PolyU students win gold medal in iGEM Competition 2024 with novel dual-targeting nanobody to overcome drug resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

A team of students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won a gold medal and been listed among the top 10 undergraduate teams at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 2024 Grand Jamboree held in Paris. They also received dual nominations for Best Oncology Project and Best New Composite Part. Centred on the development of a novel dual-targeting nanobody to address gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer patients, the winning project demonstrated exceptional potential for advancing innovation in cancer treatment and research, as well as broader application in synthetic biology. Pancreatic cancer has a higher mortality rate than many other major cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hong Kong. Traditional treatments face challenges such as lack of targeted therapies and the low efficiency of chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to drug resistance, particularly to gemcitabine, a standard chemo-therapeutic agent. This is indicative of a concerning trend of decreasing sensitivity to first-line treatments for early-stage pancreatic cancer. The PolyU team has developed a novel strategy to overcome this treatment challenge. Through bioinformatic analysis, they identified two crucial cell surface receptors, namely EGFR and HER2, which significantly correlate with tumour growth and resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Based on these findings, the team designed “Panobody”, a dual-targeting nanobody that can specifically block EGFR and HER2 and their signalling pathways. Subsequent experiments on Panobody, both used alone and in combination with gemcitabine, verified its effectiveness in inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth and even increasing their responsiveness to gemcitabine therapy. Competing with 195 undergraduate teams from around the world, the interdisciplinary team of 11 students from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering spent eight months in rigorous laboratory work and comprehensive project development, while also consulting prominent clinical experts with extensive experience in pancreatic cancer treatment. Additionally, they conducted various innovative public engagement initiatives to promote awareness about pancreatic cancer, including creating an interactive educational game, setting up community booths and collaborating with the Hong Kong Cancer Fund for charity donation. The team was under the guidance of Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and other experts at PolyU. Prof. Lee applauded the team’s dedication to both scientific excellence and public engagement, and remarked, “This outstanding result not only recognises the high quality, impact and ingenuity of their work, but also highlights PolyU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of biotechnology leaders.” The iGEM Competition, established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2004, is an annual, worldwide synthetic biology event aimed at undergraduate university students, as well as high school and graduate students. The Competition challenges participants to address real-world problems by designing, building, testing and measuring a system of their own design using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology techniques. For more details about the winning project, please visit: https://2024.igem.wiki/hkpolyu/   香港理工大學（理大）學生團隊早前於在巴黎舉行的2024年國際遺傳工程機器設計競賽（iGEM）勇奪金獎，更被評選為本科生組別的十強隊伍，同時獲得「Best Oncology Project」及「Best New Composite Part」兩項大獎的提名。得獎項目聚焦研發一種新型雙靶向納米抗體，助應對胰臟癌病人對治療藥物產生抗藥性的問題，具潛力推動創新的癌症治療和相關研究，並廣泛應用於合成生物學領域。 胰臟癌死亡率高於許多常見癌症，更是香港致命癌症的第四位。然而，傳統治療方案面對不少挑戰，例如標靶藥物不足以及病人對藥物產生抗藥性導致治療效果不佳。這些問題尤其常見於標準化療藥物「吉西他濱（gemcitabine）」上，令早期胰臟癌病人對第一線治療的敏感度往往會逐漸下降。 理大學生團隊嘗試研發創新的解決方案，應對這些治療困難。他們利用生物資訊分析，找出兩種與胰臟癌腫瘤生長和產生抗藥性的情況有重要關聯的細胞表面受體EGFR和HER2，然後設計出一種雙靶向納米抗體「Panobody」，能同時阻斷EGFR和HER2及其訊號傳遞路徑。團隊並通過隨後的實驗發現，無論是單獨使用「Panobody」或同時取用「Panobody」和「吉西他濱」，均有效抑制胰臟癌細胞生長，甚至提高癌細胞對「吉西他濱」治療的反應。 這支跨學科學生團隊由11名分別來自應用生物及化學科技學系及電機及電子工程學系的學生組成，在來自全球的195支本科生隊伍中突圍而出。參賽的八個月間，團隊除了在實驗室進行嚴謹的研究工作，亦諮詢了擁有豐富臨床胰臟癌治療經驗的專家。此外，他們更設計一系列公眾參與活動，包括製作互動教育遊戲、於社區設置攤位等，並支持了香港癌症基金會的籌款活動，冀提高社會對胰臟癌的關注。 學生團隊獲理大應用生物及化學科技學系副系主任及教授李建華教授及其他專家提供指導。李建華教授讚揚學生在參賽過程中努力追求科學卓越及提高公眾關注，並表示：「這次的優秀成績不但肯定了他們高質素、具影響力和創新的研究工作，亦突顯了理大致力培養新一代生物科技人才。」 國際遺傳工程機器設計競賽由麻省理工大學於2004年創辦，是全球合成生物學界的年度盛事，吸引來自世界各地的高中生、大專生及研究生參與。競賽旨在鼓勵參加者利用可交替的生物元件及分子生物技術設計並建立一套系統，解決社會實際面對的難題。 有關理大學生團隊的得獎項目，可瀏覽：https://2024.igem.wiki/hkpolyu/。  

Dr Ma Cong's RPg Students Shine at 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference (PRSC 2024)

We are delighted to share the remarkable news that two of Dr Ma Cong’s RPg students have respectively received the Best Presentation Award and the Best Presentation Runner-up at the 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference (PRSC 2024).   Aiming at promoting innovative and high-quality research, PRSC is the flagship research student conference, providing Research Postgraduate (RPg) students and the students of College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) in PolyU with the opportunity to present their research work and findings. PRSC also provides an excellent opportunity for students from different disciplines to network with peers, and establishes a collaborative and supportive research community at PolyU.   Award Winners: Jiang Liu - Best Presentation Award Project: Discovery of antimicrobials targeting RNA polymerase-sigma factor interaction Their research group focuses on the development of novel antibiotics, which is a complex task necessitating the collaboration among colleagues in computer science, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and medicinal chemistry. His work mainly lies in the design and structural modifications of antimicrobial agents. In the preliminary studies, they have identified a class of antimicrobial agents that can inhibit bacterial transcription. By targeting the interaction between bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) and Sigma factors, these compounds exhibited potent inhibitory effects against various drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and VRSA. Currently, they have synthesized nearly 400 potential antibacterial compounds and are exploring their conjugation with peptides using different linkers to address various types of infections.   Sin-Yu Ke - Best Presentation Runner-up Project: Development of bacterial transcription antitermination inhibitors as novel antimicrobial agents Their research team aims to develop novel antibacterial agents that target the bacterial transcription process. Her project focuses on developing bacterial transcription antitermination inhibitors that would interrupt the protein-protein interaction between the N-utilization substance proteins B and E (Nus B and E) complex. MC4 was identified as the hit compound from preliminary studies, and her task is to design and synthesize a series of MC4 derivatives to discover a potential drug candidate.   Congratulations to Dr Ma Cong and his exceptional RPg students for their remarkable achievements at the 2nd PolyU Research Student Conference! Their dedication to advancing research excellence is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to the entire Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology.

PolyU ABCT Scholars ranked The World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists by Stanford University

Twelve PolyU ABCT staff members are ranked as the World’s Top 2% most-cited scientists 2024 by Stanford University.  Using the Scopus author profiles as of 16 September 2024, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 7) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  Download the latest database (version 7):  https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7 Congratulations to our top scientists! Career-long Data   Name of Researcher Department Subject Field Prof. Wong Wai Yeung Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Wong Wing Tak Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry Prof. Zheng Zijian Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Tsang Shik Chi Edman Department of Applied Physics & Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (Joint Appointment) Organic Chemistry Prof. Yao Zhongping Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Analytical Chemistry Prof. Zhao Xin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Biomedical Engineering Dr Han Su Ting Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Dr Huang Bolong Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology   Single Recent Year Data   Name of Researcher Department Subject Field Prof. Wong Wai Yeung Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Wong Wing Tak Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry Prof. Wong Kwok Yin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Prof. Zheng Zijian Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Tsang Shik Chi Edman Department of Applied Physics & Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology(Joint Appointment) Organic Chemistry Prof. Terence Lee Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Oncology & Carcinogenesis Prof. Zhao Xin Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Biomedical Engineering Dr Han Su Ting Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Dr Ho Cheuk Lam Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Organic Chemistry Dr Huang Bolong Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Dr Lee Yoon Suk Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Dr. LEI Mang Leng, a PhD graduate in the Department of ABCT, won the prestigious PolyU PhD Thesis Award - Outstanding Award 2024

To acknowledge and encourage exceptional research accomplishments by graduating PhD students, the Graduate School of PolyU introduced the PhD Thesis Award every year. This recognition program features two categories: Outstanding and Merit, which are designed to honor students' achievements at different levels of excellence. This year, the Outstanding Award is conferred upon Dr. LEI Mang Leng, a PhD student, under the supervision of Prof. Terence LEE. Dr. LEI is the only recipient of this recognition among all graduating PhD candidates across all faculties within PolyU. Before receiving this Award, Dr. LEI had already been recognized with the FS Outstanding PhD Thesis Award for the 2023/2024 academic year.   Dr. LEI’s research focused on understanding the immune evasive mechanism of liver cancer cells, which leads to resistance to immunotherapy. This insight could pave the way for the development of more effective treatments for liver cancer.   Her thesis entitled “Identification of Wild-Type Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (Kras) and its Signalling Pathway in Immune Evasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma” highlights the novelty and translational implications for cancer therapy.   Join us to congratulate Dr. LEI and her supervisor on this amazing achievement!

Securing the Gold Award at the 11th China Youth Entrepreneurship Competition

We are thrilled to announce that Team Leader Kang Hui, representing the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has secured the gold award at the 11th China Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. This remarkable triumph is a testament to Kang Hui's exceptional leadership and the collaborative efforts of the entire team.   This event was hosted by multiple departments including the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the Ministry of Commerce. This victory highlights the innovative prowess and unwavering dedication of the team. We extend our warmest congratulations to Kang Hui, whose success was made possible by the invaluable support of supervisors Prof. Wong Kwok-yin, Vice President (Education) and Chair Professor of Chemical Technology, and Dr. Lo Tsz-woon, Benedict, Associate Professor.   The team is currently developing a new type of nanomaterial with superior performance characteristics, including high electrical conductivity, high efficiency, and a long lifespan. In terms of potential application areas, the team is focusing on developing a diversified and multi-tiered product layout to meet the diverse needs of customers. In the future, this material is expected to revolutionize and empower various application scenarios, such as energy storage and CO2 recovery and utilization, contributing to the achievement of the dual-carbon goals.   We applaud Team Leader Kang Hui and his team for their exceptional achievements and dedication to innovation. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more sustainable future through our groundbreaking initiatives.

PolyU and Huizhou government jointly establish PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held an unveiling ceremony for the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute) in Huizhou, in collaboration with the Huizhou Municipal People’s Government and the Huizhou Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone. Marking the official launch of the Research Institute in Huizhou, the unveiling ceremony was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Mr Arthur LEE Kam-hung, PolyU Council Member; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Director of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Mr LIU Ji, Secretary of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal People’s Congress; Mr LI Ming, Member of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Head of the Organisation Department of the Huizhou Municipal Committee; Mr YUAN Guangxia, Director Level Officer (Grade 1) of Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province; Ms ZHONG Yonglan, Executive Deputy Head of the United Front Work Department of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Director of Bureau of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of Huizhou; Mr GUO Wupiao, Chairman of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Management Committee of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone; Mr SAN Jinfeng, Vice Chairman of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Management Committee of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone; and Mr CHEN Zhiming, Member of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Building Office of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated in his opening speech that since the signing of the tripartite agreement among PolyU, the Huizhou Municipal Government, and the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone in May this year, the basic infrastructure of the office and the incubation building had been completed within four months. This demonstrates the efficiency of the collaboration and the strong commitment to promoting technological innovation. The Research Institute will focus on the development of local industries through optimizing resource allocation and promoting the industrialisation of research outcomes, and contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong, Huizhou and the Nation as a whole. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng saidthat while PolyU strives for excellence in teaching and research, it also pays great attention to global environmental protection and sustainable development. The Research Institute aims to develop green energy and technologies, taking social responsibility by promoting modernisation, digitalisation and environmental protection. The collaboration with the Huizhou city government and the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone will foster an in-depth integration of government, industry and academia, and the Research Institute will help serve as an important platform for green energy and advanced technological innovation between Hong Kong and Huizhou. Mr Liu Jialso delivered a speech during the ceremony. He stated that Huizhou is implementing closely with the key ideas conveyed at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as the specific arrangements of the “1310” scheme of the Provincial Party Committee through in-depth participation in the development works of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the collaboration in technological innovation between Huizhou and Hong Kong. With the establishment of the Research Institute, Huizhou and PolyU work together to consolidate the resources of the cutting-edge technology and nurture a group of high-quality scientists and talents in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Research Institute strives towards a first-class platform for high-end technology and innovation and a new model for collaboration between school and local industry in both cities. The four key research areas of the Research Institute were highlighted at the Ceremony. Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Director of the Research Institute, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of PolyU, introduced the Research Institute’s overall development plans, as well as his research topic on new materials and new energy; Prof. Ka-fu YUNG, Associate Director of the Research Institute, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Director of the University Research Facility in Chemical and Environmental Analysis of PolyU, spoke on green chemistry and sustainable catalysis; Prof. Minchen WEI, of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, spoke on spatial computing and imaging; and Dr RUAN Haihui of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, spoke on green and smart manufacturing. These four core research areas not only address the upgrading needs of existing industries but also focus on future development, laying a solid foundation for sustainability and technological self-reliance. The Research Institute also held a signing ceremony with eight local enterprises for collaborative projects, further advancing technology transfer and application. A first-ever Daya Bay scientific seminar, “Technological Innovation in Fostering the New Productivity” was also held, at which Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Chairman of the PolyU Foundation, and Prof. C.C. CHAN, Distinguished Chair Professor of PolyU and Director of the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles shared their views. The seminar provided forward-looking insights for officials, researchers and business representatives on how technological innovation can enhance productivity, as well as highlighting the trends and challenges of industrial transformation. Looking forward, the Research Institute aims to become a new model of cooperation between Huizhou and Hong Kong. By leveraging the solid foundation and policy support of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone, it will introduce Hong Kong’s expertise to Huizhou’s industrial landscape, accelerating the establishment of green and low-carbon system, enhancing the development of the manufacturing sector, and building two major industrial clusters in petrochemical energy, new materials and electronic information with higher competitiveness. Online coverage: • Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4eMmnTk  • Capital Magazine - https://polyu.me/3ZBaqvv • Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/47Rf0rH • East Money - https://polyu.me/3XH41Mz • Guangdong TV - https://polyu.me/4ehjM43 • Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4eBP0mb • Huizhou Daily - https://polyu.me/3Y1Mmkj • Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/3TRDB9J • Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3BwwqNU • Xinhua Net - https://polyu.me/3BeYGVd     香港理工大學大亞灣技術創新研究院成立舉行揭牌儀式 香港理工大學（理大）在惠州市與惠州市人民政府和大亞灣經濟技術開發區共同舉行了「香港理工大學大亞灣技術創新研究院」（研究院）的揭牌儀式。 在理大校董會主席林大輝博士、校長滕錦光教授、校董會成員李錦雄先生、常務及學務副校長黃永德教授、副校長（研究及創新）趙汝恒教授、協理副校長（大學發展）羅璇博士、理大大亞灣技術創新研究院院長鄭子劍教授、惠州市委書記、惠州市人大常委會主任劉吉先生、惠州市委常委、組織部部長黎明先生、廣東省科學技術廳一級調研員袁光俠先生、惠州市委統戰部常務副部長、惠州市台港澳事務局局長鍾永蘭女士、大亞灣開發區黨工委書記、區管委會主任郭武飄先生、大亞灣開發區黨工委副書記、區管委會副主任傘金福先生及大亞灣開發區黨工委委員、區黨建工作辦公室（組織人事辦公室）主任陳智明先生一起為研究院進行揭牌儀式，標誌著研究院正式落地惠州。 林大輝博士在致辭中表示，理大、惠州市政府及大亞灣經濟技術開發區三方自今年五月簽署共建協議以來，經過四個月的努力落實研究院及孵化樓基本建設，展現了高效的合作成果及推動科技創新的堅定決心。研究院將以當地產業需求為導向，優化資源配置，促進科技成果的應用和產業化，為香港、惠州乃至國家的高質量發展做出積極貢獻。 滕錦光教授在致辭中表示，理大在追求教學和科研創新時，十分關注全球環境保護和可持續發展的問題。研究院將重點開發綠色能源及技術，致力於推動社會的現代化、數碼化和環保建設，積極承擔社會責任。此次與惠州市政府及大亞灣經濟技術開發區的合作，將促進官產學研的深度融合與協同發展，成為惠港兩地在綠色和先進科技創新領域的重要平台。 劉吉先生在致辭中表示，惠州正深入學習貫徹黨的二十屆三中全會精神，認真落實省委「1310」具體部署，深度參與粵港澳大灣區建設，並深化惠港科技創新合作。惠州與理大攜手合作建設研究院，整合高端科技創新資源，培養一批掌握未來關鍵技術的卓越工程師和高素質技術應用型創新創業人才，成爲國內一流的高端科技創新平台及惠港校地合作新典範。 揭牌儀式重點介紹了研究院的四大聚焦領域，分別由研究院院長、理大智慧可穿戴系統研究院副院長、軟材料及器件講座教授鄭子劍教授介紹研究院整體發展方向及建設規劃，及其研究的新材料與新能源；研究院副院長、理大理學院副院長、化學和環境分析中心實驗室主任容家富教授的綠色化學與可持續催化；理大建築環境及能源工程學系魏敏晨教授的空間計算與影像；及理大機械工程學系阮海輝博士的綠色與智慧製造。這四大核心研究領域不僅應對現有產業的升級需求，還專注於未來科技發展的趨勢，為實現可持續發展及科技自立自強奠定堅實基礎。研究院並與八家當地企業就合作項目舉行簽約儀式，進一步實現技術轉化及應用。 活動還特別舉辦了「以科技創新推動新質生產力發展」為主題的大亞灣首屆科學講壇，由理大校長滕錦光教授、香港科技園董事局主席、理大基金主席查毅超博士及理大傑出講座教授暨電動汽車研究中心主任陳清泉教授主講，探討了科技創新與提升生產力的互惠關係，及未來產業轉型的趨勢和挑戰，為與會官員、科研人員及企業代表提供了前瞻性見解。 未來，研究院將成為惠港兩地合作的新典範，結合大亞灣經濟技術開發區的產業基礎和政策支持，為惠州市的發展注入香港元素，並加快構建綠色低碳產業體系，提升製造業發展能級，打造更具核心競爭力的石化能源新材料、電子資訊兩大產業集群。   傳媒報導: • 紫荊號 - https://polyu.me/4eMmnTk  • 資本雜誌 - https://polyu.me/3ZBaqvv • 點新聞 - https://polyu.me/47Rf0rH • 東方財富網 - https://polyu.me/3XH41Mz • 廣東新聞 - https://polyu.me/4ehjM43 • 香港商報 - https://polyu.me/4eBP0mb • 惠州日報 - https://polyu.me/3Y1Mmkj • 大公報 - https://polyu.me/3TRDB9J • 文匯報 - https://polyu.me/3BwwqNU • 新華網 - https://polyu.me/3BeYGVd  

Prof. Zheng Zijian interviewed by the 21st Century Business Herald regarding flexible electronics

Prof. Zheng Zijian, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterisation and Device Fabrication, was interviewed by 21st Century Business Herald on his research on flexible electronics as well as the pros and cons of university-nurtured startups and the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. Prof. Zheng highlighted the vast potential of flexible electronics in smart wearables, healthcare, sports monitoring, and robotics during the interview. This technology, enabling bendable and stretchable devices through advanced fabrication techniques, is reshaping electronic product applications across industries. Reflecting on Hong Kong's evolving innovation and technology landscape, Prof. Zheng noted the significant improvements over the past years, emphasizing enhanced opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of flexible electronics and technological advancements, as Professor Zheng continues to drive innovation and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts in Hong Kong and beyond. Online coverage: 21st Century Business Herald “港”创科25人｜专访香港理工大学讲座教授郑子剑：香港科研水平全球领先，柔性电子应用前景广阔 Mobile|Desktop|LinkedIn|Weibo 3 September 2024  

Dr Ma Cong Pioneering Research Revolutionizing Antibiotics to Combat Superbugs

A research team led by Dr. Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the co-founder of a PolyU startup YnnoMed Limited, is on the verge of a breakthrough in developing new drugs to combat superbugs. The team, which has identified 1,000 bioactive molecules that could potentially develop into new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacteria, has won multiple local and international awards for their groundbreaking work.   The team has identified five chemical components proven effective in killing all known superbugs in laboratory and animal experiments. Although much of the work has been done in Hong Kong, clinical trials on humans will commence in mainland China in 2026, with the team aspiring to establish clinical research collaborations in the United States as well.   Currently, before a drug can be utilized in Hong Kong, it must already be registered in at least two of the 36 countries specified by the Department of Health, a list that includes the US and China. As we await the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, we wish Dr. Ma and his team success in their endeavors and hope that the new drug can be swiftly introduced and made available in the market.   Online coverage: SCMP - https://polyu.me/3YWExND (subscription required)

ABCT Postgraduate Student Miss Jin Shang Wins Two Best Poster Awards

Our ABCT postgraduate student Miss Jin Shang under the supervision of Dr. Zhao Qian has garnered significant accolades for her research efforts. Her exceptional work in the field of pharmaceuticals and antiviral therapeutics has been recognized at two esteemed symposiums, where she emerged victorious with the Best Poster Awards. At the 18th Chinese International Peptide Symposium (CPS 2024) held in July 2024, Miss Jin Shang's presentation on "Deconvoluting the Controversial Antiviral Activity of Hydroxychloroquine through Target Identification with Chemical Proteomics" captivated the audience and earned her the distinguished Best Poster Award. Prior to this, Miss Jin Shang also triumphed at the Hong Kong - Jiangsu Symposium on Drug Discovery and Development in May 2024, where her research on the same topic was lauded with the Best Poster Award. Her work delves deep into unraveling the mysteries surrounding the antiviral properties of Hydroxychloroquine using cutting-edge techniques in chemical proteomics. These accolades are a testament to Miss Jin Shang's unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and her invaluable contributions to the field of pharmaceutical research. Her innovative approach and dedication to advancing knowledge in antiviral therapeutics have rightfully earned her these prestigious honors. Congratulations to Miss Jin Shang on this remarkable achievement. Her success not only reflects her individual brilliance but also highlights the outstanding research being conducted at Dr. Zhao Qian's esteemed research group.  

Dr. Zhao Qian Recognized as 'Rising Star in Proteomics and Metabolomics 2024' by Journal of Proteome Research

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Zhao Qian, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, has been honored with the recognition of 'Rising Star in Proteomics and Metabolomics 2024' by the Journal of Proteome Research (JPR). This recognition highlights Dr. Zhao's exceptional contributions and dedication to the fields of proteomics and metabolomics. The 'Rising Stars in Proteomics and Metabolomics 2024' Collection is a prestigious acknowledgment of emerging scientists chosen by the Associate Editors of the Journal of Proteome Research and the Editorial Advisory Board members. Dr. Zhao is among the 34 authors included in this esteemed Collection, all of whom are early career researchers showcasing remarkable originality and potential for the advancement of proteomics and metabolomics. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Zhao on this well-deserved recognition. Her commitment to excellence and advancement in proteomics and metabolomics serve as an inspiration to us all. We eagerly anticipate the continued success and impactful research emanating from her esteemed research group.