Dr. Chen's research has been focused on plant protein structures underlying its functional properties. The generated knowledge has been applied to develop plant protein ingredients of improved functionalities, texture and nutritional properties for food applications. The concept of designing functional organization from molecular level, has also led to fabrication of biodegradable materials based biopolymers (hydrogels, microgels, fibers, films, micro- and nano-particles) with multiple functions (self-healing, adhesive, 3D printing) for nutraceutical delivery, biomedical and environmental applications. Dr. Chen has more than 200 publications in leading journals in food and biomaterials areas, and more than 50 invited presentations at international and national conferences.

Dr. Chen's lab has various analytical tools to characterize protein/polysaccharide structures, intermolecular interactions, and functional properties (emulsifying, foaming, gelling), as well as the equipment to study biopolymer material particle size, rheological and mechanical properties.