News

Dr Youhua TAN and Dr Chunyi WEN received the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) Research Grant Achievement Award for 2020

We are proud to announce that our Professors, Dr. Chunyi Wen & Dr. Youhua Tan received the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) Research Grant Achievement Award for 2020 in recognition of their great efforts and contributions in securing external competitive research grants. All of them have led and participated in a number of multidisciplinary research projects in recent years. We have conducted an interview to let you know more about their achievements and research.  Dr. Chunyi Wen “During the tough period in COVID-19, you should never give up pursuing your dream in science advances and technical innovations. Now we can see the light at the other end of the tunnel to get through this pandemic. Meanwhile, we shall prepare and equip ourselves with knowledge and capability to battle for the next disaster and pandemic in near future.” Dr. Chunyi Wen Associate professor Department of Biomedical Engineering   Q: Dr. Wen, congratulations on your achievements in the research field and outstanding performance in securing research grants. Could you tell us your feelings about applying for these funds, is it tough? A: The research grant application is highly competitive in Hong Kong. We are so lucky to receive the support from RGC, HMRF and ITF. It is our honor but also our responsibility to deliver what we have proposed. Q: To let our students know more about your research field, could you please briefly introduce the research areas of your group? A: We are targeting the ageing and age-related diseases as a whole, and we chose osteoarthritis as a point of breakthrough because it occurs at the early stage of ageing and link with many other age-related diseases in late life. It might provide us a new insight to understand ageing process. Q: Could you simply share something with us that made you so interested in osteoarthritic? A: My research centers are about ageing and age-related diseases, particularly skeletal ageing including osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. What I and my team are interested in is not a single disease, osteoarthritis. We deploy cutting-edge technologies including human organoid, single-cell sequencing, live-cell imaging empowered by machine learning-empowered computing vision to probe and map ageing process, at its onset and its early stage. Q: You are also doing research related to COVID-19, what is your view on the current fifth wave of COVID-19? A: Our knowledge about COVID-19 is growing and our arsenal combating SARS-Cov-2 is enriching including vaccine and anti-virus drugs. Also, there is a growing body of interest in how to mitigate the severe cases of COVID-19. We are working on this direction together with the HKU microbiology team. Also, we are paying attention to long COVID symptoms affecting bone and joint.  Q: Finally, do you have any advice or guidance for our students? A: During the tough period in COVID, we should never give up pursuing our dream in science advances and technical innovations. Now we can see the light at the other end of the tunnel to get through this pandemic. Meanwhile, we shall prepare and equip ourselves with knowledge and capability to battle for the next disaster and pandemic in near future. Dr. Youhua Tan “I hope that all of our BME students have an inclusive mindset so that they can look at the same problem from different perspectives, such as, studying a disease from the engineering point of view. This could be one unique advantage of our BME students over others. I also wish all BME students to be healthy and optimistic during the current pandemic.” Dr. Youhua Tan Associate professor Programme Coordinator (MSc in BME) Department of Biomedical Engineering   Q: Dr. Tan, firstly, congratulations on your achievements in the research field and securing external competitive research grants. Do you have any unforgettable things in applying for the grants? A: To push the boundary of the relevant research field, all researchers are required to propose new ideas/hypotheses and explore new things, which need financial support from the funding bodies. The application of research grants in Hong Kong is always competitive, therefore we need to keep trying to apply for new research grants. So far, we have received support from RGC, NSFC, HMRF, and Shenzhen Government. Q: Could you please briefly introduce the research topics of your group? A: My research group mainly focuses on investigating the roles of mechanics in tumor metastasis, including tumor cell mechanics and malignancy, mechanically heterogeneous tumor tissue and preferential metastasis, and tumor cell stiffness for mechanotargeting. Recent advance in the mechanobiology tools has been utilized to tackle these key problems, such as atomic force microscope, tumor organoid, traction force microscope, ultrasound elastography, etc. Q: As you are the expert in mechanobiology and tumors, are you interested in studying sars-cov-2? A: Recent evidence has shown the involvement and significance of mechanics in various diseases, including cancer, aging, malaria, etc. We believe that mechanical force may also play important role in COVID. We are interested in this currently prevalent disease but have not started to investigate it yet.Q: This year (2022) will be the 10th anniversary of BME. As programme coordinator (MSc in BME), could you tell us about your expectations for the future development of BME, and some good points of our MSc programme? A: Since the nature of BME is multidisciplinary, I expect that more and more new fields and directions will emerge by combining engineering and other disciplines, especially those related to healthcare. To keep up with the pace of the new development, we have recently proposed two new specialisms into our MSc programme: Rehabilitation Engineering and Digital Health, which are pending for approval by the University. We believe the addition of these new specialisms will push the further development of our MSc programme and the department. Q: Finally, do you have any advices or guidances for our students? A: I hope that all of our BME students have an inclusive mindset so that they can look at the same problem from different perspectives, such as, studying a disease from the engineering point of view. This could be one unique advantage of our BME students over others. I also wish all BME students to be healthy and optimistic during the current pandemic. Credit to: Jun LIU (Postgraduate in Biomedical Engineering)  

Ir Prof. Yongping ZHENG Honoured with President’s Awards 2021

We are pleased to announce Ir Prof. Yongping Zheng, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering has been awarded the Individual Award – Knowledge Transfer: Industry under the President’s Awards 2021 for his outstanding achievement in knowledge transfer. The University recognises the distinguished accomplishments and contributions of staff members through the President’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement. To know more about Prof. Zheng: https://polyu.hk/haHND 

Lab visit and Meeting with Double Medical Technology Inc

The co-founder/owner of 大博医疗 (Double Medical Technology Inc, www.double-medical.com), Dr. LIN Zhijun（林志軍）visited our labs and department on 28 Jan 2022. Dr. Lin is interested in investing or collaborating on new research and development that leads to translation in healthcare, especially those related to bones, biomechanics, and rehabilitation.

Application Now Open:Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Prof YANG Mo and Dr ZHAO Xin received RGC Collaborative Research Fund 2021/22

Our warmest congratulations to Prof YANG Mo and Dr ZHAO Xin who receive RGC Collaborative Research Fund in 2021/22. Name Proposal Title RGC Amount Awarded Prof YANG Mo An upright multiphoton microscope for intravital imaging and optogenetic studies HKD 3,910,000 Dr ZHAO Xin Development of high-resolution 3D scaffolds with biomimetic triply periodic minimal surface structure for bone tissue repair HKD 4,185,000               In this Exercise, PolyU submitted 50 CRF preliminary proposals with PolyU staff as PC. After a long and rigorous selection procedure, 5 proposals (including 3 Research Equipment Grant and 2 Research Project Grant) were supported by RGC with a total amount of awarded funding of $24.109 million. About the projects Prof YANG Mo - An upright multiphoton microscope for intravital imaging and optogenetic studies An upright multiphoton microscopy system will be established with intravital imaging and optogenetic stimulation function. An interdisciplinary team with background in neuroscience, visual science, neural rehabilitation and nanobiotechnology will collaborate together. The proposed equipment will help the development of new engineering approaches based on novel functional bioprobes to realise simultaneous deep-brain imaging and optogenetic studies, which can be used to study the fundamental problems in neuroscience, visual science and neuro-rehabilitation, enable deeper understanding of neuronal behaviour in vivo, elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying a broad spectrum of neuronal diseases, and tackle human health-related challenges. Dr ZHAO Xin - Development of high-resolution 3D scaffolds with biomimetic triply periodic minimal surface structure for bone tissue repair Surface topology has demonstrated significant influence on regulating stem cell behaviors, functions and regenerating bone tissues. Notably, the hyperboloid structure is one that many species around the globe (e.g., coral calcification, leaves’ photosynthesis, mammalian trabecular bone) have adopted due to evolutionary advantages related to their amplified surface area, curvature, and energy dissipation. To recapitulate the architectural marvel of the hyperboloid structure, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) scaffolds with varying Gaussian curvatures to embody a trabecular bone mimicking hyperboloidal topography. TPMS is a crystallographic symmetric and lattice-based structure in three directions, with excellent surface area, porosity and interconnectivity for both mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adhesion/migration and vascular infiltration, effectively achieving osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling through activation of many cell signaling pathways. Ultrahigh resolution of 3D scaffolds with TPMS structure can be achieved through digital light processing (DLP) printing of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) slurry alongside addition of various metal ions for modulation of bone mineralization and covering with therapeutic gas nitric oxide generating coatings for enhanced angiogenesis. The resultant TPMS scaffolds will undergo (1) mechanical assessment and characterization to ensure high resolution printing and prevention of stress shielding, (2) in vitro assays for assessment of osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities, and study of underlying molecular mechanisms, and (3) in vivo models to assess the clinical relevancy of the resultant TPMS scaffolds in terms of new bone formation and neovascularization. With diverse talents and rich experience in fabrication of TPMS scaffolds, functionalized surfaces and coatings for osteogenic-angiogenic coupling, the team well demonstrates their capability and previous knowledge to complete the research project. The cell-/growth factor-free nature of the TPMS scaffolds will facilitate clinical translation as it is much closer towards a safe bone graft than implanted alternatives. The successful implementation of the TPMS bone scaffolds will not only benefit patients struggling to recover from long-term bone diseases and fractures, but also initiate the evolution of a revolutionary regeneration concept in biomaterials, i.e., direction of the cell behaviors/functions and tissue formation exclusively through tuning the physical cues, without additional exogenous growth factors, drugs or cytokines. In the long term, commercialization of this project will also reinforce the status quo of the Greater Bay Area as a technological innovative sector, and alleviate the social problems (e.g., growing population with bone diseases/fractures) arising from the aging population of surrounding regions. About RGC CRF For more information about the CRF, please visit https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/crf/ For the full list of funded projects in 2021/22 CRF Exercise, please visit https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/crf/funded%20research/21-22.html

Best Teaching Assistant Award for 2021/22 Sem1

The Department is pleased to announce the recipients of the “Best Teaching Assistant Award" in 2021/22 Semester 1:   Awardee List for the Best TA Award for Sem1 of 2021/22 No. Subject Code Subject Title Teaching Assistant(s) for Sem 1 21/22 Subject Leader Supervisor Name Nominated by 1 BME5115 APPLIED BIOSIGNAL PROCESSING JIANG Yizhou Dr. SUN Lei Dr. SUN Lei Teacher and students 2 BME5124 BIOMATERIALS AND TISSUE ENGINEERING ZHANG Cunyu Dr. TAN Youhua Dr. TAN Youhua Teacher and students 3 BME5127 NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY BEI Ho Pan Dr. ZHAO Xin & Dr. WONG Dexter Dr. ZHAO Xin Teacher and students 4 BME5130 ADVANCED PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS LIU Shan Dr. WONG Man Sang Dr. WONG Man Sang Teacher and students 5 BME5155 RESEARCH METHODS & BIOSTATISTICS ZOU Zhou Dr. WEN Chunyi Dr. WEN Chunyi Teacher and students 6 BME21120 FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION I HO Kwun Hei Willis Prof. YANG Mo Prof. YANG Mo Teacher and students 7 BME21111 BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN STUDIES I ZHANG Ruolin Dr. LAU Hin Chung Prof. YANG Mo Students 8 BME6050 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN BIOENGINEERING AND HEALTHCARE ZHANG Guoxin Dr. WONG Wai Chi Duo Prof. ZHANG Ming Students 9 BME1D02 WEARABLE HEALTHCARE AND FITNESS DEVICES FOR EVERYONE YANG De Prof. ZHENG Yongping & Dr. CHEUNG James Prof. ZHENG Yongping Teacher 10 BME1D02 WEARABLE HEALTHCARE AND FITNESS DEVICES FOR EVERYONE TAM Yiu Chau Prof. ZHENG Yongping & Dr. CHEUNG James Dr. CHEUNG Wai Chung James Teacher 11 BME1D02 WEARABLE HEALTHCARE AND FITNESS DEVICES FOR EVERYONE THARU Niraj Singh Prof. ZHENG Yongping & Dr. CHEUNG James Prof. ZHENG Yongping Teacher 12 BME1D03 TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART AGEING ZHANG Yuqi Dr. WEN Chunyi Dr. WEN Chunyi Teacher 13 BME1D04 SKIN-CARE TECHNOLOGIES: PRINCIPLES, APPLICATIONS AND SAFETY LYU Shang Dr. ZHAO Xin & Dr. WONG Dexter Dr. ZHAO Xin Teacher 14 BME1D04 SKIN-CARE TECHNOLOGIES: PRINCIPLES, APPLICATIONS AND SAFETY RAO Jingdong Dr. ZHAO Xin & Dr. WONG Dexter Dr. ZHAO Xin Teacher 15 BME31116 BIOSIGNAL PROCESSING CHENG Shengfu Dr. LAI Puxiang Dr. LAI Puxiang Teacher 16 BME31125 BIOMECHANICS CHEN Fei Prof. ZHANG Ming & Dr. WANG Annie Prof. ZHANG Ming Teacher 17 BME32104 BELOW-KNEE PROSTHETICS HU Mingyu Dr. KOBAYASHI Toshiki Dr. KOBAYASHI Toshiki Teacher 18 BME32115 BIOSENSORS: THEORIES AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS TAN Xiaoxuan Dr. LEE Thomas Dr. LEE Thomas Teacher 19 BME32140 CLINICAL ENGINEERING HUANG Yingying Prof. POON Albert Prof. YANG Mo Teacher 20 BME3S02 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: SERVICE LEARNING TOWARDS THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED ZHU Tanglong Dr. MA Zonghao Dr. MA Zonghao Teacher 21 BME3S02 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: SERVICE LEARNING TOWARDS THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED ZUO Jingjing Dr. MA Zonghao Dr. MA Zonghao Teacher 22 BME42129 NEUROENGINEERING ZHOU Sa Dr. HU Xiaoling Dr. HU Xiaoling Teacher

Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2021

Congratulations to the following staff members on receiving the Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2021. Our hearty congratulations to them for their achievements! Category of Award Category of Award Category of Award Individual Awards - Services Outstanding Awards Prof. Yongping ZHENG Team Awards - Services Outstanding Awards Dr. Hin Chung LAU Individual Awards - Teaching Merit Awards Dr. WONG Man Sang Individual Awards - Research and Scholarly Activities: Outstanding Researcher Merit Awards Dr. WEN Chunyi Individual Awards - Research and Scholarly Activities: Outstanding Young Researcher Merit Awards Dr. Youhua TAN

Prof. Sophia Chan, Secretary of Food and Health Bureau visited our department

Prof Sophia Chan, Secretary of Food and Health visited our Prosthetics and Orthotics Labs, Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Clinic, and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub on 15 December 2021 (Wed) to learn more about how our current education and services to address the needs of the client and the community, and also professional skills for the educational development. BME not only nurtures biomedical engineers, but also trains prosthetists and orthotists, the only degree program in Hong Kong. Prof. Chan was also briefed on departmental education and development projects, such as Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub to promote new gerontechnologies for elderly care and Jockey Club supported project, “Improvement of Posture Awareness and Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in School Children”. She was pleased to note that PolyU BME has been actively motivating staff and students to leverage innovation and creativity to transform knowledge and research achievements for application in education and society.

Prof Zhang Ming and Prof Zheng Yongping Recognised as Top Two Percent Scientists Worldwide (2021)

Stanford University has recently released an update of the list that represents the top 2 percent of the most-cited scientists in various disciplines. The report was prepared by a team of experts led by Prof. John Ioannidis, the eminent Professor at the Stanford University. BME is very proud to announce that two Chair Professors Ir Prof. Zhang Ming (Head of Department and Chair Professor of Biomechanics) and Ir Prof. Zheng Yongping (Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering) are on the list. Prof. Zhang’s research interest is in Biomedical Engineering and Prof. Zheng's is in Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing.   Congratulations to Prof. Zhang and Prof. Zheng! More details: https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/3

The first MOOC about Interdisciplinary Innovations for Population Ageing

Population ageing is a global phenomenon profoundly affecting the well-being of communities. Social sciences, design, and engineering each offers unique, insightful innovations for ageing societies. In response to rapidly ageing populations, this course intends to equip learners with age-friendly mindsets and capacities to fulfill the burgeoning demand for tailored, innovative policy, products, and services for older adults. The design of this course has been inspired by the belief that we should move beyond a uni-disciplinary, problem-oriented approach with the burden view when addressing ageing issues to adopt a more multidisciplinary, opportunity-oriented approach which emphasises on mobilising learners as asset for active ageing promotion.