PolyU Science in the News

PolyU academia and students makes hand sanitisers for needy in the community

Dr. Yung Ka-fu, Associate Professor & Associate Head of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology leaded PolyU staff and students using raw materials to make hand sanitisers for people in need in local community. It would help people to prevent the virus contraction amid the COVID19 epidemic. Social welfare Department also supported the team and help to distribute the hand sanitisers. Cable TV's program "The Wish" broadcasted a 3-minute interview featuring this goodwill project.   i-Cable News 《小事大意義》(6:30) 25 Feb 2019  

PolyU develops the world’s most comprehensive rapid, automated multiplex diagnostic system for detecting up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens (including novel coronavirus) in a single test

Infectious diseases represent an important portion of global public health concerns¸ in particular with regard to the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The challenge of frontline diagnosis in hospitals, clinics and ports is that infectious diseases could exhibit similar symptoms or can be asymptomatic. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the development of the world's most comprehensive automated multiplex diagnostic system (the System) which includes a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for the point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious disease including the 2019-nCoV. In one single test and within approximately one hour, the System can identify 30 to 40 pathogens including seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and 2019-nCoV. Leveraging the current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, the system is fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification, to signal detection and analysis. The System adopts patent-pending microfluidic and biochemical technologies that achieve ultra-sensitive detection (down to 5 gene copies) and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity. It is also user-friendly, with manual handling not being required throughout the testing process. "Early and accurate detection of pathogens could contribute to effective and efficient disease control and management, and prevent spreading of any contagious pathogens. It benefits the patients as well because timely therapy can then be applied to prevent complications. The existing challenge is that we lack full panel POCT technologies for early and on-site diagnosis, which should ideally be capable of differentiating between different pathogens at the same time. This newly-developed system could be a practical solution," said Professor Lau. PolyU and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have established the Respiratory Virus Research Foundation ("the Foundation") in 2015 and have since then been working on various innovative technologies to tackle existing and emerging respiratory infectious diseases. The Foundation has fostered various collaborations, including those on vaccine and rapid diagnostics respectively. The former is led by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases, Chair Professor of Infectious Diseases from the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; the latter is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting, Director of Innovation and Technology Development and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. Ir. Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU said, "In this difficult and challenging time that Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and even the global community is encountering, it is important that the research community can quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions. The PolyU-HKU partnership is a prime example of effective coupling of multidisciplinary innovation and translation." The research team for this project is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting and supported by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung. Through collaborative efforts, the team has spent the past four years to develop the System. In the past year, the team has optimised the System and conducted trials on different clinical samples. In the midst of the 2019-nCoV outbreak, the team has also conducted tests on clinical samples using the system. Professor Yuen commented, "The System's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment." "This fully automated, quantitative rapid diagnostic platform possesses a proprietary technology which overcomes limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity – and hence significantly enhancing the reliability of test results. Most importantly, our innovation can substantially reduce the cost of the microfluidic cartridge manufacturing thus making it feasible for wide adoption. It is ready for mass-scale production," added Professor Lau. The research team has received indispensable support from a local biotechnology company Avalon Biomedical Management Ltd for this project. "We are honoured to be able to participate in this project and are delighted to see this important milestone in the collaboration between Professor Lau and Professor Yuen. We believe this advanced point-of-care diagnostic system can revolutionize the current diagnostic paradigm and provide a powerful tool to fight against infectious diseases," said Dr Manson Fok, Chairman of the Board of the company, Executive & Trust Committee member of Macau Henry Fok Foundation and Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology. Humankind's modern day battles against epidemics remain a major challenge and it is vital that we keep learning from the past and equipping ourselves with the best technologies available. Towards this end the research team will continue to urgently focus on developments to ensure the system's robustness and cost-effectiveness, and to collaborate with relevant parties on clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and frontline applications of this POCT system. Video sharing by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases, Chair Professor of Infectious Diseases from the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine : https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ah36VjAc5xZyslvcbf7xhXn4XtvE?e=0FDLSl 理大研發全球最全面的自動快速診斷系統可同時檢測多達40種傳染性呼吸道疾病 (包括新型冠狀病毒) (Chinese)   Ming Pao 理大自動檢測 一小時知結果 28 Feb 2020 HK01 【財政預算案】千億谷創科應用研究未受惠　理大衞炳江冀擴大資助 24 Feb 2020 RTHK31 醫生與你 同行抗疫 #4 22 Feb 2020 RTHK 自由風自由PHONE 政府發放多項抗疫津貼/港澳辦換人/李文亮病逝 14 Feb 2020 UNWIRE.HK 【專訪】40種呼吸病毒1小時快速診斷機 理大全香港人研發+政府$0資助 14 Feb 2020 UNWIRE.HK 【專訪】理大研發武漢肺炎快速診斷儀 劉樂庭：政府零資助+全香港人團隊 14 Feb 2020 The Standard New PolyU disease test widens scope 12 Feb 2020 am730 A08 理大多重診斷系統 快速測試 一小時檢新冠肺炎40病原體 12 Feb 2020 無綫新聞 理大儀器為呼吸道疾病患者快速測試 約一小時有結果 11 Feb 2020 RTHK New machine to provide quick virus test: PolyU 11 Feb 2020 RTHK 理大研發出快速病毒測試系統　預料費用市民能負擔 11 Feb 2020 Now.com (Instant News) 理大研發出快速測試系統檢測新型冠狀病毒 11 Feb 2020 i-Cable 理大研發全自動系統檢測新型肺炎病毒等的傳染性呼吸道疾病 11 Feb 2020 Now.com (Instant News) 理大研發出快速測試系統　一小時內檢測新型冠狀病毒 11 Feb 2020 881903.com (CRHK) 理大研發可快速檢測包括新型冠狀病毒等病原體的系統 11 Feb 2020 RTHK 理大研發測試系統　1小時內檢測30種病毒包括新肺炎 11 Feb 2020 SCMP Researchers from Hong Kong’s PolyU develop diagnostic system to identify up to 40 types of bacteria or viruses causing respiratory infections 11 Feb 2020 Apple Daily 【武漢肺炎】理大研發快速測試1小時有結果 曾向創科局申資助被拒 11 Feb 2020 Ming Pao Daily 【武漢肺炎】理大研全自動快速多重診斷系統　1小時內檢測30至40種病原體 11 Feb 2020 Headline Daily Web 【理大成功研發快速測試系統 1小時內驗出新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 Sing Tao Headline.com 理大成功研發快速測試系統 1小時內驗出新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 EJ Insight 理大成功研發快速測試系統 1小時內驗出新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 Ta Kung Pao Web 新冠肺炎｜港理大研發快速自動診斷系統 一小時內驗出病毒 11 Feb 2020 ON.CC 理大研檢測系統　1小時可辨新冠肺炎流感等病毒 11 Feb 2020 HKCD 理大研發新系統：1小時測30種病毒包括新冠肺炎 11 Feb 2020 HKEJ 理大研快速測呼吸道傳染病毒 包括新肺炎 11 Feb 2020 Wenweipo Web 港理大研發快速自動診斷新冠肺炎系統 一小時內驗出病毒 11 Feb 2020 e-zone.com.hk 【武漢肺炎】理大成功研發呼吸道傳染病快速測試系統 1 小時內可檢測新型冠狀病毒 11 Feb 2020  

Three research papers published in Nature series journals

Department of Applied Physics of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) contributed three research papers that were recently published in the Nature series journals, which are among the most authoritative and recognised scientific journals in the world that publish high-quality research in all fields of science and technology. Optoelectronic resistive random-access memory (ORRAM) for neuromorphic vision sensors – "Nature Nanotechnology" Dr. CHAI Yang, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and his team developed an optoelectronic device that mimics the functions of human retina in image sensing, memorization, and pre-processing, with image recognition rate and efficiency exceeding existing artificial visual systems. Experimental findings demonstrate the innovation's great potential in enhancing neuromorphic visual system by simplifying the circuitry, efficiently processing overwhelming amount of dynamic visual information, and greatly reducing power consumption. It thus offers promising contribution towards the development of applications in edge computing and Internet of Things. Continuous artificial synthesis of glucose precursor using enzyme-immobilised microfluidic reactors – "Nature Communications" Dr. ZHANG Xuming, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and his team discovered technology to replicate the opto-fluidic system of leave vein to create micro-reactors for conducting the first phase reaction of CO2 fixation in natural photosynthesis. Experimental findings indicate that the micro-reactors requires only very small amount of RuBisCO (the enzyme involved in the first major step of photosynthesis) for continuous synthesis of glucose (the basic food material). The innovation contributes to artificial photosynthesis developments and will help relieve food crisis and produce biofuel. Enhanced sieving from exfoliated MoS2 membranes via covalent funcationalisation – "Nature Materials" Dr. Nicolas ONOFRIO, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and his team developed a nanolaminate membrane based on covalently functionalised molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets. Nanolaminate membranes made of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene oxide are promising candidates for molecular sieving via size-limited diffusion in the two-dimensional capillaries, but high hydrophilicity makes these membranes unstable in water. The covalent functionalisation of exfoliated nanosheets can solve this problem by efficiently control the interlayer spacing to enhance the sieving performance of nanolaminate membranes. They demonstrate remarkable performance towards water purification and desalination, with high rejection of micropollutants and sodium chloride (NaCl) (over 90% and 87% respectively), compared to the current state of the art. The novel strategy paves the way for the preparation of membranes with tuneable sieving behaviour. The control of the surface chemistry of exfoliated 2D materials allows further exploration of the nanofluidic phenomena inside nanolaminate membranes at fundamental and practical levels for water purification or osmotic energy. Prof. Daniel LAU, Head of the Department of Applied Physics, takes pride in the contributions of the three researchers and said, "the Department will continue to devote its efforts in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research". "PolyU has been undertaking cutting-edge research that delivers real impact to academia and to the world. We are committed to nurturing our academics and researchers to collaborate locally and internationally in fundamental and translational research. We are very pleased that their research findings were published in prestigious and world-renowned journals," said Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development), PolyU. Note: Please refer to the appendix for details of the three papers 理大於國際知名期刊《自然》發表三篇論文 (Chinese)

PolyU's innovative coating technology featured

Dr. Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing of PolyU, developed the seeded sonochemical coatings technology. The new method for coating / incorporating inorganic metal oxide layers on fabrics uses small seeding layers to direct a more durable overcoating and can be processed in room temperature environment. Products can be developed at high quality in a cheaper, faster and more efficient manner. Companies from Europe and India have shown interest in knowing more about the technology.   Ming Pao 超聲波化學加工 反覆清洗功能不減 理大新法種出塗層 製防水防紫外光布 25 Sept 2019

PolyU develops a new class of antibiotic candidates for fighting against superbugs

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a new class of antibiotic drug candidates which has high potential to be developed into a new generation of antibiotics fighting against multi-drug resistant superbugs including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The novel small molecules, based on new target, new chemical structure and new antimicrobial mechanism, are different from those of existing antibiotics. The new drug candidates demonstrate much effective abilities of inhibiting bacterial growth than commonly used antibiotics, yet with no toxicity to human cells. Drug resistance has been declared as one of the biggest threats to global health in 2019 by the World Health Organization, with MRSA becoming one of the most serious concerns.[1] Hong Kong cannot be spared from the worsening scourge of MRSA. In 2018, there were 1,218 reported cases of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), or a seven-fold of the figure in 2007 – the year the disease became notifiable in Hong Kong. [2] As of August this year, there were already 839 cases reported. Despite of tremendous pharmaceutical research and development investments worldwide, the search for new antibiotics has showed no progress since mid-1980s. The development of "Nusbiarylins", a new class of antimicrobial agents, by the research team of the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery of PolyU's Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT), is thus a breakthrough in the battle against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The interdisciplinary team, led by Dr MA Cong, Assistant Professor in ABCT, comprises of experts from both PolyU and Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. "Our research is now in the stage of animal studies, conducting infectious model studies and pharmacokinetic studies. These are the critical steps preceding clinical trials on human for drug development. At this moment, there are very few antibiotic related studies being able to complete such stage worldwide. Our findings so far are very promising. We believe further studies on these compounds will contribute to a new era of antibiotic discovery, contributing towards the fight against superbugs," said Dr Ma. New target being identified by innovative antimicrobial mechanism Most antibiotics currently in the market fight against bacteria through disrupting its DNA synthesis or protein functions. The innovative antimicrobial mechanism developed by PolyU team focuses on inhibiting the interaction between two proteins, NusB and NusE, which is crucial for synthesis of bacterial ribosomal RNA (rRNA). By designing small molecules to disrupt NusB-NusE interaction, bacterial cell proliferation can thus be curbed. The team developed a model basing on the structure of NusB and NusE, and applied computer-aided screening to screen about 5,000 small molecule compounds with drug-like properties to explore for inhibitors for NusB-NusE interaction. The shortlisted compounds were then put to tests for antimicrobial activity against different MRSA strains. A compound, (E)-2-{[(3-ethynylphenyl)imino]methyl}-4-nitrophenol (hereafter addressed as MC4), was identified as having much effective antibacterial abilities than the commonly used antibiotics. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (note: MIC denotes the lowest concentration of a chemical/drug for preventing bacterial growth) of MC4 for some MRSA strains are as low as 8 μg/mL, compared to the MICs of >64 μg/mL demonstrated by two antibiotics in the market, oxacillin and gentamicin. Test of MC4 on human lung and skin cells (infections caused by MRSA often occur in these tissues) indicated no significant toxicity. The fact that NusB and NusE exist only in bacteria and not human cells has also addressed toxicity concern. "Nusbiarylins" — a new class of antibiotic candidates The research team has further structurally modified MC4 for optimization, and 167 analogues were synthesized so far. The new class of compounds are named as "Nusbiarylins" (basing on their target protein "NusB" and their "biaryl" structure). Laboratory test of Nusbiarylins against a panel of MRSA strains proved their consistent antibacterial activity, some with MIC as low as 0.125 μg/mL, much better than commonly used antibiotics, including vancomycin with the MIC of 1 μg/mL which is labelled as the "last resort" antibiotic drug in the United States. Further pre-clinical studies on the in vitro pharmacological properties of Nusbiarylins on human cells indicated that the compounds: — leading to nearly no hemolysis (i.e. human blood cell breaking), an indication of being safe for injection; and — with excellent result in intestine absorption, implying being effective for oral taking. The findings have been recently published in leading scientific journals (listed below). The innovation has also won the "Global Innovation Award" at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo 2019 held in June in the United States. Recently published journal papers:- Xiao Yang, Ming Jing Luo, Apple C M Yeung, Peter J Lewis, Paul Kay-sheung Chan, Margaret Ip, Cong Ma. First-In-Class Inhibitor of Ribosomal RNA Synthesis with Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Biochemistry 2017, 56, 5049-5052. Tsz Fung Tsang, Yangyi Qiu, Lin Lin, Jiqing Ye, Cong Ma, Xiao Yang. Simple Method for Studying in Vitro Protein–Protein Interactions Based on Protein Complementation and Its Application in Drug Screening Targeting Bacterial Transcription. ACS Infectious Diseases 2019, 5, 521-527. Yangyi Qiu, Shu Ting Chan, Lin Lin, Tsun Lam Shek, Tsz Fung Tsang, Nilakshi Barua, Yufeng Zhang, Margaret Ip, Paul Kay-sheung Chan, Nicolas Blanchard, Gilles Hanquet, Zhong Zuo, Xiao Yang, Cong Ma. Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Antimicrobial Diarylimine and Amine Compounds Targeting the Interaction between the Bacterial NusB and NusE Proteins. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2019, 178, 214-231. Yangyi Qiu, Shu Ting Chan, Lin Lin, Tsun Lam Shek, Tsz Fung Tsang, Yufeng Zhang, Margaret Ip, Paul Kay-sheung Chan, Nicolas Blanchard, Gilles Hanquet, Zhong Zuo, Xiao Yang, Cong Ma. Nusbiarylins, a New Class of Antimicrobial Agents: Rational Design of Bacterial Transcription Inhibitors Targeting the Interaction between the NusB and NusE Proteins. Bio-organic Chemistry 2019, 92, 103203. 理大研發新一代候選抗生素對抗超級細菌 (Chinese) South China Morning Post Drug-resistant MRSA: Hong Kong scientists develop antibiotic that offers hope in the war against superbugs 5 Nov 2019 明路—生涯規劃 第65期 理大研發新候選抗生素 或成超級細菌剋星 15 Oct 2019 LabOnline New antibiotic candidates for fighting superbugs 8 Oct 2019 中國數字科技館 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 29 Sep 2019 生物通 香港理工大学研发新一代对抗超级细菌的抗生素 27 Sep 2019 北部灣線上 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 26 Sep 2019 醫藥資訊 香港团队研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 26 Sep 2019 Ezone Ulifestyle 理大研發新抗生素 Nusbiarylins 對付耐藥性惡菌 25 Sep 2019 西安新聞網 港理大研發新一代候選抗生素有望抗超級細菌 25 Sep 2019 西安新聞網 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 25 Sep 2019 健康界 香港团队研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 25 Sep 2019 BioSpectrum Asia PolyU develops new class of antibiotic candidates against superbugs 25 Sep 2019 台海網 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 25 Sep 2019 金羊網 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 25 Sep 2019 大河網 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 25 Sep 2019 新浪新聞 香港理工大学研制新抗生素 或可对抗“超级细菌” 25 Sep 2019 明報 A17 理大研發新候選抗生素 對抗超級細菌現曙光 25 Sep 2019 The Standard P10 PolyU team finds new hope in fighting superbug 25 Sep 2019 信報財經新聞 A15 抑制生長達治療效果 25 Sep 2019 香港經濟日報 A23 理大研發新抗生素Nusbiarylins更有效抑制細菌生長　有望對抗耐藥性細菌 25 Sep 2019 東方日報 A12 理大研發新抗生素對付超級惡菌　料5年內完成臨床測試 25 Sep 2019 香港01 理大研發新抗生素對付超級惡菌　料最快2年做臨床研究 25 Sep 2019 大公報 A17 理大研发新抗生素 专治耐藥性超级恶菌 25 Sep 2019 Science Daily New class of antibiotic candidates for fighting against superbugs 24 Sep 2019 TVB 理大正研更有效抑制細菌抗生素 冀五年後推出市面 24 Sep 2019 Commercial Radio 理大研發新一代候選抗生素有望抗超級細菌 24 Sep 2019 Metro Radio 理大成功研發候選抗生素對抗超級細菌 24 Sep 2019

PolyU receives donation from Suga International Holdings Limited to support sustainable urban green agriculture

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received a generous donation from Suga International Holdings Limited (SUGA) for the establishment of Hong Kong's first research platform focusing on Urban Agriculture. The laboratory has been named as "Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture" in recognition of the company's contribution to the University. Officiating the naming ceremony were Professor Sophia CHAN, the Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government, Dr NG Chi-ho, Chairman and Managing Director of SUGA, and Professor Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President. The mission of the Laboratory is to develop the next generation of Urban Agriculture model to cultivate high quality and safe fruits and vegetables in a small indoor space, with hydroponics as a focus. Two research directions include the investigation of the optimal correlation between major environmental factors and the growth of hydroponics vegetables, as well as the systematical assessment of food safety risk, harmful chemicals and food-borne bacteria in vegetables grown from hydroponics and traditional farming. Professor Teng expressed sincere gratitude to Dr Ng for supporting PolyU's sustainable urban green agriculture research. "The Laboratory is the first of its kind in Hong Kong. With the use of innovative technologies, Urban Agriculture contributes to food safety and enables sustainable food production in modern cities. It matches with one of PolyU's strategic research areas, that is, food safety and technology," added Professor Teng. In 2011, PolyU established the first university-based Food Safety and Technology Research Centre in Hong Kong and had successfully developed the first Food Hygiene Standard Certification System for local catering establishments, which had then been licensed to three major certification bodies in Hong Kong. At the naming ceremony, Professor Sophia Chan said the Government has put in a lot of efforts and resources to promote the sustainable development of agriculture in Hong Kong. This includes the setting up of an Agricultural Park to encourage the adoption of modern farming methods and offering funding through the $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund to foster the research and application of new technologies as well as to encourage farmers upgrade and modernise their equipment. She welcomes the establishment of the Suga Research Laboratory in PolyU to complement the Government's efforts on this front. Dr Ng said, "SUGA has been actively applying new technology in improving food quality and safety, both for the health of human and people's best friend, pets. I am very delighted to endorse and support this research laboratory, an exemplary cooperation among enterprise, academia and research. I am tremendously eager to see the inventive solutions that will arise from this laboratory, and how they will bring meaningful contributions to the advancement of hydroponic business and pet food business in Hong Kong." The Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture is operated by PolyU's Food Safety and Technology Research Centre (FSTRC). Dr WONG Ka Hing, Executive Director of FSTRC, shared that the development of indoor hydroponic technology is demand-driven and customer focused to ensure that the products could fulfill the needs of Hong Kong people. Besides food safety and technology for humankind, the Laboratory has an ambition to do more and the next research focus will be on pet food. The Laboratory will also establish a Core Technology Exchange Platform for promoting knowledge transfer in Urban Agriculture and enhancing the competitiveness of the industry. Aspiring to serve as an information hub to make greater contributions in Urban Agriculture development in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland, the Laboratory will help foster a "Healthy Eating" culture and safeguard public health. 理大獲信佳國際集團有限公司捐贈支持可持續城市綠色耕種研究 (Chinese) Photo Gallery: Naming Ceremony - Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture (2019-08-20) Scienmag PolyU Receives Donation From SUGA To Support Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture 23 Aug 2019 EurekAlert PolyU receives donation from SUGA to support sustainable urban green agriculture 23 Aug 2019 MarketScreener Suga International : Donates HK$8 Million to PolyU for Establishing Research Laboratory 23 Aug 2019 明報 A06 理大新實驗室 專研城市耕種 23 Aug 2019

PolyU garners Four Awards at Silicon Valley International Invention Festival

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) garnered four prizes with two outstanding innovations at theSilicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) 2019. Its Smart Indoor Farming System won aGrand Award and a Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury, while its Flexible Scoliotic Brace with Shape Memory Alloy Struts won a Gold Medal and a Special Merit Award, at SVIIF held in Santa Clara, California, the United States from 24 to 26 June. SVIIF attracted inventors from research institutions, academic bodies and business enterprises from about 30 countries/regions to showcase their inventions this year. It was also the first time that Hong Kong institutions participated in this global annual event. Well attended by multi-national companies, investors, entrepreneurs and financiers, SVIIF offers a platform for inventors, industries and businesses to explore opportunities for collaboration and commercialisation of innovations. The award-winning innovations of PolyU: (1) Smart Indoor Farming System Grand Award and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury Principal Investigator: Dr LOO Ka-hong, Department of Electronic and Information Engineering Applying Artificial Intelligence-based and data-driven technologies, the system can generate photosynthetic-active-radiation lighting, watering and nutrient supply programmes which are optimised for the growth of individual plant types. The system adopts advanced sensing technologies to collect real-time data for the plant growth and environmental data from growth chambers and farms using the system. By comparing the data collected with the growth profiles of different plant types, optimal sets of growth control parameters can be constructed and fed back to the user's system. The system will then automatically supply the optimal tailor-made essentials, such as light, water, temperature, nutrients, to enhance the growth performance of individual plants.Study shows that the growth cycle of Italian lettuce has been shortened by about 50% with the support of this system. Water consumption can also be substantially reduced to only 5% of that in conventional farming. The system can be set up in urban buildings to provide sustainable and stable sources of edible plants, such as salad greens, potatoes, beets, herbs, etc. (2) Flexible Scoliotic Brace with Shape Memory Alloy Struts Gold Medal and Special Merit Award Principal Investigator: Dr Joanne YIP Yiu-wan, Institute of Textiles and Clothing The innovative brace, designed for adolescents with scoliosis, is made of shape memory alloy, artificial hinges and soft light-weight materials. The design can apply strategic corrective forces to the spine and offer adequate support to the user. Users are more willing to wear this Scoliotic Brace for a longer period because of its enhanced level of comfort and mobility, thus making it more effective in treating spinal deformity. SVIIF is hosted by International Federation of Inventors' Association (IFIA), supported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Santa Clara City and the Santa Clara University, in collaboration with the US Patent and Trade Mark Office. For details, please visit the organiser's official website:https://www.sviif.com/. 理大科研項目於美國矽谷國際發明展奪四獎項 (Chinese) 進修生活 理大研記形合金腰背架 助矯正輕度脊柱側彎 22 Aug 2019 經濟通 新矯形腰背架如著內衣，望四年內推出市場！ 22 Aug 2019 香港01 理大研發新型腰背架　助青少年矯正脊柱側彎　物料較輕巧便宜 22 Aug 2019 星島日報 F01 理大研記形合金腰背架 助矯正輕度脊柱側彎 22 Aug 2019 星島日報 A04 理大夥皇家藝院合建AI實驗室 22 Aug 2019 經濟日報 A12 新矯形腰背架 舒適成本低 22 Aug 2019 晴報 P20 新支架矯正脊柱 貌似內衣穿戴舒適 22 Aug 2019

PolyU stages Intimate Fashion Show 2019

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) showcased the creativity and talents of 12 graduating students at the PolyU Intimate Fashion Show held earlier at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Kowloon Bay. The 12 collections of three outfits put on show on 20 March were designed and produced by the students majoring in Intimate Apparel and Activewear under the University's Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), with raw materials sponsored by intimate apparel manufacturers and suppliers. The venue of the Show was also provided free by the Interfiliere Hong Kong. Four renowned figures in the design and fashion industry also formed a panel of judges to shortlist six finalists who were awarded the opportunity to showcase the full set of their design collections at the PolyU Fashion Show scheduled in June this year. The panel of judges includes: Ms Jos Berry, Founder and Creative Director of Concept Paris; Ms Mon Leung, Head of Creation of Pioneer Elastic; Mr Walter Ma, renowned fashion designer and Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Fashion Designer Association; and Ms Anne Mok, President of Luen Thai Holdings. Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Dean of Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, PolyU, expressed his gratitude to the industry for its generous support to the Show which enhanced the diversity of students' learning experience. Prof. Jintu Fan, Chair Professor and Head of ITC, remarked that the students' innovation, talent and passion for intimate apparel and activewear design were manifested in the fashion show. Ms Angie Lau, Chairman of Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries' Association and the CEO of Clover Group International Limited, stressed that HKIAIA would continue to support and nurture the younger generation for the continuous development of the industry. 理大舉辦2019年「理大內衣時裝展」 (Chinese)

PolyU collaborates with RCA, the world’s top institute in Art and Design, To establish an AI powered Design Laboratory

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Royal College of Art (RCA), United Kingdom, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to confirm their intention to establish the PolyU"RCA Artificial Intelligence Design Laboratory (AIDL). The Laboratory will be the world's first and leading research facility to advance the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the design of products and service. Targeted to uncover knowledge and techniques related to design and scientific principles, new design process and innovative products, AIDL will address industry demands for efficiency, automation and customising products and services in the innovation and technology era. Its research deliverables will support industries including healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and retail services. The Hon Mrs Carrie LAM CHENG Yuet-ngor, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) attended the ceremony and witnessed the signing of MOU by Prof Philip C. H. CHAN, Interim President and Provost of PolyU and Dr Paul THOMPSON, Vice-Chancellor of RCA. Also joining the ceremony as witnesses were Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Ir Prof Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development); Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President; Prof Naren BARFIELD, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the RCA; Prof Juan Cruz, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and Ms. Helen PROTHEROE, Director of Development & Alumni Relations of RCA. Addressing in the ceremony, The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam, said, "The opportunity to witness this marriage of design and AI which belongs to the technology portfolio is extremely gratifying. I am sure that the collaborated team of PolyU and RCA will find in Hong Kong the appeal of time-tested legal system, robust intellectual property protection, strong financial sector, and the support for commercialisation of R and D results, as well as the distinctive east meets west culture which sparks creative inspiration." Prof Philip C. H. Chan said, "I am confident that this Laboratory will bring together the strengths of both institutions to lead the world in this new design paradigm, contributing to the innovation and technology development in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area." "Founded 182 years ago, in response to the first industrial revolution, the Royal College of Art (RCA) today stands at the turn of the fourth revolution. The world will witness breakthroughs across design and technology including artificial intelligence – where art and design will meet. As the world's number one art and design university, we have built our capacity to work across disciplines, combining our art and design research expertise with insights from science, technology and engineering. We are delighted to collaborate with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to bring together unrivalled capabilities," said Dr Paul Thompson Vice-Chancellor of RCA. PolyU will engage researchers and resources from various disciplines including Department of Applied Mathematics, Department of Computing, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Department of Mechanical Engineering and School of Design to work together with RCA on a number of theme-based research. Among them, there will be empirical research in Affective Computing and Social Robots that could recognise and analyse human emotions. Other studies will include Intelligent Fashion Design; Intelligent Textile and Apparel Design and Manufacturing; innovating materials of the future that are extremely light, robust and able to detect human bio-metrics for fashion and wearables; creating automatic systems for ergonomic design and human modelling, and using regenerative approach in product design and material development for sustainability in the circular economy, etc. Committed to supporting the HKSAR Government's InnoHK initiative in developing Hong Kong as the hub for global research collaborations, the two institutions has just submitted a proposal to the HKSAR Government under the AIR@InnoHK research cluster initiative. 理大與皇家藝術學院合作 成立人工智能設計實驗室 (Chinese) 明報 A07 理大伙英院校建AI設計實驗室 主攻智能服裝 「隨心跳變色」新衣料 監測長者健康 27 Feb 2019 星島日報 F01 理大夥英院校 申款六億研AI機械人 27 Feb 2019 香港仔 P9 理大夥英校辦AI設計實驗室 27 Feb 2019 文匯報 A25 理大夥皇家藝院合建AI實驗室 27 Feb 2019 東方日報 A18 理大成立人工智能設計實驗室 27 Feb 2019 on.cc 理大與英皇家藝術學院合建人工智能設計實驗室 26 Feb 2019

PolyU Innovates Nano-encapsulation Technology to Enhance DHA Absorption for Early Brain Development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the findings on its novel nano-encapsulation technology for optimising the maternal and fetal absorption of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The research, conducted by PolyU's Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT), aimed to address the delivery and absorption issues of DHA that affect its potency and efficacy. DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid naturally found in breast milk and fish oil, is an important nutrient for the development and function of brain. It is primarily obtained from diet, and preferentially transferred from mother to fetus across the placenta during fetal life. However, for people with problem in getting sufficient DHA from normal dietary sources, particularly those in late pregnancy, early childhood, or with cancer or declining cognitive abilities, DHA supplementation is recommended. Given DHA is highly unsaturated and is vulnerable to oxidation and degradation under acid conditions, it is uncertain that the intake of DHA through supplementation will be effectively delivered and absorbed in vivo. Led by Dr Wang Yi, Assistant Professor of ABCT, and Professor Wong Man-sau, Professor of ABCT, the research team innovated a nano-encapsulation technology to protect DHA from oxidation. The team used Zein, an edible corn protein, as the encapsulation material to mimic milk fat globule membrane. The nano-encapsulation forms a core-shell structure to protect DHA in fish oil throughout gastric digestion and facilitate DHA absorption in brain, intestine and placenta. "Our team innovated the nano-encapsulation technology, which is proven to be an effective technology to protect DHA from oxidation in vivo, thus enhancing the absorption and efficacy of DHA. Our findings also indicated that the technology can help overcome blood-brain barrier in DHA delivery. We therefore believe that the technology could be further applied to enhance the efficiency of drug delivery for the brain, such as those for patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease," said Dr Wang Yi. DHA in maternal tissues To test the effectiveness of nano-encapsulation technology in enhancing DHA absorption, PolyU's team conducted some experiments on maternal mice and their offsprings. In two groups of maternal mice, each of six, fed with normal fish oil (Normal FO) and nano-encapsulated fish oil (Nano FO) respectively, it was found that the DHA concentration in the duodenum and jejunum of the Nano FO group is significantly higher than the Normal FO group (see Figure 1). The result implies that DHA, being protected by the encapsulation structure from oxidation and degradation under stomach's acidic conditions, is successfully released in the upper two parts of the small intestine of the Nano FO group. Also, the DHA contents in the brain of the Nano FO maternal mice were significantly higher (see Figure 2). This indicates that DHA was delivered to the brain of the Nano FO group more effectively as the challenge of the blood-brain barrier was overcome. DHA in the offsprings The team also conducted tracer studies on the offsprings of the maternal mice. The mice were divided into six groups, each with 10, and were fed with different diets including: 1) no DHA meal; 2) Zein; 3) normal low dose fish oil (Normal FO-low); 4) normal high dose fish oil (Normal FO-high); 5) Nano-encapsulated low dose fish oil (Nano FO-low); and 6) Nano-encapsulated high dose fish oil (Nano FO-high). The findings showed that the three groups, namely: Normal FO-high, Nano FO-low and Nano FO-high spent more time on novel objects rather than on familiar objects (see Figure 3), implying that they were more curious about new things and demonstrated better memory and learning capabilities. For the Nano FO-high group, they had higher amount of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in hippocampus (see Figure 4). BDNF, a protein activated by DHA, plays an important role in supporting the survival of existing brain neurons and encouraging the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. They also demonstrated a significant difference to other groups in terms of better spatial learning and memory abilities in the Y-maze experiment (see Figure 5). The research project was funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) of the Food and Health Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Shenzhen Basic Research (Layout of Disciplines) Project Fund. 理大研發創新納米包膜技術提高人體攝取DHA、促進幼兒腦部發育 (Chinese)