—advancing both the scholarly community and institutional reputation. His professional milestones underscore a dedication to excellence, from teaching and mentoring to groundbreaking explorations in bioactive compounds and functional materials.

Research Interests

At the heart of Prof. Lijun You’s scientific mission lies an intense focus on polysaccharides—complex carbohydrates with vast therapeutic potential. His research encompasses four interconnected domains: the controlled degradation of seaweed polysaccharides, detailed analysis of their molecular architecture, the examination of their bioactive roles (notably in anti-photoaging, anti-inflammatory functions, and gut microbiota modulation), and the development of polysaccharide-based hydrogels for biomedical uses like wound healing. His multidisciplinary work bridges food science, biochemistry, pharmacology, and materials engineering, offering insights into the therapeutic potential of natural biopolymers. By decoding structure–function relationships, Prof. You reveals how polysaccharides can serve as nutraceuticals and advanced wound-care agents. His contributions have shaped not just scholarly discourse, but also future prospects in functional foods and regenerative medicine. With over 8,000 citations and a publication record of 166 scientific articles, his research continues to guide the field toward innovative health-promoting solutions grounded in food-derived compounds.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not listed, Prof. Lijun You’s distinguished citation metrics—over 8,000 citations and an h-index of 53—stand as testament to his widespread recognition in the global research community. These achievements suggest a strong impact across scientific disciplines, especially within polysaccharide and functional food research. His selection for an international academic exchange at Cornell University indicates peer recognition of his potential early in his career. In addition, his longstanding leadership as department director reflects institutional confidence in his strategic vision and academic leadership. His frequent publication in high-impact journals and sustained research output also imply numerous internal and external acknowledgments. Though formal accolades are not detailed here, Prof. You’s academic footprint and leadership roles highlight a scholar whose work has earned both national and international esteem, reinforcing his role as a key contributor to the advancement of food science and health-related biomaterials.

Publications Top Notes

• Title: Effect of degree of hydrolysis on the antioxidant activity of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) protein hydrolysates
  Authors: L. You, M. Zhao, C. Cui, H. Zhao, B. Yang
  Year: 2009
  Citations: 377
  Source: Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 10(2), 235–240

• Title: Changes in the antioxidant activity of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) protein hydrolysates during a simulated gastrointestinal digestion
  Authors: L. You, M. Zhao, J.M. Regenstein, J. Ren
  Year: 2010
  Citations: 365
  Source: Food Chemistry, 120(3), 810–816

• Title: In vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-fatigue effect of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) peptides prepared by papain digestion
  Authors: L. You, M. Zhao, J.M. Regenstein, J. Ren
  Year: 2011
  Citations: 363
  Source: Food Chemistry, 124(1), 188–194

• Title: Optimization for ultrasound extraction of polysaccharides from mulberry fruits with antioxidant and hyperglycemic activity in vitro
  Authors: C. Chen, L.J. You, A.M. Abbasi, X. Fu, R.H. Liu
  Year: 2015
  Citations: 315
  Source: Carbohydrate Polymers, 130, 122–132

• Title: Purification and identification of antioxidative peptides from loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) protein hydrolysate by consecutive chromatography and electrospray ionization-MS/MS
  Authors: L. You, M. Zhao, J.M. Regenstein, J. Ren
  Year: 2010
  Citations: 257
  Source: Food Research International, 43(4), 1167–1173

• Title: Transforming insect biomass into consumer wellness foods: A review
  Authors: D. Sun-Waterhouse, G.I.N. Waterhouse, L. You, J. Zhang, Y. Liu, L. Ma, J. Gao, …
  Year: 2016
  Citations: 233
  Source: Food Research International, 89, 129–151

• Title: Characterization of polysaccharide fractions in mulberry fruit and assessment of their antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in vitro
  Authors: C. Chen, L.J. You, A.M. Abbasi, X. Fu, R.H. Liu, C. Li
  Year: 2016
  Citations: 221
  Source: Food & Function, 7(1), 530–539

• Title: Structural characterisation of polysaccharides from Tricholoma matsutake and their antioxidant and antitumour activities
  Authors: L. You, Q. Gao, M. Feng, B. Yang, J. Ren, L. Gu, C. Cui, M. Zhao
  Year: 2013
  Citations: 210
  Source: Food Chemistry, 138(4), 2242–2249

• Title: Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of Sargassum thunbergii polysaccharides and its antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities
  Authors: B. Ren, C. Chen, C. Li, X. Fu, L. You, R.H. Liu
  Year: 2017
  Citations: 209
  Source: Carbohydrate Polymers, 173, 192–201

• Title: Characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides from Prunella vulgaris Linn
  Authors: C. Li, Q. Huang, X. Fu, X.J. Yue, R.H. Liu, L.J. You
  Year: 2015
  Citations: 207
  Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 75, 298–305

Conclusion

Prof. Lijun You represents a dynamic blend of academic excellence, international perspective, and scientific innovation in the realm of food science and engineering. His deep specialization in polysaccharide chemistry and bioactivity has driven meaningful contributions to health sciences, particularly in areas like gut health, skincare, and tissue repair. With a foundation built at SCUT and refined at Cornell, his education and professional pathway reflect global competence and leadership. As a professor and department director, he mentors the next generation of scientists while steering research initiatives with clarity and purpose. His prolific publication record and high citation index underscore a lasting impact on scholarly literature. Though specific awards are not enumerated, the scope and influence of his work stand as accolades in themselves. Prof. You continues to shape the future of functional foods and biopolymer applications, offering innovative solutions that blend traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science.