Dr. Wen Zhang and his research team from NJIT presented three impactful posters at the 2025 USDA QUAD-AI ENGAGE Workshop, held at Georgia Tech. The team highlighted cutting-edge applications of nanobubble technology for sustainable agriculture and food safety.
- Dr. Shan Xue demonstrated how irrigation with nanobubble-enriched water significantly boosts crop growth—reducing the grow cycle by up to 30% and increasing plant yield by as much as 80% over one year. This technology also improved soil structure and nutrient uptake while reducing biofilm formation in irrigation systems.
- Dr. Nguyen Nhat Thu Le explored the microbiological impacts of nanobubbles on tomato rhizosphere. Her study revealed that oxygen and nitrogen nanobubbles reshaped the microbial community, enhancing beneficial bacteria linked to nutrient cycling and plant resistance—ultimately promoting healthier and more robust tomato growth.
- Dr. Wen Zhang presented results from an EPA-funded project on ozone nanobubbles for food disinfection. His work showed that ozone nanobubbles outperform traditional sanitizers by achieving more effective pathogen reduction with fewer harmful residues, offering a safer and more sustainable approach to cleaning produce and equipment.
This event underscored the growing synergy between AI, nanotechnology, and sustainable agriculture—and the NJIT team’s commitment to driving innovation across these domains.
Dr. Zhang felt a deep sense of nostalgia and pride as he revisited Yongsheng Chen’s Laboratory at Georgia Tech—his academic home during his Ph.D. years. Standing once again in the lab where countless hours of research and discovery shaped his early scientific career brought back vivid memories. Seeing his name still listed on the lab contact sheet was a touching reminder of his enduring connection to the lab and its legacy.
